Many job seekers and career changers are not sure how to ask for and set up a networking meeting with someone they haven’t met. If that sounds like you, here are the five items you need to include in a communication asking for a meeting. 

#1: Common bond. Open your email/phone call with your common bond. Some examples: 

• “Jane Smith suggested that I give you a call.”

• “I am a recent graduate of \[school you have in common\] trying to get my career in \_\_\_\_\_\_\_ off the ground.” “I’m considering a move to your area and \_\_\_ suggested that you would be able to fill me in on the \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_ industry in your region.” 

#2: Request for help. The reason you want to meet with someone is because they have information or knowledge that may be helpful to you. They’re an expert in your field or they know a lot about what is going on in the industry or perhaps have lots of great contacts. 

Start the conversation with: “I’m looking for advice on transitioning from manufacturing to the health care industry. Jane mentioned that you made a similar transition several years ago and would have valuable information to share.” 

#3: A little bit about yourself. Here is where you share a few details about your training and work experience. Just tell them enough so they have a feel for your background and are enticed to meet with you.  Try something like: “I have 15 years of experience in process improvement in medical device manufacturing and I’m interested in learning how my skills would be perceived in a hospital setting.” 

#4: The ask. This is where you ask for a 20-minute meeting to get their advice and suggestions. Be direct: “To that end, I’d like to set up a 20 minute meeting to get your thoughts and suggestions.” 

#5: Closing. Keep the ball in your court. Let them know that you’ll be following up in a few days to arrange a mutually convenient time to meet. Keep the closing simple: “I will contact your office in the next couple of days to determine if we can find a convenient time to meet in the next few weeks. Thanks.” 

If they balk at scheduling an in-person meeting (it’s getting harder and harder to do this), schedule a phone call or Skype meeting. 

Next steps 

Be sure to follow up when you say you will. If your initial contact was an email and they haven’t replied within a couple of days, call them to schedule a meeting. If you get voice mail, tell them you sent an email and are following up as promised.

If they don’t call back, try another email or call their assistant if they have one. After three or four attempts, move onto someone else on your list. 

The meeting 

You’re asking for the meeting, so you need to have an answer to the question: “What can I do for you?” Tell them a little bit about yourself, what type of position you’re seeking, and bring a list of questions to ask. If you’re hoping to shift to a different industry, ask them if your skills would be valued in that sector. Close the meeting by asking if there is anything you can do for them. You’d be surprised what can come out of that offer. 

A successful networking meeting should result in the following:

• Names of other people (at least 3 to 5) with whom you can follow up. These people will probably not have job leads for you, but they may be one step closer to someone who will.

• Names of companies (at least 2 or 3) that might be a good fit for you. 

Thank you 

After the meeting or phone call, send a thank you note. Email is okay, handwritten snail mail works well, too. (If you have poor handwriting, though, go with email or typewritten.) Thank them for the names they provided and let them know who you plan to follow up with. Finally, be sure to actually follow up promptly with the names they provide! 

Stay in touch

Remember that networking should be a two-way relationship. Look for opportunities to send information or articles that you think would interest this new member of your network. Keep them in the loop about what you're doing (once every month or two is plenty) and let them know when and where you've landed. Finally, don't drop the relationship once you've found a job. Keep your network alive for the long term—you'd be surprised how helpful it can be to have a large number of people in your corner. And, if they need YOUR help, be sure to give it willingly.

So try some of these suggestions and let me know how it goes!