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In our previous article on networking outreach templates, we spoke about some effective ways to reach out to your target audience. But once you’ve established a connection with them, what’s next? You need to approach them to speak with you one-to-one over a call. This will help you create a better relationship with them, benefitting you in the short and long term. However, many of them may not agree to speak to you due to time constraints or a lack of interest, but some may give it a shot. Thus, it is essential to ask them appropriately. Let’s have a look at some templates below that you can use to request a meeting.
Template for:
1) In-person meeting
While the pandemic has made it difficult for face-to-face meetings, many offices and hangout places have opened up. In such a case, a face-to-face meeting is not impossible. In fact, these are more personal and preferred by many people. If you are looking to meet someone in person, you can use the following template.
Hi <First name>,
Hope you are doing well,
I enjoyed our previous conversation on <a topic from your previous conversation>. I was wondering if we could meet in person and discuss <a topic of interest>, also allowing me to learn a bit more about your current role. Since I am interested in working in a similar profile, your insights will help me make an informed decision.
We can meet at a place of your convenience and time. Please let me know if this suits you well. I am looking forward to speaking with you in person.
Thanks,
<Your name>
2) Virtual meeting
The pandemic left people anxious about their safety. Thus, even when most things are back on track, many people prefer online interactions only. So, if you are one of those people or if your target audience is not within a reasonable distance, go for an online meeting using the following template.
Hi <First name>,
Hope you are doing well,
I was thinking about our last message and thought it would be great if we could catch up some time to discuss more ideas. I find your work very interesting and am looking to work in a similar role. Let me know if you are okay with speaking over a video call sometime soon.
We can choose a time convenient to you. I look forward to hearing back from you.
Thanks,
<Your name>
3) Meeting with a recruiter
Getting hold of a recruiter can be challenging but if you do happen to connect with one, make the most of it. Based on experience, recruiters can provide you with great information on the job market, company requirements, and the job role. Once you build a rapport with them, they can even reach out to you in the future for relevant roles. You can use a template similar to the one below.
Hi <First name>,
Hope you are doing well.
Thank you for <mention something specific from your previous conversation>. I came across the XYZ vacancy and was wondering if we could have a quick chat. I understand you are pretty busy, but I have some queries about the role. I feel my experience and skills are aligned with the requirements, and this role could be a good fit for me, benefitting both of us.
Let me know if this suits you and if we could have an opportunity to talk soon.
Thanks,
<Your name>
4) Meeting with someone working with an employer of choice
Who can tell you the best about a company? Of course, a current or previous employee. We suggest looking for professionals currently working with your employer of choice and organizing a meeting with them. This can help you make an informed decision about working with your target employer. An example of a template that you can use is:
Hi <First name>,
Hope you are doing well.
Our last conversation about your experience at the company was very insightful and helpful to me. Before applying formally, I am looking to gather a bit more information. Since we are already connected, I was thinking if we could speak on a call and I could have the chance to ask you some more questions.
I understand you have a busy schedule, but I’d be grateful if you could accommodate me in your schedule. Any time convenient for you works for me.
Let me know if this sounds okay to you.
Thanks,
<Your name>
If you are changing your domain or industry, speaking to someone who has already worked in it can be a pivotal source of information. We suggest prioritizing such professionals. You can use one of the following templates to request a meeting with them.
5a) Meeting with someone working in your target function/domain
Hi <First name>,
Hope you are doing well.
Our last conversation helped me clear many of my doubts about <add something from your previous conversation>. So I was wondering if you would be willing to speak with me over a call? I have been working in the <your function, e.g.,- HR domain> in the <your industry, e.g.,- tech industry> for quite some time but am planning to switch industries now. The retail industry is one of my top choices, and it would be great if I could speak to you about your experience as an HR professional in the retail industry.
I am okay with any time convenient to you. Let me know if this is possible.
Thanks,
<Your name>
5b) Meeting with someone working in your target industry
Hi <First name>,
Hope you are doing well.
Thank you for letting me know about your background and interests. Based on my experience and skills, I have been planning to switch to the <your target industry>. Since you have a couple of years of experience working in the industry, I would be grateful if you could take some time to speak with me over a call. I believe your insights can help me make an informed decision.
I am okay speaking at any time convenient to you. Please let me know if it sounds okay to you.
Looking forward to hearing back from you.
Thanks,
<Your name>
6) Meeting with industry experts
Industry experts can not only give you great technical information but can also act as mentors to you. So, if you find an industry veteran, we strongly suggest reaching out to them. However, keep in mind that many of them may not respond, which is perfectly okay. Some of them may, and that’s all the support you need. Once you have established a cordial relationship with them, reach out to them with the following template to ask for a meeting.
Hi <First name>,
Hope you are doing well.
Our last conversation was really insightful, and I learned a lot about your role. While I have worked in this industry for some years, your extensive experience gave me a lot of ideas that I can work on in the future. I was wondering if you would be happy to speak with me over a call. I am looking to change jobs and feel your experience can help me move to a better place in my career.
I understand you are pretty busy but let me know if this is possible. A 30-minute call would be great if it works for you.
Looking forward to hearing back from you.
Thanks,
<Your name>