Networking Letters

Networking letters, sometimes called approach letters, are important tools in your job search. They can help you expand your network of contacts and get more job leads. The focus of the letter is to get some information and career advice, not ask for a job offer. You should not indicate that you are looking for a job from this contact. Thus, you don't have to attach your resume with your approach letters. Follow-up is also important in your networking and is your own responsibility. If you don't hear back from your contacts, a follow up letter or phone call would be appropriate. Remember that networking is the most effective yet most under utilized job searching technique.

Below is a sample networking letter.

Mr. Ronald T. Smith
Cell Technology
363 Palm Avenue
Pittsburgh, PA 15232

Dear Mr. Smith:

A mutual friend, Emily Greene recommend that I contact you regarding my interest in anti-cancer drug research. As a Pittsburgh University chemistry alumna working in this field, you have insight that would be extreme valuable to me.

I am seeking your advice on how one pursues opportunities in pharmaceutical industry. I will earn my PhD degree from Pittsburgh University the next month. My past research has been focused on anti-cancer drug research and I have several publication in JACS.

Since I just began my job search, I am hoping to learn information about anti-cancer drug research in pharmaceutical industry. Could you be able to speak with me over the phone or in person about your experience and thoughts concerning the profession? I will contact your office next Wednesday to see if such a meeting can be arranged.

I appreciate your consideration and look forward to meeting you.

Sincerely,


Job Seeker