Connecting with Contacts

Email is a good way to make initial contact with someone you’ve been referred to through online networking:

• Set up an email account that you use only for work search. Give it a businesslike name…more
• Do not send work search networking emails from your work email.
• Know what you want from the person you’re contacting before you make contact: a referral, advice, feedback on your resumé or an information interview…more
• Do some research about your contact’s position, role and organization…more
• Explain in the first paragraph how you got the person’s name and email address. Tell them who referred you or describe what you have in common, e.g. membership in the same association
• Keep your message brief (no longer than one screen length) and businesslike.
• Double check grammar and spelling. Have someone proofread your message.
• Don’t use abbreviations, text-messaging language or emoticons.
• Always thank your contact in writing. Email is fine.