Are You Using Personal Email Introductions in Your Job Search?

Personal Introductions One great strategy in job search – and overall career management – is using “warm referrals”. It’s important to both ask for them and reciprocate with those folks in your network. Preferably, when you get a referral, ask if that person will please send a quick email or make a phone call. Although a phone call is ideal, it often pushes past comfort levels. If so, then ask the person to send an email or virtual introduction.

Here are some examples of warm, effective email introductions:

  • Sample Email Introduction #1:

Hi! I can’t remember if I’ve introduced the two of you. If not, I’m happy to finally do so!

Greg has a talent for translating techno-speak into lay terms (and even more importantly, into consumer-based solutions). Jan has excitedly launched her search firm at the junction of technology and business development.

Greg, you may have some appealing leads for Jan, who has a search to fill this position (attached). Greg is thinking of career transition, and could benefit from your expertise and guidance, Jan.

You both love horses … in case you want a random connection!

Hope it’s productive for both of you!

Jane Doe [email protected] (320) 555-5555

Attachment: Position document

  • Sample Email Introduction #2:

Good morning, Mark and Diane! You both know me. I love to connect smart people with common interests. So, I thought of you two! I know Diane from my Widget Company days. She’s successful and a blast! She just went through a reorganization and position elimination (Mark, we relate, right?) and is interested in a role in Operations at the SVP or COO level.

Diane, Mark just left ABC Company and joined XYZ Company as CFO. They are growing and looking for a good ops person.

I hope the two of you connect and can help each other. Stay well, and have a wonderful holiday! Holler if I can help further!

Jane

  • Sample Email Introduction #3:

I’d like to introduce you to one another! I’ll keep it short, as I’ve already talked to each of you about the other. Here’s a bit of framework:

Julie and I have known each other for nearly a decade. She’s a valued friend and part of my network. She headed business development at ABC Company, and is coming up on 5 years as EVP of Sales, Marketing and Business Development at XYZ Company. It’s in explosive growth and making a real footprint in its niche. Check out their website at www.xyzcompany.com .

Brian has launched his second entrepreneurship; Take It to the Limit, after deep experience leading technology with small-to-Fortune companies. He’s focused on the intersection of marketing and technology, helping companies put the right people and processes in place, and who can bridge the gap between technology and marketing. And he is a star at this! (His turnaround success stories are amazing!) I just met Brian last month, but the introduction was from another very trusted member of my network. I’ve cut to the chase by attaching information on Take It to the Limit on this note.

I hope you both find it mutually advantageous to connect!

Warmest regards,

Jane

P.S. You both love antiques and more specifically, pottery!

I hope these examples are indicative of how easy it is to connect people with email introductions that extend goodwill and fuel robust networking. Along with these emailed introductions, I suggest you:

  • Send snail-mailed thank-you cards immediately after a follow-up email, text, phone call or in-person meeting with someone trying to help you. People like to be appreciated for their efforts. While emails are okay, there is nothing like opening tactile thanks.
  • Deliver on promises. If you committed to an introduction, follow-up, article, or whatever, hooray. Just make sure you do it within one to two days.
  • Keep track of all the people you connect with, so you can reference them, thank them, and keep them in the loop. Take special care of your bone marrow people, your champions. One great tracking online tracking tool created especially for job seekers, is jibberjobber.com. I highly endorse it!

Statistics show that 80% of your job leads will come from networking, so help people, and nurture those who are out there helping you!

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