Networking Questions & Outreach Templates for Students: Employers, Alumni, Grad School & More

• What helped you determine that this was the right career path for you?
• What advice would you give to a student who is interested in this field but unsure if it’s the right fit?
• If I want to explore related roles, what entry-level positions would you recommend?
• Beyond internships, what experiences (student orgs, volunteer work, part-time jobs) do you think would strengthen a student’s application for this field?
• What most surprised you when you first entered the workforce?

• What industry-specific job or internship boards do you recommend using?
• Are there specific platforms your company uses when posting entry-level/internship positions?
• Are there specific times of year when you typically recruit for full-time or internship roles?
• What specific certifications, skills, or experiences make candidates stand out in your industry/company?
• How important is having a directly related major when applying for your positions?

• Are there unique aspects of your application process that I should be aware of? (e.g., one-page resumes, ATS, portfolio requirements, case studies, writing samples, etc.)
• What are some of the most common mistakes entry-level candidates make in the application process?
• How important are cover letters in your process, and what in your opinion, makes a strong one?
• Are there preferred qualifications in your entry-level or internship roles that I should focus on?
• How important is GPA when you are reviewing applications?

• How would you describe the work culture at your organization?
• What qualities or soft skills help candidates succeed at your company?
• How do you evaluate whether an applicant is a good cultural fit?
• What is something about working at your company (or in this industry) that surprises new hires?
• What makes someone really enjoy their experience at your organization or in this industry??

• What is the expected professional attire in your organization or industry?
• Are there any guidelines for business casual or formal dress codes?
• What unique benefits or perks does your company offer to employees (e.g., stock options, relocation assistance)?
• Does your company offer opportunities for remote or hybrid work?
  • How flexible are these options?
• What initiatives or programs does your company have related to diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging (DEIB)?

• Does your company offer professional development opportunities like mentorship programs, networking events, or short-term projects?
• What are the best ways for students to network with professionals in this industry?
• Have you seen cold emails be successful in networking?
  • If so, what made them stand out?
• Are there professional organizations or online communities that you recommend I join?
• What advice would you give to a student in their first year after graduation to make a difference in their career?

• When you think of a standout entry-level candidate, what qualities or experiences come to mind?
• What are the most common mistakes students make during the interview process?
• What key questions do candidates tend to get wrong or fail to answer well in interviews?
• Have there been certain questions that candidates have asked in interviews that really impressed you?
• What’s something college students often underestimate when preparing for the job market?
• Are there any misconceptions about working in this industry that I should be aware of?

• Does your company have a structured internship program?
  • If so, what is the typical hiring timeline?
• How competitive are your internship programs, and what do successful applicants have in common?
• Do you offer short-term experiences such as externships, project-based work, or virtual job simulations?
• Do you offer an opportunity to negotiate salary, or is the salary offer typically non-negotiable?
  • If negotiable, what advice would you give for the negotiation process?
• Would you consider personal projects or class projects as marketable on a resume?
  • For example, if a student interested in data analytics volunteered to track and analyze basketball data for a local school, would this type of experience be valuable?

• What industry-specific job boards do you recommend for students exploring job opportunities in your field?
• Are there any conferences that you would recommend I attend to build my network and gain exposure to industry trends?
• Are there any rotational programs, fellowships, or other unique opportunities that I should be aware of?
• Are there virtual or hybrid events that have proven valuable for networking and learning about opportunities in your field?

• What is the best piece of career wisdom you would offer to a college student or recent graduate?
• What tough-love piece of advice might be hard to hear but is essential for succeeding in this industry post-graduation?
• If you could go back and tell your college-graduating self one piece of career advice, what would it be?

• What do you feel most proud of about your organization, and what is one area of improvement you’re excited to work on?
• What are some of the goals your organization hopes to achieve in the next 3 years and 10 years?

How this shows up in my life:
I tend to break tension in stressful situations by making people laugh; it’s how I connect with others. I value spaces where playfulness and light-heartedness are welcome.

Why this matters at work:
A workplace with humor can foster connection, reduce stress, and make collaboration easier. It signals a culture where people don’t take themselves too seriously and feel safe being themselves.

Professional Questions to Ask:

• “What’s the team dynamic like; are there moments of fun or humor that bring people together?”
• “How does your team handle stressful situations; is there room for levity?”
• “What’s something funny or lighthearted that happened in the office recently?”

Workplace Fit Rubric for Humor

How this shows up in my life:
When I put effort into something, I feel seen and energized when others acknowledge it; even a small “thank you” goes a long way.

Why this matters at work:
Feeling valued for your contributions can build motivation and morale. A culture of recognition can also indicate thoughtful leadership and healthy team dynamics.

Professional Questions to Ask:

• “How do managers typically recognize individual or team achievements?”
• “Can you describe a time when someone on your team was celebrated for their work?”
• “Is feedback mostly informal, or are there formal recognition processes too?”

Workplace Fit Rubric for Recognition

How this shows up in my life:
I like routines and knowing what to expect; it helps me feel grounded and able to plan ahead. Unpredictability can feel overwhelming.

Why this matters at work:
Stable environments can lead to lower stress, clear expectations, and long-term planning. Especially for early-career professionals, consistency builds confidence.

Professional Questions to Ask:

• “How is workload typically structured; are there predictable routines or is it more dynamic day to day?”
• “How has the team changed over the past year; is there a sense of continuity?”
• “What systems are in place to help manage transitions or organizational changes?”

Workplace Fit Rubric for Stability

Hey [Friend’s Name],

I hope you’re doing well! I was just on LinkedIn looking up [Career Title] professionals to network with and I noticed you are connected to [Professional’s Name] who works at [Name of Organization]. I was wondering how you know him. I would love to have a conversation with [Professional’s Name] to learn more about their role and company, and I wanted to see if this is someone you would feel comfortable introducing me to.

Happy to chat about this in person as well! Talk soon!

Hello Everyone!

I look forward to seeing each of you again for the upcoming holidays!

I am reaching out because I am seeking some support with my career path and hoping you might be able to help. As many of you know, I am very interested in pursuing [career/industry title] opportunities this coming summer. Therefore, I wanted to ask if any of you know of any [career/industry title] openings or have contacts in your network who are [career/industry title].

If you know any [career/industry title] or have connections in [industry title] fields, I would greatly appreciate an introduction. I am eager to conduct informational interviews to learn more about their work, gain insights into the profession, and receive advice on how to secure a [career/industry title] position.

Thank you so much for your continued support!

If you don’t find clear instructions on how to join a student organization, here’s a professional but approachable template you can use to reach out.

Subject: Interested in Joining [Organization Name]

Hello [Organization Name or Contact Person],

My name is [Your Name], and I’m a student at Binghamton interested in learning more about [Organization Name]. I came across your group on B-Engaged and wanted to ask about the process for getting involved.

Could you please let me know if you have any upcoming meetings, events, or application steps for joining? I’d love the chance to contribute and learn more about the opportunities your organization offers.

Thank you for your time, and I look forward to hearing from you.

Best,

[Your Name]

Faculty and staff are excellent resources when exploring majors. They can help you:

• Understand the structure of the curriculum (e.g., is it reading-heavy, project-based, performance-focused?).
• Learn what makes the department unique and how they support students.
• Hear directly from current majors or ambassadors.

Most departments have a “Contact Us” page where you can start with the general office email. Unless there’s a specific address listed for prospective students, use that general email to introduce yourself. Don’t hesitate to reach out! Faculty and students are usually excited to share their passion for the program.

Here are a few sample questions you might ask faculty or department staff:

• What kinds of skills do students typically develop in this program?
• How are courses structured (discussion-based, lectures, labs, projects)?
• What kinds of opportunities exist outside of class (performances, research, internships, exhibitions)?
• How do alumni from this program typically use their degree after graduation?
• Are there students or ambassadors in the department I could talk with about their experiences?

Here’s a template you can customize when reaching out:

Subject: Interested in Learning More About [Major Name]

Dear [Department Name] Team,

My name is [Your Name], and I am a current [year at Binghamton, e.g., first-year/second-year] student who is considering majoring in [Major Name]. I am very interested in learning more about the program and how the curriculum is organized.

I would also love the chance to hear from current students in the major to get their perspective on the program and their experiences. If there are student ambassadors or others you recommend I connect with, I would greatly appreciate it.

Thank you very much for your time and guidance! I’m excited to learn more about [Major Name] and the opportunities it offers.

Sincerely,
[Your Name]

Dear Professor [Faculty Member’s Last Name],

I hope this email finds you well. My name is [Your Name], and I am a [Your Year] majoring in [Your Major] at [Your University]. I recently completed a summer Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU) where I gained significant skills in [Relevant Skills], which I believe align closely with your research on [Faculty Member’s Research Area/Interest].

During my summer REU, I worked on [Brief Description of Your Summer Research Project], which involved [Specific Techniques or Methods Used]. This experience not only enhanced my research capabilities but also deepened my interest in [Specific Aspect of Faculty Member’s Research Area].

I have thoroughly enjoyed reading your recent publications on [Specific Topic or Paper], and I am particularly fascinated by [Specific Element of Their Work]. I am very eager to contribute to your research and further develop my skills under your guidance. I am writing to inquire if there might be any available opportunities for me to assist with your research projects or to serve as a teaching assistant for the upcoming semester.

I am very enthusiastic about the possibility of working with you and am confident that my background and skills could be valuable to your team. Attached to this email is my resume, which provides more details about my academic and research experiences.

Thank you very much for considering my request. I would be delighted to discuss this further and am available at your convenience.

Best regards,

[Your Full Name]

[Your University]

[Attach Resume/CV]

Dear [Recipient’s Name],

My name is [Your Name], and I’m currently a [Your Year/Status, e.g., senior at Binghamton University majoring in [________]. I’m very interested in the [Full Program Name, e.g.,] at [University Name], and I’m hoping to learn more as I consider applying.

I was wondering if there might be opportunities to speak with someone about the program, possibly connect with current students or faculty, or even arrange a visit (virtual or in-person) if that’s available. I’m especially interested in [briefly mention area of interest, e.g.,].

Please let me know if there’s a good time to connect or if there’s someone else you would recommend I reach out to. I’ve reviewed the website, but I’d appreciate the chance to ask a few questions and get a better sense of the community and academic environment.

Thank you for your time, and I look forward to hearing from you!

[Your Full Name]

Hi [Alum’s Name],

I hope you’re doing well! I came across your profile while exploring Mentor Match and was excited to see your experience in [industry/role/company]. [Insert one or two details from their Mentor Match profile, such as their job, career field, or topics they’re open to discussing—e.g., “Your work in digital marketing and openness to supporting students exploring that path really stood out to me.”]

I also took a look at your LinkedIn profile and noticed [mention any other shared interests, student involvement, majors, or meaningful experiences—e.g., “you were involved in [student organization] during your time at [school], which I’m currently part of as well”]. That made me even more excited to reach out.

A bit about me: I’m currently a [year] student majoring in [major] with an interest in [industry, role, or specific career goal]. I’m in the process of exploring career paths and learning from alumni who have pursued careers I admire. I’d love the chance to speak with you briefly, maybe for about 15–20 minutes, to hear more about your journey, experiences, and any advice you might have for someone starting out.

Would you be open to connecting for a short conversation in the coming weeks? I’m happy to work around your schedule and truly appreciate your time and support.

Thanks again, and I look forward to hearing from you!

Sincerely,

[Your Name]

Hi [Name],

I hope you’re doing well! I’ve really appreciated staying connected with you on LinkedIn and seeing the great things you’re doing with [their current role, company, or alma mater – something brief and genuine].

I’m currently in the process of exploring career opportunities in [industry/role] and trying to learn more about different companies and paths people take. While using the LinkedIn alumni tool, I noticed you’re connected with [Person’s Full Name], who works at [Company] as a [Job Title].

I wanted to ask, would you feel comfortable introducing me to them for a quick 15-minute chat? I’d love to learn more about their work and what it’s like at [Company]. Of course, I understand if you don’t know them that well or don’t feel comfortable making the intro.

If an introduction isn’t something you’d be up for, would you be okay with me reaching out to them directly and mentioning that I saw you’re connected and that you encouraged me to reach out? No pressure at all—I just wanted to check in and see what might be most comfortable for you. And if you’d prefer not to be involved or have your name mentioned at all, I completely understand and truly appreciate your time either way.

Thanks so much, and I really appreciate your time and help!

Best,

[Your Name]

Dear [Professional’s Name],

I hope this message finds you well. My name is [Your Name], and I’m a [Your Current Year] studying [your program/major] at [Your University/School]. I recently came across your profile on LinkedIn and was impressed with your extensive experience and expertise in [mention the field or industry of interest].

As someone who is deeply passionate about [mention your interests or goals related to their field], I am constantly seeking opportunities to learn from professionals like yourself who have made significant contributions to the industry. Your career trajectory and accomplishments truly inspire me, and I would be honored to connect with you on LinkedIn.

I am particularly interested in [mention specific aspects or projects from their profile] and would love to hear more about your experiences and insights in this area. Additionally, I am always eager to expand my network and engage in meaningful conversations that can help me grow both personally and professionally.

I understand that your time is valuable, and I would greatly appreciate the opportunity to connect with you. Regardless of the medium, whether it’s through a virtual coffee chat, a brief message exchange, or even just being connected on LinkedIn, I am enthusiastic about the possibility of learning from your expertise and gaining valuable insights that can shape my own journey in [mention your field or area of interest].

Thank you for considering my connection request. I look forward to the possibility of connecting with you and hopefully exploring ways in which we can collaborate in the future!

Best,

[Your Full Name]

Hi [Alum’s Name],

I hope this message finds you well! My name is [Student’s Name], and I’m currently a student at Binghamton University studying [major]. I came across your profile while exploring [Company Name], where I recently applied for an internship in [industry].

I’m really interested in [Company Name] because of [specific reason, e.g., its innovative projects, company culture, etc.], and I noticed your impressive experience there. I’d love to hear about your journey to [Company Name] and what it’s like working there. If you’re open to it, I’d greatly appreciate a quick chat or a brief informational interview at your convenience.

Thank you so much for considering, and I hope to connect soon!

Best regards,

[Student’s Name]

Subject: Request for Letter of Recommendation

Dear Professor [Last Name],

I hope this message finds you well. I am writing to ask if you would be willing to write a letter of recommendation for my application to [Graduate Program] at [University]. I had the privilege of being your teaching assistant for [Course Name] last semester and working on [Research Project] under your guidance for the past year.

I believe that your insight into my academic abilities and research skills would provide a strong endorsement for my application. The program requires that the letter addresses my academic performance, research skills, and potential for success in graduate studies.

Attached to this email, I have included my resume, the details of the program, and a summary of my experiences and accomplishments. If there are any additional materials you need, please let me know.

The deadline for submission is [Date]. Please let me know if you are able to provide this recommendation, and if so, if there are any specific details or forms you need me to complete.

Thank you very much for considering my request. Your support means a great deal to me.

Best regards,

[Your Full Name]

[Your Contact Information]

Subject: Request for Professional Reference

Dear [Supervisor’s Name],

I hope you are doing well. I am reaching out to ask if you would be willing to serve as a professional reference for me as I apply for a [Job Title] position at [Company Name].

During my time working as [Your Position] at [Organization/Department], I developed valuable skills and gained significant experience that I believe are relevant to this new role. Your insights into my work ethic, skills, and contributions would be highly valuable for my application.

I have attached my resume and details about the job I am applying for. I would appreciate the opportunity to discuss this further and provide any additional information you may need. If possible, could we arrange a time to meet in person to go over this?

Thank you very much for considering my request. I greatly value your support and guidance.

Best regards,

[Your Full Name]

[Your Contact Information]

Sample Post-Acceptance Thank You Email

Subject: Thank You and Exciting News

Dear [Name],

I’m excited to share that I’ve been accepted to [Program/Position] at [Organization/School], and I wanted to thank you again for your recommendation and support throughout the process. I truly appreciate the time and effort you took to [write such a detailed letter/provide such thoughtful feedback during the reference call].

Your endorsement played a big role in helping me achieve this goal, and I’m grateful to have had your guidance along the way. I’ll be starting [brief detail about start date or next step], and I look forward to keeping in touch as things progress.

Thank you again for being such an important part of my journey.

Best regards,
[Your Name]

Career Guide: Informational Interview Message – page 26

Exploration Guide: Informational Interview Message – page 30

Networking Suggestions:

• Start with shared connections: Most people skip this step, but it’s powerful. Don’t assume your network isn’t helpful; people are often surprised who knows who!
• Use the People Search: Filter to narrow by industry, school, company, etc., then look for “2nd” connections (meaning someone you know knows them).
• Shared groups matter: If you’re in a group with someone (like an industry-related group or alumni group), you can message them even if you’re not connected; no note limit.
• Personalize your message: Even though templates are above, don’t send something that feels like a template.
  • Mention if you share the same school, major, or interest.
  • Point out something specific from their profile (a past internship, a cool project, a company you admire).
  • A little personality or shared context goes a long way.

Bottom Line: Start with mutual connections when possible, then try direct messaging through a shared group or Premium. Only send cold connection requests with notes if the other two aren’t options, and make sure each message reflects you and what you genuinely find interesting about them!

Use this if:

• You’re already connected with the person
• You’re in a shared LinkedIn group (you can message them even if you’re not connected!)
• You have LinkedIn Premium, which gives you access to send InMails

This is one of the best options when available because you’re not limited by character count, and you can personalize your message fully.

• Always check for second-degree connections
• Go to the person’s profile → Click “Mutual Connections” to see who you both know
• If you know that shared connection well, reach out to them first (template above)
• This often has a higher success rate because it builds trust through someone they already know

• You can send a short note (limited to 200 characters) with your request
• Be brief but specific; mention a shared interest or why you’d like to connect (template above)
• Use this option carefully since you only get 5 notes per month if you’re on the free version

• Crafting Your Elevator Pitch – page 24
• Tips for Networking In-Person – page 25
• Career Guide: Overview of Informational Interviews (self-made networking events) – page 26 
• Exploration Guide: Overview of Informational Interviews (self-made networking events) – page 32 
• Tips for the Job & Internships Fairs – page 27
• Full Overview of LinkedIn – pages 28-30

• LinkedIn Alumni Tool – (100,000+ alumni)
  • Exploring Through LinkedIn Worksheet – page 29
• Mentor Match 
  • Related Worksheet – page 31
• 30-Contacts in 3-Minutes Worksheet – page 27
• Listen to Professionals Give Industry Advice in Short Clips – Candid Career
  • Related Worksheet – page 9

• Career Guide: Creating Thank You Messages – page 31
• Exploration Guide: Creating Thank You Messages – page 32

Drop-ins: When classes are in session, Monday-Friday, from 12-4 p.m., you can visit our office to schedule a 20-minute drop-in with our staff

Appointments: You can schedule your 30-minute career session on Handshake. These are offered all year and can be done virtually and in person.

Online Resources: Visit uConnect, our virtual career center that is always accessible to support your career needs

Picture Source: Media Library, uConnect

Thumbnail Photo Source: Gemini Image Generator

AI Assistance: Portions of this resource were developed with support from ChatGPT, an AI language model by OpenAI, used to help synthesize research, generate summaries, and refine formatting. All final content was reviewed and customized for Binghamton University students.