Templates for Networking Emails

Once you've found a contact you want to network with, your next step is to send an introductory e-mail requesting a conversation.

Students can use these helpful templates to draft introductory and thank you emails to potential networking contacts. You want to briefly introduce yourself, request a conversation, and share a little about your goals.

Template: Requesting a Conversation

Dear [Contact Name],

I am a [Your Year in School] year at the University of Chicago majoring in [Your Major].

I saw on [Where You Found Them] that you graduated from UChicago and work in [Industry]. I am exploring a career in the industry and would love to get your perspective and advice as an alum!

Would you be available for a 15 – 20 minute phone or Zoom call sometime in the next two weeks?

Thank you for your time and consideration.

Sincerely,
[Your Name]
[Your Phone Number]

Sample: Requesting a Conversation

Dear Mr. Hireman,

I am a 2nd year at the University of Chicago majoring in Economics.

I saw on your LinkedIn profile that you graduated from UChicago and work in consulting. I am exploring a career in the industry and would love to get your perspective and advice as an alum!

Would you be available for a 15 – 20 minute phone or Zoom call sometime in the next two weeks?

Thank you for your time and consideration.

Sincerely,
Jordan Smith
773-555-6987

Template: Thank You Note

Dear [Contact Name],

Thank you again for speaking with me! I enjoyed our conversation about [Topic] and the interesting turns your career path has taken. In particular, it was great to hear your perspective on how your University of Chicago degree prepared you for your first position in [Industry].

[Mention 1-2 specific things from the conversation that stood out to you]

[Acknowledge any specific leads or referrals they gave you and your action plan to follow up with them]

Sincerely,
[Your Name]

Sample: Thank You Note

Dear Mr. Hireman,

Thank you again for speaking with me this morning! I enjoyed our conversation about BCG and the interesting turns your career path has taken. In particular, it was great to hear your perspective on how your University of Chicago degree prepared you for your first position in the consulting industry.

Your perspective on how AI is changing the industry was especially enlightening. I've attached an article I read about this in The Economist that I thought you might find interesting.

Finally, I wanted to thank you for providing me the names of Susan Brown and James Doe. I plan to contact them tomorrow morning!

Sincerely,
Jordan Smith