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However, if you’re introducing yourself to someone who does possess the di-
rect authority to hire you, you may wish to offer more detail. In this case, be spe-
cific about what you can bring to the corporation, the team, or your supervisor.
Where relevant, use facts and figures to make your case—ones you can honestly
support in an interview. Instead of listing your skills in a vacuum, link them to
concrete benefits that they offer your next employer. You may wish to refer back
to the worksheets in Chapter 3 for pointers on how to do this.
In the samples that follow, you’ll see examples of Networking Letters both
brief and lengthy. As you read them, try and discern the reason that the writer
may have had for contacting each recipient. Apply this to your own circum-
stances, and you’ll create a more effective letter.

STEP 3: REQUEST ACTION
You’ve established a personal connection. You’ve convinced the reader that you
rate the time and energy required to comply with your request. Now, forge a bar-
gain with the reader: “I’ll do the work, if you’re ready with what I need.”
If you haven’t already asked for whatever it is you want, now is the time to
do so. State straight out exactly what you need, and how the reader can help you.
Don’t annoy your reader by beating around the bush. You should be polite, but
also be direct. Your reader should not have to spend time deciphering puzzling in-
nuendoes. If you’re writing to introduce yourself, say so. If you’re writing to ask
for a referral, say so. Above all, don’t ask for something that’s inappropriate.
Then, tell the reader what to do, and be specific. If you’ve asked her to con-
tact you, provide your reader with your address, e-mail address, and telephone
numbers for both work and home, along with a time that is best to reach you. If
you have a pager, cellular phone, beeper, or answering service, supply instruc-
tions for using it. If you require confidentiality, say so. Make it as easy as possible
for your reader to reach you. If you’re asking that something be sent to you, in-
clude a fax number, e-mail address, or a stamped, self-addressed return envelope.
Or, if you are the one who will take action, tell the reader what to expect.
State exactly what you will do to facilitate a response. If you plan to contact your
reader, say when, how, and why. If you’re visiting from out of town, and would
like to meet with your reader, state when you’ll be in town and when you’ll be
available. If possible, offer several alternate dates and times.

OPTIONAL STEP 4: CLOSE WARMLY
It’s highly advisable to end your Networking Letters with a professional, yet
friendly sign-off. Closing warmly—by thanking the reader in advance for com-
plying with your request—frequently enhances the likelihood of getting the re-
sponse you seek. You’ll find examples of such closings in the sample letters that
follow.

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