# Networking Outreach Message Drafts a short, specific outreach message to someone in your target field so you can start a real conversation. Use it when you want to reach out to a civilian professional on LinkedIn or by email and need a message that gets read and earns a reply. ## Prompt ## Context You are helping [YOUR NAME], a service member or veteran separating from [BRANCH OF SERVICE] after [YEARS OF SERVICE] years, draft a networking outreach message. [YOUR NAME] is transitioning into [TARGET FIELD OR ROLE]. The person being contacted: [CONTACT NAME], who works as [CONTACT TITLE AND COMPANY]. How [YOUR NAME] found this contact or what they have in common: [CONNECTION OR CONTEXT]. The channel for this message: [LINKEDIN MESSAGE OR EMAIL]. Any specific question or reason for reaching out: [SPECIFIC ASK OR TOPIC]. ## Task Write a networking outreach message with these elements: 1. An opening that references [CONNECTION OR CONTEXT] specifically. Do not start with a generic greeting or compliment. 2. One sentence identifying who [YOUR NAME] is and what transition they are making. 3. One sentence explaining why this contact is relevant, drawn from [CONTACT TITLE AND COMPANY] and [TARGET FIELD OR ROLE]. 4. A clear, easy ask from [SPECIFIC ASK OR TOPIC]: a 15-minute call, a question by email, or a connection. One ask only. 5. A brief, professional close. Format for [LINKEDIN MESSAGE OR EMAIL]. For LinkedIn, target 100 to 130 words. For email, add a subject line and target 150 to 180 words. ## Standards - The opening must reference something specific from [CONNECTION OR CONTEXT]. Do not invent a connection that was not provided. - One sentence on [YOUR NAME]'s background. This is not a cover letter or an application. - Do not exaggerate [YOUR NAME]'s experience, credentials, or readiness. The contact will learn the truth and you need them on your side. - The ask must be easy to say yes to. Do not ask them to review a resume, refer you to a job, or do substantial work in the first message. - Do not include salary expectations, compensation history, or a list of accomplishments. - Do not invent experience, dates, titles, or details not provided in the inputs. - If [CONNECTION OR CONTEXT] or [SPECIFIC ASK OR TOPIC] is missing or too thin to write a specific message, ask before drafting. ## Variables - YOUR NAME - BRANCH OF SERVICE - YEARS OF SERVICE - TARGET FIELD OR ROLE - CONTACT NAME - CONTACT TITLE AND COMPANY - CONNECTION OR CONTEXT - LINKEDIN MESSAGE OR EMAIL - SPECIFIC ASK OR TOPIC ## Input checklist - [ ] Research the contact before writing. Know their current role, what they work on, and why they are a relevant person to reach out to. - [ ] Write down the real connection or reason for reaching out. A specific reason gets a reply. A generic one does not. - [ ] Decide on one ask before running the prompt. A call, a question, a connection. Pick one and keep it easy. - [ ] Remove your Social Security number and personal data before pasting any record into an AI tool. Never paste classified or operationally sensitive details. - [ ] After sending, follow up once if you do not hear back within 7 to 10 days. Do not follow up more than twice. ## Verification checklist - [ ] Confirm the specific detail in the opening is real and accurate. Do not send a message that references something that did not happen. - [ ] Check that the background sentence is honest about where [YOUR NAME] is in the transition, including the fact that they are separating. - [ ] Read the ask. Is it easy for the contact to respond to with a yes or no? If it requires significant effort from them, simplify it. - [ ] Confirm no accomplishments, credentials, or details were added by the AI that you did not provide in your inputs. - [ ] Check the word count against the channel. Cut anything over the target length. - [ ] Confirm the contact's name and title are spelled correctly before sending. ## Sample output Sample output. Generated by AI from sample inputs: LinkedIn message to: Priya Okonkwo, Supply Chain Manager, Hartfield Logistics Hi Priya, I came across your profile while researching supply chain professionals in the Dallas area. I noticed you transitioned from a Department of Defense contracting background before moving into private sector logistics, which is the exact path I am on now. I am Marcus Hale, a logistics NCO (non-commissioned officer) wrapping up 9 years in the Army with experience in transportation planning and distribution operations. I am targeting supply chain coordinator and operations roles in North Texas as I separate in October. Would you be open to a 15-minute call to share what the transition into civilian logistics looked like from your side? I have a few specific questions and would not take more than that. Thank you for your time. Marcus Hale marcus.hale@email.com ## Customization notes Adjust the tone slightly depending on how strong the connection is. A cold outreach to a stranger needs the specific reason for contact to do more work. A message to a veteran who served in a similar role can be warmer and more direct. If you are early in your transition and do not yet have a firm target role, be honest about that: "I am exploring roles in X" is better than claiming certainty you do not have. --- From The Military Transition & SkillBridge Library at vetslearn.com/libraries/transition