Reach Out to Your Strongest Network Contacts With a Specific Ask
In the first three weeks of your search your networking outreach was largely relational. You were reconnecting, exploring, and building trust. In Week 4 it is appropriate to make a more direct ask of your closest and most trusted contacts. People who know you well and want to help you often need a specific and clear ask to know how to help.
In the first three weeks of your search your networking outreach was largely relational. You were reconnecting, exploring, and building trust. In Week 4 it is appropriate to make a more direct ask of your closest and most trusted contacts. People who know you well and want to help you often need a specific and clear ask to know how to help.
Step by Step
Identify your 5 strongest network contacts. These are people who know you well, want to help you, and have relevant networks or knowledge.
Send each of them a brief and direct message Template: "Hi [Name], I wanted to reach out as I am entering the final stretch of my job search. I have been actively applying and interviewing and am really targeting roles in [specific area] at [type of company]. If you know anyone at [specific company] or in [specific industry] who might be worth connecting with I would genuinely appreciate an introduction. Even a warm email connecting us would mean a lot. Thank you for everything you have done to support me through this."
Be specific about what you are asking for. A vague ask gets a vague response. Naming a specific company or type of connection makes it easy for the person to help.
Log each message and follow up with gratitude when they come through with an introduction.
Tips People who care about you often do not know the most helpful thing they can do unless you tell them specifically. A direct and clear ask is a gift to someone who wants to help but does not know how. Always follow up with the person after any introduction they make, even if it does not lead anywhere. Let them know what happened and thank them genuinely.