Networking Templates

1. Pre-Interview Outreach

Connecting with employees before your interview can give you valuable insights and advocates.

1.1 Finding the Right People

• Alumni from your school: Filter LinkedIn by company + school
• People in similar roles: Those doing the job you want
• Recent hires: They remember the interview process well
• Second-degree connections: Ask for introductions

1.2 LinkedIn Connection Request

"Hi [Name], I'm a [year] at [School], interviewing for [Role] at [Company]. I noticed you're a fellow [School] alum. Would you be open to a brief chat about your experience at [Company]? Completely understand if you're too busy. Thanks!"

1.3 Email Template

Subject: [School] student — Quick question about [Company]

Hi [Name],

I'm [Your Name], a [year] at [School] studying [Major]. I have an upcoming interview for [Role] at [Company] and came across your profile.

Would you have 15 minutes for a call this week? I'd love to hear about your experience on the [Team] and any advice for preparing.

Completely understand if you're too busy. Thanks for considering!

Best,
[Your Name]

2. Post-Interview Follow-Up

A good thank-you note can reinforce your candidacy.

2.1 Timing

• Send within 24 hours of the interview
• Email is standard; handwritten is memorable but not expected
• Send to each interviewer individually if you have their emails

2.2 Thank You Email Template

Subject: Thank you — [Role] Interview

Hi [Name],

Thank you for taking the time to speak with me today about the [Role] position. I enjoyed learning about [specific topic discussed] and the team's approach to [something they mentioned].

Our conversation reinforced my excitement about the opportunity, particularly [specific aspect]. I believe my experience in [relevant skill/project] would translate well to [company challenge discussed].

Please don't hesitate to reach out if you have any follow-up questions. I look forward to hearing about next steps.

Best regards,
[Your Name]

2.3 What Makes It Good

• Specific: Reference something unique from your conversation
• Reinforces fit: Connect your skills to their needs
• Brief: 3-4 short paragraphs maximum
• Professional: Proofread carefully

3. Following Up on Decisions

When you haven't heard back after the expected timeline.

3.1 When to Follow Up

• If they gave a timeline: Follow up 1-2 days after it passes
• If no timeline given: Follow up after 1 week
• Don't follow up more than once per week

3.2 Follow-Up Template

Subject: Following up — [Role] Interview

Hi [Recruiter Name],

I hope you're doing well. I wanted to follow up on my interview for the [Role] position on [date]. I remain very interested in the opportunity and would love to learn about next steps when you have an update.

Please let me know if there's any additional information I can provide.

Best,
[Your Name]

4. After Rejection

A graceful response to rejection can keep doors open for the future.

4.1 Response Template

Hi [Name],

Thank you for letting me know. While I'm disappointed, I appreciate the opportunity to interview and learn more about [Company].

If you have any feedback on my interview performance, I'd be grateful to hear it — I'm always looking to improve.

I'd love to stay connected and be considered for future opportunities. Please keep me in mind if a suitable role opens up.

Best wishes,
[Your Name]

4.2 Why This Matters

• Hiring managers remember graceful candidates
• Roles re-open; chosen candidates decline or leave
• People change companies and may recruit you later
• Burning bridges closes future doors

5. Building Long-Term Relationships

• Connect on LinkedIn: After meeting anyone in the interview process
• Share relevant content: Occasionally engage with their posts
• Check in periodically: Every 3-6 months with a brief update
• Offer value: Share articles, make introductions, congratulate achievements
• Be genuine: Networking is about relationships, not transactions

6. Networking Don'ts

• Don't be pushy: If someone doesn't respond, move on
• Don't ask for too much: 15 minutes, not 1 hour
• Don't only reach out when you need something: Build relationships first
• Don't spam: Personalize each message
• Don't forget to follow through: If they help you, update them on outcomes