Reaching out to someone you don’t know, whether by email or on LinkedIn, can feel daunting. You may wonder, “What do I say?” or “How do I approach this?” But it doesn’t have to be an overwhelming process.
Increase your odds of a response:
1) Keep it brief
Get to the point with your message. Someone who receives a short, tailored message is more likely to respond.
On LinkedIn: if you add a note to an invitation (recommended!), there’s a 200-character limit.
By email: aim for a few short paragraphs; long emails to strangers often go unanswered.
2) State your connection first
Mentioning your connection up front gives the recipient a reason to care and increases the chances your message will be read. Examples of connections include alumni affiliation, a shared interest in a role or company, or a professor or mentor who referred you.
3) Tell them why you’d like to connect
Be specific about why you’d like to connect so they don’t think you’re just trying to grow your network. Don’t ask for a job specifically – you may scare off your contact, who may have nothing to do with hiring. Instead, ask to discuss the company, the industry, or your contact’s career path and current position; it will feel more like a request for a conversation, not a job interview.
4) Maintain control of follow-up
This helps close the gap of time it may take to get back to you.
By email: close your message by stating you understand they may have a busy schedule and that you’ll follow up in a week if you don’t hear back – just make sure that you do!
On LinkedIn: if they haven’t accepted your invitation, you won’t be able to send a follow-up message – so there’s no need to mention one. If they accept but don’t reply, you can send a polite follow-up message then.
5) Proofread before you send
A typo-free, well-formatted message signals professionalism and care. Read it aloud or ask a friend to check it before hitting send.
A note for LinkedIn
Make sure your profile photo is professional-looking – clear, and with you as the only person in the frame (no group shots or pets). Don’t have one? Stop by the Iris Photo Booth to take one for free.
Examples
LinkedIn message – Informational interview request
(200-character limit)
Hi Sam, I’m a UCB junior exploring marketing careers in the tech sector. Would you be open to a 20–30 minute chat so I can learn about your path? Thanks, Rose
LinkedIn message – Networking request
Hi Vera, I’m a UCB senior in Rhetoric starting a job search in nonprofit communications. Would you be open to a 20–30 min chat so I can learn about your path & any advice you might have? Thanks, Noah
Email – Informational interview request
Subject: UCB Student Interested in Your Career Path
Hi Sam, I’m a junior at UC Berkeley exploring marketing careers in the tech sector. I came across your profile and was really drawn to your path from [X] to [Y]. Would you be open to a brief 20–30 minute call sometime in the next few weeks so I could learn more about your experience? I’d be happy to work around your schedule. Thanks so much for considering, Rose
Email – Networking request
Subject: UCB Student Interested in Nonprofit Communications – Referred by Professor [Last Name]
Hi Vera, I’m a senior at UC Berkeley studying Rhetoric, starting a job search in nonprofit communications. Professor [Last Name] suggested I reach out, given your background in the field. I’ve enjoyed being involved with the Berkeley Undergraduate Journal and would love to find a role in a similarly collaborative setting. Would you be open to a 20–30 minute chat sometime in the next few weeks so I could learn about your path and any advice you might have for my search? Thanks so much, Noah