Reaching out to people you do not know can feel uncomfortable, especially when you are early in your career. Many recent graduates send a message, hear nothing back, and assume that networking simply does not work for them. In practice, most replies depend on how the message is written, how specific the request is, and how easy it is to say yes. This article explains how to write short, respectful messages to alumni, professionals, and recruiters, and how to follow up without becoming a nuisance.
Research before you write
A message that shows genuine interest is far more likely to get a response than a generic request. Spend a few minutes learning about the person you are contacting. Read their recent posts, find out how long they have worked in their field, and note any shared background such as a university, a city, or a course. You are not looking for something to flatter them with. You are looking for a reason that makes your message feel relevant to them.
Keep a simple record of who you contacted, when you wrote, and what you asked. This helps you avoid repeating yourself and lets you follow up at the right time. Readers may also want to visit make-7.com.
Write a message that is easy to answer
People are busy, so the easiest message to answer is short and specific. Start with a sentence that explains who you are and why you are writing to them in particular. Then make a clear request that takes little time to answer, such as a short phone call, a reply by email, or advice about one question. Avoid asking for a job directly in a first message, because that places pressure on the reader.
A good example might read: “I am a recent psychology graduate interested in user research, and I noticed your team ran a study on onboarding. Would you be willing to share one tip from your experience in a short email?” This message is respectful, specific, and easy to answer in a few minutes.
Make your request small and clear
Asking for an hour-long coffee meeting from a stranger often leads to silence. Asking for two or three questions by email is much more realistic. Explain why you chose them, and thank them in advance without overdoing it. If they reply with a short answer, thank them sincerely and keep the conversation open for later.
- Mention one specific reason you chose this person.
- Ask a question that is easy to answer in writing.
- Keep the whole message brief enough to read on a phone.
- Thank them once, clearly, and avoid long apologies.
Tone matters as well. Be warm and direct. Avoid sounding desperate, and avoid sounding as if you expect a favour. A calm, polite message reads as confident, and confidence is attractive to people who are considering whether to help.
Follow up without pressure
If you do not receive a reply, a single follow-up after about a week is reasonable. Keep it even shorter than the first message and add a simple line such as “I wanted to check whether my earlier note reached you.” If there is still no response, let it go. Silence is common and rarely personal. Your time is better spent on new conversations.
When someone does reply, respond promptly and thank them for their time. If they share advice, try it and tell them what happened later. Many professional relationships grow slowly through small, honest updates, not through a single dramatic request. You can also visit lcb-brand.com for more reading.
Many people feel nervous about following up after a first conversation, but a simple thank-you note usually goes a long way. Mention one specific thing you learned, and say how you plan to use it. For example, you might explain that the advice about structuring interview answers helped you rewrite a cover letter. This shows that the time was valued and gives the other person a reason to remember you. If the conversation leads to a job lead or an introduction, acknowledge it promptly and keep them updated on the outcome. For a related read on this site, see How Early Startup Founders Can Build a Lean.
Protect your reputation
Remember that every message is public in a sense. Keep your profile tidy, use a professional photo, and make sure your contact details are accurate. If you meet someone in person, follow up with a short thank-you note. This simple habit distinguishes you from many applicants and reinforces the impression that you are organised and considerate.
Networking is not about collecting names. It is about building a small circle of people who understand your goals and who will think of you when a relevant opportunity appears. Start with a handful of thoughtful messages, and let the relationships develop at a comfortable pace.