Make Networking Less Scary with These 3 Templates

Aug 24

WARM OUTREACH TEMPLATE

Use For:

People you're connected to, or a layer removed from
Past managers & colleagues
Vendors, clients, stakeholders
Friends & family (the smart ones)

Hi <vendor, client, friend, colleague>,

I'm embarking on an job search and wanted to let you know in case you have anyideas for me.

My experience is in <industry>, where I've been a <job title> at companies like<company name>/or working with clients like <company name>. Some of myfavorite projects include:

<What you did, what the result was>
<What you did, who it impacted it>

I'm excited to find a role where <intention statement>. Specifically, it's reallyimportant for me to <key objective>.

I know you're well-immersed in this space - do you have any ideas of people Ishould connect with, or companies I might want to explore? I really respect yourinsights and would love to hear your perspective.

Thanks!

<Name>
<LinkedIn URL>
<Website, case studies, About Me pdf attached>

_____________________________________________________________________________________

COLD OUTREACH TEMPLATE

Use For:

People at your target companies who you don't have any connections to Decision makers/hiring managers
People in your target job

Subject: Patagonia + NOLS Alaska

Hi <stranger>,

We haven't met, but I'm a Product Manager at Amazon and came across your profile when I was researching Patagonia. I'm a big fan of the company, and have been following their business journey for some time.

The reason I'm reaching out is I heard you speak on the How I Broke In podcast,and really resonated with your sentiment around wanting to do more with your life. I'm trying to do the same - leverage my tech background to break into more meaningful work - specifically, I'm exploring companies that do good for the world.

Since you've done a similar journey, I'd love advice and pro tips on how to make the move and what worked for you. Would you have a quick 20 minutes to chat next week? If you're open to it, let me know a day and time that works for you -I'll sync us up with a calendar invite and Google meet link.

Thanks!

<Name>
<LinkedIn URL>
<Website, case studies, About Me pdf attached>

P.S. I saw you are also a NOLS grad! Alaska, I'd love to romp around in that area.What was your favorite food mishap? ;-)

_____________________________________________________________________________________

ASPIRATIONAL TEMPLATE

Use for:

People on your target list
Aspirational connections
High profile "door openers" in your target sector

Subject: Learning about risk management as a career

Hi Steve -

I heard you speak on the Sharp End podcast and was fascinated by the work you do. I'm reaching out to see if you might be open to an informational interview so I can learn about risk management as a career field.

About me, in brief: I have taken an instructor course with NOLS in Alaska, kite skied across Greenland with a friend, worked as a guide/lecturer in Antarctica and Greenland, and have bounced in and out of the tech recruiting space as an employee and business owner. BUT! I have a low risk tolerance and am generally fearful of the activities that draw me in.

I've developed my risk analysis muscles in order to be able to show up in these places. But I lack formal training in risk management- and that's why I was fascinated by your systemic and informed approach.

I would love to get some time with you to learn about what you do, what you love and hate about your work, and how someone like me might get started in this field while in the mid-stages of career years, etc.

Let me know if you have time and interest in a conversation.

Cheers!

-Katie