Browse this collection of example communications on topics including networking, internship/job searches and more to help you get started. If you don't find the sample you're looking for here or would like additional guidance on your broader communication strategy, we encourage you to make an appointment with a career adviser.
Networking
Once you have mapped out your motivations for networking and who you want to contact, you are ready to start your outreach.
For more guidance on networking, read our Five-Step Guide to Networking.
Email samples
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Asking alum or a professional about their career path
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Subject line: Request for career guidance from a Princeton sophomore
Dear Inge,
As a current sophomore at Princeton, I am considering a career in journalism and am excited to explore this career path. I [found, received] your information [on Princeton’s LinkedIn Alumni page, from Jane Doe, etc.], and am interested in learning more about [your experience at abcxyz company, your role as xyz, how you determined a career in this area was right for you, etc.].
I would appreciate an opportunity to learn more about your experiences, as well as any advice you might be willing to share with me. When time allows on your end, could we meet at a location convenient to your office or schedule a time to talk with you for about 20 minutes on the phone?
I look forward to the possibility of connecting with you and thank you for considering my request.
Sincerely,
[Your name]Subject line: Fellow Tiger connecting about your choreography career path
Dear Amir, As a current senior at Princeton, I am curious about becoming a choreographer.
I was recently conducting some searches in the Princeton alumni LinkedIn group and noticed your profile.
I find your path from being a part of [dance group xyz] at Princeton and writing about dance in your senior thesis, to working for a dance nonprofit and becoming a choreographer, to be very interesting and admirable.
I am involved in a variety of dance-related groups on campus, and feel that my study of anthropology alongside my passion for connecting people with meaningful performances may point towards a career in choreography.
I’m currently exploring next steps for my career post-graduation and was wondering: do you have a few minutes to connect via phone to discuss your career path and experiences with me?
Many thanks in advance for your time and consideration.
Sincerely,
[Your name] -
Asking alum for advice about careers beyond academia
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Subject line: Request for career transition guidance from a Princeton Ph.D. student
Dear Julia,
I hope this message finds you well!
My name is Justin Tiger, and I’m a Ph.D. candidate in chemical engineering at Princeton. As I am planning to defend my dissertation next spring, I’m currently exploring my next career step after Princeton and hoping to learn more about technical consulting.
I found your information on Princeton’s TigerNet and noticed you’ve been with [company name] for a while after Princeton. I would appreciate the opportunity to learn more about your transition from Ph.D. to work and experience at [company name] as well as any advice you could share with me. If time allows on your end, I was wondering if I could schedule a time to speak with you for about 20 minutes over Zoom or phone.
I’d be happy to provide any further information that’d be helpful!
Thank you in advance for considering my request and I look forward to hearing from you.
Kind Regards,
[Your name]Subject line: Request for a brief chat for startup career exploration from a Princeton graduate student
Dear Dr. Jing,
I hope this message finds you well! My name is Chloe Tiger, and I’m a second-year Ph.D. student in sociology at Princeton. I am curious about career opportunities beyond academia, especially related to diversity and inclusion. Recently, I conducted some alumni career searches via LinkedIn and found your profile.
Your career journey from being a diversity fellow at Princeton to becoming a founder of a startup working on racial equity and inclusion in the community is very inspiring and admirable. As a head of diversity fellows this year at Princeton, I am eager to learn more about your graduate experiences at Princeton and your current role at [company name].
I know you are very busy but I would truly appreciate it if you had any availability for a brief chat via phone anytime next month. Thank you in advance for your time and consideration. I hope to have the opportunity to connect with you in the near future.
Sincerely,
[Your name] -
Contacting a former supervisor, mentor, or anyone who you think might be able to help you find contacts or opportunities
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Subject line: Checking-in and seeking assistance
Hi Susan,
I hope all is well! I saw the photos of the conference you attended last month—it looked like a fantastic event. How was your move to San Francisco?
I’m reaching out because I will be graduating in a few months with my [insert degree & major] and am currently seeking a full-time opportunity this coming Fall. As you know, I have been at The Smith Agency for the past year, but I’m ready for a new challenge [name a role/field/industry of interest]
I know you used to work for Pharma Inc. which is on my short list of dream companies. Do you still have any contacts there, and if so, is there someone who might be willing to speak with me about your experiences? Any introductions you could make would be greatly appreciated.
In addition, if you know of any job opportunities or leads you might be able to share with me, please don’t hesitate to send them my way. I’ve attached my resume for your reference, and feel free to pass it along.
Thanks in advance for your help! I’ve always appreciated your guidance and support. Please keep me posted on how things are going and if there’s anything I can do to return the favor. Have a great rest of your week.
Best wishes,
[Your name] -
Following up with someone after some time since last conversation
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Subject line: Following up from March conversation
Dear Sam,
I hope all is well. As I was looking through my emails, I realized it has been some time since I’ve [emailed/followed up/checked in with] you about [subject/location/event where you met]. Since we last spoke, I’ve [provide 2-3 highlights of things you’ve done since]. I also looked into the book you recommended me, and I found [connect piece of what you’ve learned between this time]. I’m looking forward to this academic year and building up my portfolio.
If your schedule allows, it would be great to catch up with you I have availability in the next couple of weeks, please let me know what dates and times work best for you.
Have a great rest of your week!
Kind regards,
[Your name] -
Following up with a person you met at an event
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Subject line: Following up from [name of event]; Request to connect
Hi Ryder,
It was great to meet you at [name of event] on [date]. I had a great time chatting with you about [something you talked about]. On your LinkedIn profile, it says you’re currently working on [responsibility in current job/organization or side project]—and [reason why it relates to you]. I’d love to chat some more and ask you some relatable questions. Let me know if you have availability in the next couple of weeks.
All the best,
[Your name] -
LinkedIn connection request message
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Dear [Name], I’m a Ph.D. candidate in chemical engineering at Princeton. I’m currently exploring my next career step and hoping to learn more about your role. Would you be willing to speak with me this month to discuss how you successfully navigated a career in biotech? Thank you, [Your Name]
Recruiting
Recruiters work for organizations and help them identify and hire candidates to fill their open roles. You will see recruiters at Campus Recruiting events including coffee chats, career fairs, and information sessions.
Contacting a recruiter can help you learn more about an organization (including their application process/timelines), demonstrate your interest in open roles and can improve your likelihood of receiving an offer.
You can use Handshake, LinkedIn, company websites and CareerShift to find recruiters. If you have problems identifying the right contact, email the Center for Career Development, who may be able to provide assistance.
Email samples
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Informing a recruiter you applied to an open role
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Subject line: Princeton senior interested in full-time electrical engineering roles
Dear Recruiter,
I am reaching out because I recently applied to a full-time electrical engineering role at your organization (position number 111). I am pursuing a degree in electrical and computer engineering at Princeton University, and will graduate in May 2025.
My academic background, which includes coursework in networks, computer architecture, and circuits, coupled with my previous internship experience, positions me as a strong candidate for this role. Additionally, I am completing a senior thesis that directly relates to these areas.
I am very interested in [Organization Name] for the innovations you have brought to the field and your focus on renewable energy. I know that I can make an impact within the organization and bring problem-solving and technical skills to the team.
I have attached a copy of my resume for your review and welcome the opportunity to connect and speak further about the position.
Sincerely,
[Your name] -
Sharing with a recruiter that you are interested in their organization
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Subject line: Princeton junior interested in roles at [Organization Name]
Dear Recruiter,
I am a sophomore pursuing a degree at the School of Public and International Affairs at Princeton University and will graduate in [month, year].
Having recently connected with a Princeton alumna at [organization name] at the HireTigers Career Fair, I am enthusiastic about exploring summer opportunities within your organization.
I am particularly interested in pursuing roles like [Title of analysis-based internship] because I am a strong strategic thinker and have experience conducting quantitative and qualitative analyses and communicating concisely in several work settings.
However, I would also like to learn more about [Title of additional internship] and other opportunities to support your organizational priorities of [organizational mission or priorities].
I would appreciate the chance to speak with you to learn about potential openings within your organization that align with my experience.
I am available for meetings between 2-5 p.m. ET every day next week. I would be glad to share my resume if it would be helpful.
I look forward to hearing from you soon.
Sincerely,
[Your name]
Finding research opportunities
An effective method for identifying summer research opportunities with faculty members is by emailing them directly (or a conversation with them after class or at their office hours if it is a professor you know).
Professors' emails are commonly found on their departmental faculty webpage, and you should also review the faculty member’s particular research on their departmental faculty webpage and published journal articles.
In your email, be sure to mention:
- Why you are reaching out to the particular faculty member, indicating enthusiasm about their research
- How your personal interests connect with their research and how working with them is important to your goals
- If you are working to secure funding for independently organized research through a source like the Office of Undergraduate Research Student Initiated Internship Program
Email sample
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Asking Princeton professor or professor from another institution about doing research with them
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Subject line: Sophomore seeking research opportunity in your lab
Dear Professor Panthera,
I am a sophomore studying [major] seeking a research role this [time period]. I would like to ask if there is a possibility of doing research with you or your research group [as an unpaid experience, that I would fund with X funding source].
I am interested in the research you are doing on [topic] [add note about where you learned about it - reading about their research, being part of their class etc]. Your recent work on [content found from their recent journal articles on Google Scholar] is [how it appeals to you].
Additionally, I would like to [explore this field, study this for my thesis, pursue graduate school in this field, etc.]. Research with you would allow me to meaningfully contribute to your work while helping me to [explain how this helps you build towards future goals].
I would be glad to meet to speak with you about what is possible. I have also attached a recent [resume and/or relevant research paper] to help you understand my background.
Thank you for your time and consideration.
Regards,
[Your name]