Networking is a crucial aspect of both personal and professional growth. Building relationships with others can lead to new opportunities, partnerships, and valuable connections. However, many people feel awkward and unprepared when it comes to networking. It can be intimidating to approach strangers, make small talk, and pitch yourself or your business. This is where CareerTruth comes in. CareerTruth can help you harness the power of networking done well. With its easy-to-use tools and resources, CareerTruth can help individuals build their confidence, expand their network, and achieve their goals. By taking some the guesswork out of networking, you’ll be empowered people to connect with others, unlock new opportunities, and work with your purpose.
We’ve provided some scripts to help take the awkward unknown out of approaching people to connect about your career. Start with these, but make them your own. People will be put off and unlikely to respond if it doesn’t sound like you. Do your best to make it personal.
What to Write to Let Others Know You’re Looking For Something New
Hi (Name),
I hope you and the family are doing well [you can switch this out to any introductory language you’d like, keep it friendly and personal].
I have always admired how you have thoughtfully built such an intentional network, so I wanted to put the bug in your ear that I’m in the market for a (the kind of role you’d like) in (the city you’d like to work). I am currently (describe what work you’re doing now and how long you’ve been doing it), and while I’ve continued to progress and gain more responsibility, I am ready for a new challenge. Please send me a note if you hear of anything that could be a good fit. I’m also always up for a coffee with anyone you think may be a good contact.
I hope it goes without saying, but please let me know if there is anything I can do to be of help to you, both now and in the future.
Best,
(Name)
Email/LinkedIn Subject Lines For a Cold Contact:
“Anna, Mark Johnson recommended I reach out.”
“Ms. Connor, I loved your LinkedIn article on networking.”
“Any advice for someone who loves your marketing work at Company X?”
Sample LinkedIn Message for a Cold Contact:
Hi (Name),
My name is (your name), and I am a (current title) at (your place of work). I currently (something specific about your work – what accounts you work on, what software programs you work with, what clients your work touches), and while I enjoy so many aspects of my work, I always like to think about the long-game and look into other exciting fields to apply my skills to.
Your profile and background have stuck out to me for a while. Would you be willing to do a 20-minute phone call with me? I love to ask you some questions about how you (whatever you’re interested in or admire about them, whether it’s how they changed fields, progressed in industry, worked with particular customer sect, etc.) or/discuss your experiences in (something else you’d be open to talking about).
I’m typically available after 3:00 PM CST each weekday but I can certainly work to be flexible to your schedule. Thanks (contact Name)!
Sample Email Message With Someone You May Know:
Hi (Name)! I hope you had a great holiday with the family! I can’t believe it’s already mid-summer. [or some other introductory, warm, and personal message]
The reason I am reaching out is that I’ve always admired how you have thoughtfully built a great network around you, so I know you are up on a lot of what’s going on in the market (or, I’ve always admired your path from ____ to _____ or experience with types of customers, populations worked with, etc). As you may remember, I’m working as a (current title with company), currently (on the X & Y accounts, a specific work example). I’m (duration of your current role or at your company) into my time here and have enjoyed (insert some of your successes here). While I am not looking to make a change soon, I am starting to think long-term about potential fields to apply my skills. Would you be open to a 20-minute phone call to discuss your experiences in ________? I admire how you worked in both _________and ___________ and would like to learn how to _________. I’m typically available after 3:00 PM CST each weekday, but I can certainly work to be flexible to your schedule. Thanks, NAME!
These scripts provided for networking are a valuable resource that can help you build solid relationships and unlock new opportunities. However, it’s important to remember that the key to success is making these scripts personal. Take the time to tailor your approach to each individual you’d like to connect with. Show a genuine interest in their work and passions, and look for ways that you can add value to their lives.
The biggest possibility for growth comes from our relationships, and we must keep widening and deepening our network to take advantage of our full potential. While networking may initially feel difficult or strange, with the help of these scripts, it is easier to get started and will eventually feel like second nature. So go out there, make connections, and watch as your network expands and your opportunities multiply.