Networking has never worked for me and I’m probably doing something wrong so I’m seeking some advice. I applied to a position at this one particular company through traditional channels and I came across one person who graduated from my university. I am trying to increase my chances to land an interview at this firm. What should I be saying to this network? I have his work email but I don’t know him personally so it will be a cold one…
Since you both are from same university you may search for a common link (your senior or a common friend or some one else from his batch you know who may be knowing him) and explore with the common link.as a go between. If no possibilty, then you have no option other than sending an email introducing yourself (without directly seeking help first time only ). Wait for his response and follow up accordingly.
I have no common link to this guy other than just the university. We did graduate from the same major though but he graduated in a different year and we went to a large state university.
What should I email him exactly (copy and paste type example)? That’s the help I’m hoping to receive as everything I’ve tried in the past has never worked.
“…everything I’ve tried in the past has never worked…”
First of all change this attitude as there is no reason what didn’t work in the past will remain so in future too. In human interaction and communication same approach and contents neither works every time nor fails all the time. There is always a first time.
“What should I email him exactly (copy and paste type example)? “
Sorry, that is the worst thing you can think of doing! To be effective never use cut and paste examples as it not only hampers your originality but also sooner or later will create a problem for you by exposing your shallowness. Just put your random thoughts on paper (as if you are talking to a friend about what will you say to him if he meets you in person) and then order them in right sequence to convey your thought. Any piece (email or essay or even an office memo) created by you will bear your stamp of creativity and soon be recognised as your style by all. Don’t bother much about what others say about it as long as the person for whom the communication is intended gets a good idea of what you wish to convey. So go ahead and jot down your thoughts may be on the line of – who you are (only say things which are relevant and adds value to the communication), why are you writing to him (that is the linkage and past reference) and some indication of the purpose of your writing (be subtle first time instead of being too direct as you are a totally unknown person for him). In the next communication, if he responds positively, you may come to the point and state how you think he can help you. Remember one thing even if he does not respond or help he cannot harm you in any manner for your attempt to seek help . You have nothing to lose. Go ahead.
Alright little cubby, I’ll throw you a bone. Drop this brah and email and say (not verbatim), “Ayo, it’s good to see some other Alumni pepes up in this B. I can imagine I’d feel right at home as if I was in Dr. Spocks Class listening to him go on and on about M’n’A’in on the buyside, na’mean? Wish me luck with an interview and with any success we’ll be stuntin’ together in no time.”
Peace!
I would start off the same, but insert this before the last line:
“I recently found out about a position I feel I’m a good fit for at your firm and applied.”
And OP, I guess imitation is the highest form of compliment. Rep your name well.
Thanks so I will email him explaining who I am (Grad from same X Univ and X major), why I am writing to him (I’m interested in an opportunity at his firm), but what type of subtle questions should I ask during the initial email to get a response?