Networking outreach checklist: ask for insight with a clear purpose

How to use this resource

1. Identify why this person is relevant using a real and respectful connection.
2. Prepare one or two open questions that would help your own career exploration.
3. Write a concise request that gives the recipient an easy way to decline or suggest a different time.
4. Record a thoughtful thank-you or next step without repeatedly pursuing a non-response.

Outreach is for information, not entitlement

Networking can help you learn how work is actually done, what skills a field uses, and which questions matter to your own decisions. UC Davis Career Center frames networking as relationship development and informational interviewing rather than asking everyone for a job.

This checklist helps you make a clear, limited request. It cannot create a relationship, guarantee a reply, or turn public profile details into permission to contact someone repeatedly.

A useful request has a purpose

Vague

“Can you help me get a job?” puts an undefined request on the recipient.

Specific

Ask for a short conversation about a field, a role's daily work, or a question you genuinely need to explore.

Respectful

Explain how you found the person accurately and make it easy for them to decline.

Original planning prompts

• Shared context: “I saw your public talk about community health research.”
• Learning question: “What entry-level tasks helped you understand the field?”
• Follow-up note: “Thank them for a specific insight; do not assume an ongoing commitment.”

Requirements and limitations

• Use only an accurate shared context, public information, or referral.
• Respect privacy, professional boundaries, and a person's choice not to respond.
• Do not imply that someone endorsed you, promised a referral, or offered a role.