Networking Outreach Email Checklist
Hamilton College Career Center
This checklist is for approval at the “acceptable” level. Please note that your peer advisor may have additional recommendations to
improve your outreach email before sending it to a potential networking contacts.
Content:
Yes No
 
The student has introduced him/herself by stating interests or skills that connect them to the reader.
 
The student has communicated his/her reason for reaching out to this specific person.
 
The email has the appropriate balance of focusing on the student’s interests/goals and the recipient/career field.
 
The student makes it clear how they wish to meet (i.e. in person, phone, Skype).
 
The student does not directly ask for a job or internship.
Format:
Yes No
 
The email has an appropriate salutation and closing. (i.e.” Dear Ms./Mr./Dr. Smith”, and “Sincerely, Jane Doe”)
 
The email is an appropriate length (1-2 paragraphs).
 
The email is free of love language, and spelling and grammatical errors.
Recommendations for a stellar Outreach Email:






Engage the reader by making a connection with him/her (through shared interests, etc.)
Help the reader understand what stage of career planning/searching you are in.
Explain (briefly) why you have chosen him/her to reach out to (e.g., geographic location, shared interests, graduate
degree choice, company/organization, etc.) and state your goal for the meeting.
Provide your general availability and a specific request for the person to respond to.
Have a subject line that will catch the person’s attention (for example – says “Hamilton” for alums, says
connection’s name or high school or other way you are connected)
Attach a copy of your resume for reference.
Peer Advisor Notes/Recommendations
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________