Networking 101
Sample Introductions
Example introductions you may use when you are referred:
Example 1
"Hello, this is Susan Smith. Gary Jones suggested that I call you regarding the possibility of
setting up a brief meeting with you. He tells me that you are an excellent source of
information on the field of medical instrumentation. I'm graduating in May of this year with a
degree in Material Science and Engineering from MIT and am interested in exploring new career
options. Is it possible that we could set up a brief meeting?"
Example 2 (request for an informational interview)
"Hello, my name is Lou O'Connor, Carol Smily suggested that I call you. I am considering a
career in urban planning and would be interested in any information to help me focus my
job-search efforts and broaden my visibility in the job market."
Example 3 (request for networking meeting)
"Ms. Greene, Olivia Manner suggested that I contact you regarding opportunities within your
marketing department. She mentioned that the startup of your new division might create a
need for someone who can contribute to your international marketing division. If that's
true, I'd like to express my interest. If my information is incorrect and there's no
prospect for employment here, then perhaps we could go to Plan B -- that is, I'd welcome
the chance to informally discuss the market for high-tech marketing professionals in
California."
(usually follows a informational interview, after you've received contact names)
If you've uncovered the contact person on your own and have not been referred, your opening might go like this:
Ms. Lee, this is Susan Smith. I am calling because (select the appropriate option):
- ...of your expertise in the field of ____________________
- ...of your recent promotion to ____________________
- ...of your association with (professional or other relevant organization)
- ...you are a fellow alumni/ae of ____________________
Example
Hello, I'm John Smith, a Junior at MIT. I recently read an article about your internet commerce software in Information Age. I worked on a project to build a high speed transaction processing program for my computer science UROP project. The program is being tested for paying tuition fees online. Do you have 15 minutes open next week for me to stop by and learn about more about the internet commerce markets your company is pursuing?
*If your contact agrees to meet with you:
Be sure to confirm the time, date, and place, and be sure to get clear directions to your meeting site. Before you meet with your contact, send him or her a letter confirming your meeting and expressing your thanks.
*If your contact does not have time or does not wish to meet with you, reply:
I appreciate your being unable to meet with me. Could you suggest someone else in your company or your field with whom I could meet?
Last updated on Monday, September 18, 06 at 01:41:16 PM EDT.
