The Art of Networking Emails

Strategies for Landing Your Next Opportunity

It’s a complex job market right now and there are many out of work. Job openings are getting flooded with applicants and for many opportunities, it’s impossible to review every resume.

This post includes templates to encourage you to reach out to hiring managers or people in general who you believe can help you show your worth and land that ideal next opportunity.

A couple of guidelines…

• Expect it to take three emails

• Keep it short

• Make sure scheduling is super simple. Consider a tool like Calendly

• Most importantly, get over that inner voice telling you that you shouldn’t bother them. They won’t mind, I promise.

First Outbound Templates (Week One)

If they just accepted a LinkedIn Connection from you

Hi [NAME], thanks for the LinkedIn connection!

I’m seeking some guidance and advice. I’m ramping up my search for my next engineering opportunity and I believe your experience could help me in my journey. Would you be open to a 30-minute chat? [CALENDLY_LINK]

If you're emailing a hiring team member after applying for a job

Hi [NAME],

I'm considering an engineering role at [COMPANY] and I’d love your perspective on the team culture. Would you be open to a quick chat? [CALENDLY_LINK]

Thank you,

[YOUR_NAME]

If you're outbounding someone whom you think may able to help you

Hi [NAME], 

I'm starting to explore new engineering opportunities. Based on your contributions, I feel that your principles and values align with mine so I'd love to pick your brain on any advice you'd have for me.

Any chance you'd be open to a quick chat? [CALENDLY_LINK]

Thank you,

[YOUR_NAME]

Reaching out to someone you haven’t talked with in a while

Hi [NAME], 

I'm starting to explore new engineering opportunities. I know it’s been a while but I'd love to pick your brain on any advice you'd have for me.

Any chance you'd be open to a quick chat? [CALENDLY_LINK]

Thank you,

[YOUR_NAME]

Outbound to people I admire

Hi [NAME], would you be open to a coffee chat? [CALENDLY_LINK]

I'm starting to explore new opportunities and, based on your contributions, I feel that your principles and values align with mine so I'd love to pick your brain on any advice you'd have for me.

If the times in my calendly don't align with your availability, just let me know and I'll make whatever time you have work.

Thank you,

[YOUR_NAME]

The Follow-Up Template (Week Two)

For any of the above, if they don't respond after a week

Hi again [NAME], 

Any chance you have time to chat this week? If it’s easier, feel free to suggest a time or two and I’ll make it work. Here’s my calendly: [CALENDLY_LINK]

Hoping to hear from you,

[YOUR_NAME]

The “Break-up” Template (Week Three)

For any of the above, if they don't respond after week two

Hi [NAME], following up one more time. Would you be available for a brief chat? Here's my Calendly: [CALENDLY_LINK]

I promise I'll stop bothering you after this message. I know that in our busy landscape, these messages can be missed and a helpful nudge can sometimes do the trick.