As a sophisticated job seeker, you know the importance of networking your way into companies you’re interested in. But how do you meet people who work for those companies? Let’s say you’re interested in working for Company Techie but you don’t know anyone who actively works there. However, someone in your network DOES know someone who works there. How can you ask for an introduction without being super annoying? Here are some tips.
Write a personalized subject line.
Craft a brief, intriguing subject line that can grab this person’s attention. With so many messages and emails being thrown at us these days, it’s important to find ways to stand out. Otherwise, you risk your message getting lost in the mess.Remind them who you are.
If you don’t know this connection very well, or haven’t spoken in awhile, make a point to reintroduce yourself. Don’t make ‘em guess! Plus, you want to make it easy for him or her to remember what a valuable connection you are when they make the introduction.Be specific about what you want (and why).
Make sure you’re clear about your intentions. If you want to connect with someone because they work at one of your Bucket List companies, say that. For example... “As you may or may not know, I’m looking to make some career moves in the next few months, specifically in the IT industry. Right now, I’m interested in learning more about Company Tech. I noticed you were connected to Bob Jones, who happens to work there, and I was wondering if you would consider introducing me. It would be great to chat with him because I’d love to learn more about the company culture there and he might be able to give me an inside look.” This will not only help this person understand your goals so he or she can help you most efficiently, but it will also give him or her something to work with when introducing you to the connection. Can you say “win-win”?Don’t pressure them.
Don’t force unnecessary pressures on this person to make the introduction. You want to make sure they’re comfortable with it. So, you might want to say something along the lines of, “I’d love an introduction to this person, if you’re comfortable making one. If not, I completely understand - no pressure!”Thank them.
This is important - DO NOT SKIP THIS STEP. Make sure you thank this person BEFORE he or she makes the introduction, as well as after. Remember, this person is taking time out of his/her busy life to help you out. Let him or her know you’re grateful for that. You can say something as simple as, “Thank you so much for taking the time to help me out. I appreciate it!”Offer an introduction in return.
Finally, make it clear that you’d be more than happy to return the favor. You could say something like, “I’d be more than happy to return the favor, so please let me know if there’s anyone in my network you’d like to meet.”REMEMBER: Don’t take it personally if you don’t get the introduction.
People are busy and they don’t always have five minutes to spend making introductions. And, quite frankly, some people just don’t feel comfortable introducing people they barely know to other people in their network. Please understand this. Don’t take it personally. Accept it and move on to the next one!Need more help? Check out our courses!
Want more? Check out our individual career courses! Learn all you need to know about job search, interviewing, resumes, cover letters, LinkedIn, and so much more. View our career course offerings here.Post by Ariella CoombsPhoto Credit: BigstockRead moreShow less
