Write an Email

In the previous videos, you created a list of current and potential professional contacts.

In this video, you will write a networking email to one of your contacts on your list to ask for an informational interview.

Writing a polished and professional email is an effective way to connect with someone and begin building a relationship with them.

Although writing to someone you’ve never met may feel uncomfortable at first, it will get easier with practice and experience.

Many professional people get networking requests on a regular basis, and are usually happy to give advice to people less experienced than they are.

If you have general questions about your contact’s job, company, or industry, you may want to request an informational interview.

An “informational interview” is a meeting with someone working in an area of interest to you.

The purpose of an informational interview is not to get a job, but to learn more about your contact’s profession.

The interview will help you determine if you want to pursue that career, and if it’s a good fit for your personality and skills.

An informational interview with an experienced professional can help you: Learn about what it’s like to work in a particular job or industry, Learn about new career paths and job opportunities, And establish new professional contacts.

To begin, compose a new email in Gmail.

Copy the email address of your contact from your spreadsheet and paste it into the “to” field.

Add a subject line.

The subject line communicates the main point of your message to the recipient, so they know what to expect when they open the email.

A clear and direct subject line also helps your message stand out in a long list of emails in someone’s inbox.

Begin your message with a greeting.

The greeting you choose should fit the person you are addressing.

Using a formal title like Ms., Mr., or Dr., shows respect for the person you are writing to.

Next, introduce yourself.

Tell your contact who you are and how you were able to get in touch with them.

Remember, they’ve never met you, and they do not know who you are.

Then, share why you are reaching out to that person.

Clearly state the connection between your email and your contact’s profession.

Now you’re ready to make your request.

Be polite, clear, and enthusiastic.

Most professional people are very busy.

As a courtesy to your contact, offer to continue the conversation over email or phone if they don’t have time to meet in person.

Don’t forget to express your gratitude with a sincere “thank you.” Let your contact know that you appreciate their help.

Finally, end your email with a courteous closing such as “Sincerely” or “Best Regards.” Since you do not know your contact, sign with your first and last name.

Be careful not to reveal personal details such as your home address to people you don’t yet know well.

Before you send your email, reread it and check for spelling and grammar errors.

If you’re ready now, send the email.

Or, if you're practicing for later, save the email as a draft.

Now, it’s your turn: Write a networking email to request an informational interview.