Here Is the Email Template To Use When You Want To Ask For An Introduction

Throughout the course of your career, there will be times when you need to ask for an introduction–even when you don’t want to. Whether you’re a new entrepreneur looking for an “in” with investors or just seeking a career change, you’ll need to tap your network for referrals, connections, and opportunities to chat.

Needless to say, making these requests can feel awkward–but it doesn’t have to. Here’s a six-step process that can make the whole experience less scary, all starting with the very first email you send, asking to be put in touch.

How to ask for an introduction

Follow these easy steps to craft your request message:

1. Know why you’re asking.

Before you reach out to your contact for an introduction, be sure you know why you want it. Are you interested in an informational interview about the work this person does? Are you looking for an expert to give you insight on a specific project? Are you hoping to learn more about an open role at their company?

Networking is important, but it needs to be intentional.

2. Be upfront.

Once you’ve identified the person who knows you and your desired connection, send an email or LinkedIn message to your contact that’s casual and polite, but don’t bury the lede. Make it clear early in your note what you’re asking for and include a link to the desired connection’s LinkedIn profile.

3. Provide them with all the info they need.

Emily Liou previously wrote that your request for an introduction should answer the following questions:

• Why do you want the introduction?
• What about the person’s background interests you? What specifically about their experience makes them special?
• What is your professional summary or background overview?
• What do you hope to get out of the introduction?

By making sure your request answers these questions, you’ve done a lot of the work for your connection. Instead of having to figure out how to describe you themselves, for example, they have your own words to use. This makes it easier to say yes to your request.

4. Write them an email they can easily forward (optional).

If you don’t want to include all this info in your initial request, let your connection know that you’ll follow up with an email that they can forward easily to really take the guesswork out of what to share with their other connection.

That day, be sure to send an email that’s easily forwarded to your target. Remember that you’re really speaking to two audiences here–your mutual connection and your desired connection.

In your note, you should provide some basic details about yourself–yes, your mutual connection knows who you are, but your new connection probably doesn’t. In addition, you should be specific about your request and who you’re trying to get to. It’s not enough to ask for a generic intro. After all, your mutual connection is putting their social capital and network on the line. Make sure you take that seriously and do your homework before you make the request.

Here’s a sample email for forwarding:

Jane,

Good to catch up this week–enjoyed hearing about the trip to Iceland. As I mentioned, I’m looking for an introduction to John Smith at XYZ Company.

As you know, in my role as the CEO of Euclid, I spend a lot of time with various retail and restaurant leaders understanding how we can provide the most impact in solving some of their most pressing customer acquisition and offline attribution problems. We’ve just released a new product that is seeing some surprising traction with restaurant chains and John’s feedback on how he might think about this type of data would be very helpful.

Would you mind making an introduction? Let me know if you need anything else that might be helpful.

Thanks!Brent

5. Give them an “out.”

Always give the other person an easy out in case they can’t make the connection for one reason or another. If the person declines to make the introduction, don’t take it personally. Be gracious, say thank you, move on. They might not know the person that well, or have some history that you’re simply not privy to.

6. Show gratitude.

Once your mutual connection does make their intro, don’t forget that they’re doing you a favor and putting their relationship and credibility on the line. Make them look good. Respond immediately on the same day.

Make it super easy for your target to connect with you and find a good time to talk. Remember, this person doesn’t know you so your behavior is a reflection on the mutual introduction who connected you. Don’t embarrass them.

If you can, find a way to be helpful after the introduction is made. Comb your network for people who might be helpful to your new connection. Pass along a useful article. Send along a small gift after a good conversation, such as a book that has relevance to something you discussed, with a warm note of thanks. And while you’re at it, follow up with your mutual connection to say thanks and report back on how your conversation went. It’s always great to hear that things went positively.

Introduction request template

If you’re still struggling to craft your own message (or just need to save time), just plug your info into our handy template below!

Hi [Your contact],

Hope all is well. It was great to [see you/talk to you/meet you/catch up] at [the last time you talked]! How is [something you know your contact cares about]?

I’m reaching out to ask for an introduction to [Name] at [Company]. I’m currently [quick summary of your current situation]. Specifically, I’m interested in [your specific area of interest] due to [your background in this area]. I noticed that you’re connected to [Name], and I think that [reason you’d like to speak to this person]. I would love the opportunity to [what you’ll be requesting from their contact].

Would you mind making an introduction on my behalf? Please let me know if you have any questions or need anything else from me to make it easier!

Thank you,[Your Name]

Don’t be afraid to change up the template as needed to suit your individual situation.

Example messages asking for an introduction

Here are a few examples that follow the techniques above and cover a variety of situations where you might need to ask for an introduction.

Sample Email #1

Hi Jamaal,

Hope all is well. It was great to chat with you at the holiday party! How is your family doing? Did your daughter choose a college yet?

I’m reaching out to ask for an introduction to Danielle Tran at Tech Co. After five years in coding, I’m currently thinking about the next steps in my career. Specifically, I’m considering making the switch from engineering to project management. I noticed that you’re connected to Danielle, and I know from her LinkedIn posts that she made a similar transition and loves to talk with developers who want to learn more. I would love the opportunity to briefly chat with her about her career transition and ask if she can share any tips.

Thank you,Amanda

Sample Email #2

Hope all is well. It was good to see you at the retail leaders’ dinner in Palo Alto in July. How was the trip to Iceland? It’s still on our bucket list.

I’m reaching out to ask for an introduction to John Smith at XYZ Company. We’ve just released a new product that is seeing some surprising traction with restaurant chains. John’s feedback on how he might think about this type of data would be very helpful.

Would you mind making an introduction? If so, I’ll send you an email that will make it easy to forward to John.

Sample Email #3

This message (again from Emily Liou) doesn’t follow the template exactly, but is a good example of an introduction request from a student near graduation:

Hi Emily,

I stumbled across Bob Smith’s profile on LinkedIn as I was researching local meteorologists. I was particularly impressed with his published academic papers on climate change. His findings have not only made large contributions toward sustainability, but have also raised my awareness and impacted me to be make more conscious decisions in my purchases.

I’m currently finishing up my PhD program (graduating next month!) at UC Berkeley in the area of Atmospheric Sciences and would be very interested in meeting a fellow Cal alumni with such extensive experience in the field. I’d very much appreciate an introduction in case our schedules sync up so I can treat him to a cup of coffee, as I admire the wealth of knowledge he has developed in the field.

Thank you,Anna

Regina Borsellino also contributed writing, reporting, and/or advice to this article.