Building connections is an important part of creating a professional career in any field you may have. However, if you are new to the industry or just starting up, what can you do to build and expand your network?

The best way to start building your network is by writing a networking letter which you can send to connect with prospects who can help you in the industry. Prospects can be your family members, college professors, or any people in your social circle who are in the same industry as you.

Writing a networking letter to these contacts can help you find more opportunities to gain work, as well as let people know that you are looking for a job.

But like other cover letters, writing a networking letter is not easy. The letter should sound professional and do not outright say that you are looking for a job. It must show that you are interested in connecting with the recipient, learn more about the industry, and boost your network.

Here are some samples to help you write a networking letter:

Sample letter: When requesting a meeting

Dear Jane Doe,

I had the pleasure of meeting you years ago when you discussed the latest trend in digital marketing at GIIS Singapore’s marketing conference. During your talk, you told us to find our niche in the digital world because it will be the main industry in the future. You also discussed how you broke into the industry with your happy-go-lucky approach.

Since then, I became enthralled with digital marketing and followed your successes on how you transformed MediaOne. This year, the company has led a unique digital campaign to introduce the government’s movement for sustainable living.

Your advice to look for an internship in the industry was life-changing. After graduation, I was introduced to Impossible Marketing. I worked in every aspect of digital marketing for four years that I even got involved with some of the campaigns launched by the agency. Now, I wish to apply my education and experience to a marketing firm in Tampines.

During your talk, you told us that you are always ready to answer our inquiries if we needed a bit of advice, so I listed down your contact details. Depending on your availability, I hope that I can arrange a discussion with you through your secretary in the next few days. I look forward to meeting you again and receiving your advice.

Thank you so much for inspiring me to go into digital marketing and pushing me forward to this career.

Sincerely,
John Smith

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Sample letter: When thanking someone

Dear John Smith,

Thank you for giving me some of your time to discuss your professional profile in our meeting. I see you as one of my inspirations in the field, and I am very honoured that you took some time off to review my career plans and recommended options for me to try out.

I appreciate your offer to help me reach out to your list of connections to get a feel in the industry. I am sorting out the contacts you mailed to me, and I will send the networking letters as early as possible. I have also started reaching out to the professionals you recommended to improve my job hunt.

If you have other suggestions, please feel free to share it with me. I will also update you if there are some improvements in my career search.

Thank you very much again for your help, and I appreciate all the help you are giving me.

Best regards,
Jane Doe

Conclusion

If you are new in the industry, don’t underestimate the impact that connections could give in your career. With their help, you can gain a new perspective regarding the industry you are joining in and find more opportunities you may not have been able to see on your own. Take some time to look through your contacts because maybe one of them is your guide to a successful future career.

Need help in securing that dream job interview? Here is how to get them:
Guest Post: 6 TOP TIPS TO ACE THAT INTERVIEW!
Insider knowledge: How To Prepare And Smash An Executive Job Interview
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