Networking Emails: Do’s and Don’ts

Jun 9, 2017

Blog written by recruiter Koreena Geisler-Wagner

In today’s world of algorithms and computer-based application review processes, “networking” is more important than ever in landing a job. Networking is without a doubt the most important step in one’s job search, but how where does one start? Many of you have probably tried the “cold-email” or “cold-LinkedIn-message” method of expanding your network; the question is whether your messages are receiving responses. In her article “4 Mistakes Smart People Avoid in a Networking Email,” Monica Torres discusses four tips on crafting better networking emails that are more likely to elicit a response from intended recipients.

  1. Avoid the phrase “pick your brain.” It’s best to be very specific and to the point when requesting information from a person you don’t already know– do not waste their time with unnecessary words and phrases (filler material).
  2. Do not point out the fact that you are a stranger. This just brings us back to being specific and to the point; rather than writing “you may not remember me, but we met at the convention last month,” simply stating “we met at the convention last month” already gives the email a different tone that is more  likely to receive a response.
  3. Do not overshare. It is simply not beneficial, nor timely, to include sections about your career journey or reasons behind your current passions and inquiries. Again, be specific and to the point in your initial emails. It is better to share this type of anecdote AFTER you’ve established a base relationship with an individual.
  4. Use a clear, not clever, subject line. Here’s another plug for specificity in initial networking attempts. Don’t try to cloak your request for networking/information behind witty phrases and filler sentences/anecdotes. Direct, no-nonsense messages receive the highest rate of response, and the subject line (which people read first) is perhaps most important in terms of specificity and directness.

Today’s message for better networking is brought to you by Contemporaries.

Photo: retrieved from Wikimedia Commons, available under the Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 2.0 License.