Networking Letters
Networking letters can be used to request an informational interview or make an intitial contact with an alum.
General Rules of Thumb...
Before sending any letter, make sure it includes:
- How you learned of the individual, and why you are writing (i.e. what you hope to accomplish)
- Information about you (be brief, remember your goal is not to sell yourself but to get information)
- Why you are specifically interested in talking to them (don't go "over the top" but do express enthusiasm and curiosity about their work).
- Information about how you can be contacted, how you will follow-up and a brief statement of appreciation for their time.
If you are sending the request via e-mail you do not need to include a formal address header; however, please add the formal salutation (i.e. Dear "Mr. Jones" instead of "Dear Phil").
If You Are Contacting a Member of the Dartmouth Career Network: As noted in our Alumni Network Guidelines, we recommend that you utilize the network participant's preferred mode of contact (i.e. snail mail, phone or e-mail) to establish contact.
If You Are "Cold-Calling a Contact": You may still use the basic structure of the letters like below. However, be sure to make it clear how you learned of the contact (i.e. through a friend or professional contact, by reading a publication, through a professional association directory, etc.).