When contacting someone in your network, ask for one specific introduction instead of broad help with your job search. Name the role or team you are exploring, explain why you chose that person, and make the requested next step easy to complete.
This works because a contact can quickly understand what you need and decide whether they know the right person. A request such as “Let me know if you hear of anything” requires them to guess how to help. A focused request gives them a clear option without pressuring them to recommend you for a job.
Choose the right introduction
Start with a role, department, or type of professional conversation. Look through your contact’s current organization, past employers, professional groups, or recent projects. Then identify one person who could offer useful context, such as someone doing the work you want to pursue or someone familiar with the hiring team.
Ask for an introduction only when there is a reasonable connection. Mention the shared context briefly: a former workplace, a course, a professional event, or a mutual project. If you cannot identify a plausible connection, ask for advice instead of implying that an introduction is available.
Write the request in four parts
- Open with a genuine, brief reason for contacting the person.
- State the role or area you are exploring.
- Explain why the proposed contact would be relevant.
- Ask for one introduction and offer a short message they can forward.
Keep the request short enough to read on a phone. Do not attach your entire resume unless the person asks for it. Include a profile link or resume only if it helps them understand your background.
Worked example
Instead of writing:
“I’m looking for a new role in product marketing. Please let me know if you hear of anything.”
Write:
“Hi Maya, I enjoyed working with you on the customer onboarding project at Northstar. I’m now exploring product marketing roles focused on SaaS adoption, and I noticed you’re connected with Daniel, who leads product marketing at BrightPath. If you know him well enough, would you be comfortable introducing us for a 15-minute conversation about his team’s work? I’d be glad to send a short note you can forward: ‘Daniel, meet Maya’s former colleague Jordan, who is exploring SaaS product marketing and would value hearing about your experience at BrightPath.’ No pressure if the connection is not close.”
The final sentence gives your contact a comfortable way to decline. If they agree, respond promptly with the forwardable note, your availability, and one or two focused questions for the conversation.
Make the request today
Choose one contact, identify one relevant person, and send a message with the four parts above. Track the date and follow up once after about a week if you have not received a response, without repeating the entire request.
Takeaway: Ask for one clearly defined introduction so your contact knows exactly how to help.
