When you're actively searching for a new job, you already know it's a good idea to tap into your network. After all, the more people on your side, the better.
But here's the thing: there's a sense of guilt that comes with that attitude.
Not only do you need to publicly acknowledge that you're looking for a new job (which is especially humiliating if your last employment didn't finish on good terms), but you also need to throw yourself on the mercy of your professional network and beg for assistance.
I understand—as necessary and valuable as these kind of requests are in the end, they aren't always easy to make.
So, to alleviate some of the stress, I've put up four different email templates that you can use to notify various individuals in your network that you're now open to new possibilities.
Email #1: Someone You Used to Work Closely With It might be your college internship supervisor. Perhaps it's a cherished coworker from a prior position. Nobody knows your abilities and preferences better than the individuals you used to work with, so they may be a tremendous help in your job hunt.
Hello [Name],
I hope you're having a wonderful week! I've been following you on LinkedIn, and it seems like things are going well with [career or professional interest].
I'm writing to inform you that I'm now looking for a new position in [business]. My dream employment would include [detailed description of ideal work] for an employer who [detailed description of ideal firm] given my experience in [field] and talents in [area].
Because we used to work so closely together and I know you're so well-connected, I'd appreciate it if you could let me know if you hear of any possibilities that you believe I'd be a good match for. I've included my résumé to this email in case it's useful.
Of course, if you ever need anything, I'm always prepared to repay the favor.
Thank you so much, [Name]! I have many great memories of our time at [Company], and I hope things have improved for you since then.
Best wishes, [Your Name].
Email #2: Someone From Your Desired Industry
Sending a message to someone who is currently working in the sector you want to work in is always beneficial, but particularly when making a career move. He or she is likely to be linked to others in the sector, some of whom may be recruiting.
Hello there, [Name].
I hope everything is going well for you!
I'm writing to inform you that I've chosen to change careers. As a result, I'm presently investigating several prospects in [business].
I felt you'd be the best person to contact since I know you've been in the business for a long. I'd appreciate it if you could let me know if you become aware of any available opportunities that could be a good match for someone with a background in [field], abilities in [area], and a drive to learn. To gain a better idea of what I bring to the table, please see my résumé attached to this email.
I can't express how grateful I am for any assistance while I work on making this changeover.
Thank you so much, [Name]!
Best wishes,
[Your Surname]
Email #3: Someone You're Hoping Will Introduce You
You've discovered someone who you believe will be a valuable benefit to you in your job quest. The only issue? You have never met him or her. Fortunately, someone in your network knows that individual, and you're hoping to be introduced.
Hello [Name],
I hope everything has been going well for you!
I'm writing to make a request today. I'm now looking for new opportunities in [industry] and am actively networking in this sector.
I saw you knew [Name], and I was hoping you'd be willing to put me in touch with [him/her]. As you are aware, [Name] has a wealth of knowledge in my field, and I'd want to connect so that I may ask [him/her] a few questions about the sector and [his/her] experience in general.
Would you mind sending a quick email introducing the two of us? That would be really appreciated.
Please let me know if you have any queries, [Name].
Thank you for your thought!
Best wishes, [Your Name].
Email #4: Is There Anyone Else?
Then there's everyone else in your network—acquaintances with whom you keep in contact but who don't fit into any of the groups listed above.
Rest assured, it's still good to keep them updated on your job search (assuming it's not a completely unexpected message to someone you've never met or interacted with). The more individuals you have keeping an ear to the ground, the better your job hunt will go.
Hello there, [Name].
I hope everything went well!
I'm sending you a brief email to let you know that I'm now looking for a new job in [desired sector]. With my experience in [region], I'm seeking for a [kind of job] work with a company that [explain ideal employer]. My résumé is included to this email for a better understanding of my professional skills.
If you hear of anything inside your own network that you believe would suit the description, I'd be grateful if you could let me know.
Please let me know if there is any way I may repay the kindness, [Name]. I'm delighted to do so!
Thanks,
[Your Surname]
Enlisting the assistance of your network in your job hunt might be unpleasant. Your professional connections, on the other hand, may be a big help, so swallow your pride, write that message, and ask for a little help. And, thankfully, these email templates make it a lot simpler.
Remember to repay the favor when the occasion arises!