Reach Out to Your Strongest Contacts With a Specific Ask
In the first three weeks your networking was largely relational. You were building trust and gathering information. In Week 4 it is appropriate to make a more direct ask of your most trusted contacts. People who want to help you often need a specific and clear ask to know how to do so.
In the first three weeks your networking was largely relational. You were building trust and gathering information. In Week 4 it is appropriate to make a more direct ask of your most trusted contacts. People who want to help you often need a specific and clear ask to know how to do so.
Step by Step
Identify your 5 strongest network contacts. Include any alumni who were particularly helpful, professors or advisors who know your work, and anyone who has already expressed genuine interest in supporting your search.
Send each of them a brief and direct message Template: "Hi [Name], I am entering the final stretch of my job search and wanted to reach out one more time. I am specifically targeting [type of role] at [type of company] and am particularly interested in [specific company if applicable]. If you know anyone there or in that space who might be worth a quick conversation I would genuinely appreciate an introduction. Even a brief warm email connecting us would be incredibly helpful. Thank you for your support."
Be specific about what you are asking for. A vague ask produces a vague response.
Log each message and follow up with genuine gratitude when they come through with an introduction.
Tips Alumni who made a similar career transition or who work at your target companies are your most valuable contacts for this task. They have direct knowledge and relationships that other contacts simply do not have. Always follow up with the person after any introduction they make, even if nothing comes of it. Let them know what happened and thank them.