The most common reason networking emails go unanswered is that they make a big ask from a stranger. Here is a framework that dramatically improves response rates.
Make a small specific ask
Instead of “Can we get coffee sometime?” ask for something specific and small: “Would you have 15 minutes for a phone call in the next two weeks?” Small, bounded asks are much easier to say yes to.
Show you know their work
Reference something real: a talk they gave, an article they wrote, a project they worked on that you genuinely know about. This shows you are not sending a mass template and that you found them for a reason. For more on this, see our guide on write a job application email that gets read.
Explain why you are reaching out to them specifically
Why them, specifically? “I came across your work on X while researching companies working on Y” is far more compelling than “You seem like a successful person in this field.”
Be honest about your purpose
If you are job searching, say so briefly and honestly. Most people are willing to spend 15 minutes talking to a genuine person who is direct about what they are looking for. Obscuring your purpose creates friction.
Read next
- How to Write a Cover Letter for an Email Application
- How to End a Cover Letter That Gets You the Interview
- How to Write a Cold Email to a Company You Want to Work For
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does a recruiter spend looking at a resume?
Recruiters typically spend 6-10 seconds on an initial scan. They look for job title relevance, company names, and whether the most recent role is at the right level for the position.
What do recruiters look for first on a resume?
Most recruiters look first at your most recent job title and company, then check dates for gaps or progression, then assess whether the experience level matches what they need.
Should I include a summary at the top of my resume?
Yes, for experienced candidates. A 2-3 sentence summary that speaks directly to your target role helps recruiters understand your value instantly.
How many bullet points should each job have?
3-5 bullets for recent roles, 1-2 for older ones. Each bullet should describe an accomplishment or outcome, not just a task or responsibility.
Most cover letters fail because they summarize the resume rather than add to it. A recruiter reading your cover letter already has your resume in hand. They do not need you to recap it. What they want to know is why this role, at this company, is one you are genuinely excited about, and what specific experience makes you a stronger candidate than the other 150 applicants who also ticked all the required boxes. For more on this, see our guide on write a linkedin message that gets a response.
The best cover letters I have seen treat the format like a brief business proposal. They open with a specific observation about the company or role, connect that observation to a relevant achievement, and close with a clear next step. This structure respects the hiring manager’s time while demonstrating that you have done real research rather than sending a mass application.
Length matters here, too. A cover letter should be between three and four paragraphs. Any shorter and it feels dismissive of the opportunity. Any longer and you are asking a busy hiring manager to read a document they typically spend less than thirty seconds on. Every sentence should either demonstrate fit, show enthusiasm, or move the reader closer to wanting to meet you.
One technique that consistently works is the mirroring approach. Take three words or phrases directly from the job description that describe the ideal candidate, then reflect them back using examples from your own experience. This shows attentiveness to what the employer actually wants while demonstrating that you meet those criteria without copying their language verbatim. For more on this, see our guide on write a cover letter that actually gets read.
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