Wondering how to start a networking conversation over email? Look no further! Here are some tips for how to find alumni, what to say, and when to follow up.

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The Art of Email
Brought to you by:
Bates Career Development Center

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What we’re going to cover:
ORGANIZE
REACH OUT
THANK YOU
FOLLOW UP

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ORGANIZE
the empty inbox lifestyle

4. +
REACH OUT
how do you find these people?

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REACH OUT
what to cover for alumni
 Who you are
 How you are connected: Go Bobcats!
 Why you are writing
 What you want: information!
 You are NOT asking for a job
 You are NOT sending them your resume at this time
 Subject!
 Thank you
 …in advance

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REACH OUT
example
Hi Wentworth,
The Bates Career Development
Center told me to contact you if I
want a job in finance. It would be
really cool to meet up sometime
to talk about your work. Let me
know when I can drop by your
office!
From,
George
Dear Mr. Adams,
I hope this message finds you well. My name
is George Smith and I am currently a senior at
Bates College. I am majoring in mathematics
and interested in pursuing a career in finance.
As I was conducting research on Bates alumni
that work at ______________, I came across
your profile. I would be grateful for a chance
to speak with you to learn more about your
work there. Please let me know when you
might be available in the coming weeks.
Thank you in advance for considering this
request.
Sincerely,
George Smith

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THANK YOU
ASAP after interviews/informationals/meetings

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THANK YOU
 Thank them for their time
 Mention specifics
 Be original (don’t copy and paste!)
 The future?

9. +THANK YOU
example
Dear Wentworth,
Thank you so much for taking the time to meet with me. It was
great to hear about all the incredible work you are doing and
how your background in economics and mathematics at Bates
transferred to your time at ____________.
Thank you again and I look forward to submitting my
internship application. I will certainly be in touch if any further
questions arise.
Sincerely,
George Smith

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FOLLOW UP
 When:
 If you haven’t heard back…
 1 week after an interview
 2 weeks after applying
 What:
 Thank you (…again)
 Why you’re following up—demonstrate further interest
 Give, don’t just take
 **What can you contribute?

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FOLLOW UP
Dear Mr. Page,
Thank you again for the opportunity to interview with your
firm. It was a very informative experience I and enjoyed being
able to express my interest in the position.
If there are any additional materials I can provide at this time,
such as references, please let me know and I will be happy to
send them along.
Sincerely,
John Bertram

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QUESTIONS?
THANK
YOU!