Hi, Jared. I'm currently a UCSF student exploring careers in industry, and I saw that you recently made that transition. Mammoth sounds like an exciting place to be! I’d love to connect.

An example for LinkedIn after you've successfully connected:

Hi, Jared. Thanks so much for connecting! As I mentioned, I am exploring careers in industry and became interested in Mammoth after I saw one of your colleagues Divya Das, speak on campus. Would you be willing to share more about your experience in a 30-minute Zoom chat sometime in the next few weeks?

An example for someone in your extended community:

Hi Lin, it’s been a while since you graduated, I hope everything is going great with you and your family! I’ve recently decided to pursue consulting jobs, and I thought of you right away as someone who would have great advice. Might you be willing to chat about your experience at LEK over a 30-minute coffee sometime in the next few weeks?

An example for early-stage grad students:

Hi Dr. A,

I'm a first-year student in the B program and I’m planning my rotations. I’m interested in your lab because C. Would you be available to discuss a possible rotation in your lab for 20 minutes sometime in the next two weeks?

Thank you,

D

An example if you were connected by a mutual friend/colleague:

Hi Peter Postdoc. I am a current UCSF PhD student working in [field], and Carlos from Stark Labs mentioned that you would be a great person to speak with to learn more about applying [X technique] to [Y]. Would you be willing to chat over a 30-minute coffee sometime in the next few weeks?

An example for faculty job searches:

Dear Dr. X,

My K9 mentor, Y, suggested I reach out to you, as I shared with her that [university] is one of the institutions where I intend to apply for a faculty position this year. I’m wondering if you might have 20 minutes to chat with me about your experience at your institution. To share a bit about my background, I’m an immunologist who focuses on autoimmunity, using a type I diabetes mouse model. I’ve attached my CV to give you a sense of my background. If you’re going to ASCB this year, perhaps we can meet at the conference, but we can also talk by phone or Zoom; I’m flexible and will adapt to your schedule. Thank you for considering my request.

Sincerely,

Z

An example for thanking them 1-2 days after the coffee chat:

Hi Sudha, thanks so much for taking the time to chat with me! The article you mentioned sounds like just what I was looking for, and I definitely plan to get in touch with Mark. Thank you again for taking the time, and best of luck on that big push with your new project this spring!

An example for following up 2-3 months after the coffee chat:

Hi Sudha, thanks so much for taking the time to chat with me in October! The article you mentioned was so helpful, and I was able to get in touch with Mark, who had some great suggestions too. I wanted to let you know that I’m graduating in two months and currently applying for jobs, so if you see anything that might be a good fit and would be willing to send it my way, I’d be very grateful! I hope you’re doing well and that your new puppy has settled in well.