- Respect your reader’s time. When writing your networking letters, observe the same courtesy that you would in a phone call: keep it short. …
- Don’t ask for an interview or a job. …
- Sell your strengths. …
- Consider the timing of your letter. …
- Stick to it.
If you are currently looking for work, it would be wise to join the latter group to increase your chances of finding your next job a lot sooner. So which one are you—the type who waits for opportunities to come to them or the one who creates opportunities for themselves?
It may surprise you to learn that the majority of job seekers succeed in landing positions through networking and without even applying for them. Only 25% of job seekers were successful in landing a position by responding to open positions, while the other 75% were successful by actively networking with people in the industry. Social networking has made it possible for us to interact with people on a whole new level, but there is still merit in networking in the traditional manner with a networking letter.
It is not appropriate to use a networking letter in place of a cover letter because they are not the same thing. A networking letter is used to introduce yourself, ask for advice, set up a meeting, or request an introduction to another industry professional. You shouldn’t ask if they know of any openings or about jobs in general. Sending a resume along with your networking letter is not appropriate because that is not what it is for. When it comes to networking letters, you should abstain from doing this unless someone specifically requests that you send them your resume to pass along.
Your objective, regardless of the type of networking letter you use, is to create a chance—whether it’s a chance to meet, a chance to learn something new, or a chance to secure an introduction. Don’t expect them to contact you after you close your letter; networking letters are almost always received by the recipient as an unexpected surprise.
Networking Letter for Chief Financial Officer
Who should you send a networking letter to?
Consider writing to anyone you know who works in a field related to the one you want to pursue. If you’re unsure, consider speaking with former classmates, instructors, teachers, or businesspeople you met at workshops or seminars.
What is a networking letter?
A professional may request introductions, introductions, and information about job opportunities in a networking letter. They distribute these letters to other businesspeople in their network in the hopes that one of them can provide assistance with their job search.
How to write a networking letter
Expanding your professional network and advancing your career opportunities can both be achieved by writing a networking letter. To write a networking letter or email, follow these steps:
1. List your contact information
Create a heading for your letter that includes all of your contact details, such as your name, address, phone number, and email address. If you are writing a physical letter rather than an email, you might also want to include the date. Putting your contact information first makes it simple for the recipient to get in touch with you and introduces you right away.
2. State their contact information
List the recipient’s name, profession, and the business they work for after that. By including this information, you can make sure you’re getting in touch with the right person.
3. Greet them politely
Begin the body of your networking letter with a formal salutation to the professional you are writing to. To be respectful and professional, use a greeting like “hi” or “hello.”
4. Explain your connection
Consider introducing yourself and outlining your relationship to the professional you are writing to, unless it is obvious. To reach out to someone in your friends’ network, for instance, you might write something like this:
Henrietta Benson, a former coworker, gave me your contact details so I could inquire about a potential job opening at your company.
5. Explain your reason for contacting them
Sometimes, as in the case of the above example, you can combine this step with the one before it. However, if you decide to separate your justification for writing from your explanation of your shared connection, think about doing so right after.
Try to be specific with your request. For instance, the expert probably is aware of numerous openings, but you might only be interested in one or two of them. Because of this, being specific about the positions you’re interested in can help them find a good opportunity for you. Consider writing something like this:
I’m writing to ask if there are any marketing job openings at your business or for the contact details of a hiring manager who is actively looking for sales teams.
6. Provide key information from your resume
Giving the recipient a better understanding of your skills can be accomplished by including important information from your resume, such as an impressive work history or pertinent skills. This may make it simpler for the professional to envision the roles or openings for which you are qualified.
7. Summarize your professional personality
Consider summarizing the type of worker you are. Include the job title you’re aiming for and a word or competency that best sums up your work ethic. For example, you may want to write something like this:
I’d be glad to continue our conversation if you or someone on your team is looking for a committed and inventive marketing assistant.
8. Thank them and offer closing remarks
To make your networking letter easier to read for the recipient, keep it brief. Be sure to thank them for their time and help. After that, sign your name and say something kind in closing.
9. Attach your resume
Include a copy of your resume with your letter after you’ve finished writing it so that the recipient can keep it and review it. When they hear about a position in the future that matches your skills, it may be simpler for them to keep you in mind if you have a resume they can refer to.
10. Proofread your writing
Verify the clarity, proper grammar, spelling, and format of your email or letter during proofreading. This demonstrates your attention to detail and commitment to producing high-quality work as well as your professionalism.
Networking letter template
Use this model to write your own networking letter or email:
[First and last name]
[Your address]
[Email address]
[Phone number]
[Date]
[Recipients name]
[Job title]
[Company address]
Hello [recipients name],
[Explanation of connection]. I am writing to [purpose of the letter].
I have attached my resume below. Here are a few key points that may interest you:
Please contact me with any additional information if you are looking for a candidate who [describes your professional personality]. I would be happy to further this discussion.
Thank you for your time.
[Closing phrase]
[Your name]
Example of a networking letter
The following is an illustration of how a networking letter or email might appear:
Derek Roper
111 Buck Ave. Cleveland, Ohio 44101
[email protected]
333.333.3333
February 12th, 2021
Dr. Katrina Rapp
English Department Head
Lambert University
Hello Dr. Rapp,
We connected when I enrolled in your 2019 Women in Literature course. I gained a lot of knowledge from your class, and I liked how you put what we were studying into practice. I’m writing to ask if you have any publishing industry contacts that I might be able to get in touch with.
I have attached my resume below. The following key points may be of interest to publishing industry professionals:
Please get in touch with me if you know of any contacts in the publishing industry who are looking for a creative and meticulous reader. I would be happy to further this discussion.
Thank you for your time.
Sincerely,
Derek Roper
FAQ
What should I say in a networking email?
- Tell them something about their work you admire. …
- Call out your similarities. …
- Tell them how you can help. …
- Ask them for help or advice. …
- Always start with an easy ask.
How do I email a network for a job?
- Be personable and/or friendly and ask how they are doing.
- Remind your contact how you know each other.
- State what you are asking for (advice, information, recommendations)
- Concisely remind them of your background.
- Thank your contact in advance for their cooperation.
What is a prospecting cover letter?
Introducing yourself to a company, outlining your qualifications, and asking about available positions are all possible uses for a prospecting cover letter. However, your letter shouldn’t read like a technical manual. Over the course of their careers, hiring managers will read thousands of cover letters.
