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We’ve all been there, you’ve found a job post that fits you, or you’re reaching out to an employee at one of your target companies but you’re drawing a blank as to how to ask for a referral, introduction or that illusive insider information. I’m here to help with 6 customizable templates for various job search messages you can use to avoid getting lost in the inbox and build the network that will support your career. From that all important introduction, to follow up options for a recruiter or hiring manager, these templates take the guesswork out of what to write.
Having a healthy network is fundamental for every career strategy to help you make those career changes or transitions that have become not only common but encouraged and appreciated in today’s global talent market. I’ve made more than a few myself in addition to helping thousands of others. The ability to navigate career changes, adapt and leverage your past experience is a key skill we all must have.
A few quick notes about terms I use here.
Mini Cover Letter
Your mini cover letter is just that, a direct, clear, obvious message, it is NOT a full page essay. For some people who receive your message, the full cover letters may look like too much work to read if they’re busy and we have a tendency to over-explain the more we write(trust me, I do it too!). Should everyone take time to read everything we send them? Yes. Realistically does that happen? No. So, we adjust to our audience accordingly to reach our goals. 1-2 small paragraphs max (2-4 sentences each), that’s it.
Referral vs Introduction
A referral is someone who recommends you as a candidate by submitting you to their internal careers site (if they’re not in HR or recruiting they’ll likely get a referral bonus if you’re hired) or sends a note confirming your talent to an employee of the target company. An introduction is someone helping you connect with an employee to avoid getting lost in the inbox. You can make this distinction when reaching out of if someone replies they’re not comfortable with a referral, ask for an introduction.
On The Radar or In The Talent Pipeline
Asking to be on a team’s radar or talent pipeline is simply adding your name to their internal list or database so when they search for talent they can find you or by connecting with them you can reach out directly when you find a job posted in the future(again, skip the inbox!).
Please use these templates as a jumping off point, I highly recommend you personalize these templates to fit your needs and your style of writing.
1. BASIC ASK FOR INTRO FOR JOB POSTED
Hi ________,
I’m hoping you can help me with an introduction to __(company or person)__. I’d like to be considered for the ____ role. Happy to offer my network and help to you as well.
Thanks!
Name + signature with contact links
2. BASIC ASK FOR INTRO INTO COMPANY, NO JOB POSTED
Hi __________,
I’m hoping you can point me in the right direction, I’m interested in working for _COMPANY_ but have not seen open roles posted that fit my experience. I’d like to connect with someone [OR ADD NAME OF RECRUITER/HIRING MANAGER YOU FIND VIA LINKEDIN] and find out the best way to be on their radar when something opens up.
Thanks!
Name + signature with contact links
3. INTRODUCTION ASK FOR JOB THAT IS A FIT & POSTED WITH MINI-COVER LETTER
Hi _______,
I see your connection to EITHER COMPANY OR SPECIFIC PERSON – PERSON IS BETTER and I’m reaching out to ask you for an introduction. I found the role of __EMBED LINK TO JOB__ posted and would love to be considered.
*1-3 sentences (mini cover letter).
1 – I am an excellent fit for this role for many reasons. A highlight is ___________________ ( MY EXPERIENCE WITH AS THEY ARE REQUESTING X OR MY DEEP UNDERSTANDING OF BRAND X).
2 – My alignment with (COMPANY OR BRAND) (MISSION, VALUES, GOALS…ANYTHING THAT RESONATES WITH YOU) is rooted in my _______ career expertise with global reaching brands whose mission goes beyond sales of product extending to support increasing the impact of their reach.
3 – I appreciate your time and have attached my resume and cover letter for convenience. Please let me know if you prefer that I send this another way (email, LinkedIn message etc).
Please let me know if I can help you with any connections in my network.
Thanks!
Name + Signature with contact links
4. INTRODUCTION ASK TO COMPANY, NO JOB POSTED THAT IS A FIT WITH MINI-COVER LETTER
Hi _______,
I see your connection to (EITHER COMPANY OR SPECIFIC PERSON – PERSON IS BETTER) and I’m reaching out to ask you for an introduction. I was unable to find a posted role that fits my expertise but my interest in working with COMPANY continues to grow. Considering the speed at which ______________ needs arise I thought it best to connect with you and be on the team’s radar when the next opportunity opens.
*1-3 sentences (mini cover letter).
1 – My alignment with (COMPANY OR BRAND) (MISSION, VALUES, GOALS…ANYTHING THAT RESONATES WITH YOU) is rooted in my _______ career expertise with ________ _________ whose mission goes beyond sales of product extending to support increasing the impact of their reach.
2 – What I can offer the team (s) ranges from _______, to ______. (MY EXPERIENCE WITH X, AS THEY ARE REQUESTING OR MY DEEP UNDERSTANDING OF BRAND X).
3 – I appreciate your time and have attached my resume and cover letter for convenience. Please let me know if you prefer that I send this another way (email, LinkedIn message etc).
Please let me know if I can help you with any connections in my network.
Thanks!
Name + Signature with contact links
5. INTRO TO COMPANY, JOB POSTED IS RELATIVE IN TEAM BUT NOT IN TITLE WITH MINI COVER LETTER
Hi _______,
I see your connection to (EITHER COMPANY OR SPECIFIC PERSON – PERSON IS BETTER) and I’m reaching out to ask you for an introduction. I found the role of ROLE TITLE(EMBED LINK TO JOB) posted and although my level of experience differs, I’m looking to connect with the team to explore other potential roles as their growth continues in the near future.
*1-3 sentences (mini cover letter).
1 – My career expertise has many highlights. I align with (COMPANY OR BRAND) from my work ____ or with my experience managing _____
2 – (COMPANY OR BRAND) (MISSION, VALUES, GOALS…ANYTHING THAT RESONATES WITH YOU) resonates with me because (OR has remained on my radar because of the work they’ve done with ______
3 – I appreciate your time and have attached my resume and cover letter for convenience. Please let me know if you prefer that I send this another way (email, LinkedIn message etc).
Please let me know if I can help you with any connections in my network.
Thanks!
Name + Signature with contact links
6. FOLLOW UP – JOB ON HOLD, BEEN TOO LONG WITH NO UPDATE, ‘WILL LET YOU KNOW’
Subject: YOUR NAME, Availability Update [Job Status Update, Candidate Status Update] *Alternate these every 3-5 days by forwarding your last email, keep the Re: in the subject but change rotate these topics to keep moving your follow up to the top of their inbox
Hi ____,
I hope all is well. I am still available for the role we are on hold for but wanted to update you that I have recently had discussions about other roles. None are beyond a first round in the interview process and I will continue to update you if things progress.
The opportunity with your team remains my first choice. If you have any estimates on when a decision may happen or perhaps a timeline based on delayed meetings that would be helpful as well.
Thanks as always for your help in managing this opportunity.
Name + Signature with contact links=
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2 thoughts on “6 Job Search Message Templates To Land Anything From An Introduction To An Interview”
These templates have been extremely helpful with my job search. I’ve had more introductions, and even an interview, since I started using them only a short time ago. I had no idea what to say to someone to ask for an introduction, even though I’d heard how important it was in the modern job market. Being able to start with these templates made it easier to organize my thoughts, and to add my own style and flair. Thanks to Kelly Kugler and the Allora Collective team!
It’s our pleasure to help Amanda! Thank you for sharing your experience and feedback! I’m so glad it was helpful and has increased your introductions and interviews! Excellent news!