Make a request

Making a request is an important task because it’s your opportunity to grab someone’s attention and potentially set up a future conversation. It’s a learned skill that isn’t a natural talent to most people. There are multiple aspects to a request, but at its core you are trying to make a connection with another person for your request to be considered. This means you should be purposeful in who you reach out to and tailor your request to that individual.

This two minute video from Duke Alumni is a great overview of how to make a request. Take a couple of notes as you watch to get started. Below are additional actions to increase your confidence and success in receiving responses. 

There are a variety of ways to approach making a request but we reliably return to a few that have work for Engineering Master’s students. Use the methods below to learn more about making a request and begin creating your strategy. 

  • Use this worksheet to write an introductory request message that includes three elements: who you are, why you’re introducing yourself to them, and what you’re asking for. 
  • Use Steve Dalton’s 6 point email from the 2 Hour Job Search (55:53 timestamp) that focuses on being brief, human, subtle, direct, egoless, and sincere. 

✅ Take inspiration from these examples of outreach messages and insights as you create your own drafts. Reach out to career coaches via MS Teams or an appointment if you want some feedback on your drafts.

  • Engineering Master’s students report success with customizing this suggested LinkedIn outreach message —

    Hello xxxxx! I was excited to see a fellow <something you have in common: ex. Duke xxxxx enthusiast> working in xxxxx space. Your LI post about xxxxxx was fascinating and was the topic of discussion in my recent xxxxx class. I’d love to learn more about your path. Can we connect here, and I’ll send a follow-up message? Thanks, xxxxx

  • This article from The Muse has 10 different LinkedIn outreach messages you could sending depending on your relationships with the receiver. 
  • Examples from Resume Worded of LinkedIn requests for a variety of audiences.
  • Another article from The Muse with 4 outreach examples via email. 
  • Recruiter specific! Learn about the mindset of employers and how they want to receive powerful outreach messages from this reading advice from recruiters.
    • This post by a Fast Company contributor also provides insights for how to authentically connect with recruiters.

✅  Incorporate the research. Studies like this exist and provide insight on human behavior and responding to outreach. 

What if I’m not getting responses from my outreach messages? Check out this section about follow-up.

📚Additional Materials

Outreach Guide | Duke Career Hub
Outreach through Hashtags | The Muse
Develop Your Outreach Message| LinkedIn Learning
How to Respond to a Recruiter | Resume Worded
Learn from People Doing Interesting Things | Duke Career Hub
Use LinkedIn to Connect | Duke Career Hub

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