Guides › Careers
Reach out to people for career advice
Short, friendly messages to old colleagues or people in a field you're curious about, asking for a quick chat without feeling awkward.
When to use it
When you want advice or a foot in the door
Step by step
Pick three people
Choose a mix: someone you know well, a former colleague you've lost touch with, and someone doing a job you're curious about.
Draft the messages
Paste a few details about each person into your AI assistant with this prompt.
Prompt to copyWrite short LinkedIn messages (under 80 words each) for these people. My situation: [for example exploring a move into project management]. Person 1: [how I know them, what they do]. Person 2: [...]. Person 3: [...]. Each message should be warm and specific, mention why I'm contacting them in particular, ask for a 15-minute chat or one piece of advice, and make it easy to say no. No flattery, no asking for a job directly. Then write a short follow-up for anyone who doesn't reply within 2 weeks.Personalise and send
Edit each message so it sounds like you, then send through LinkedIn or email.
Prepare for the chat
If someone says yes, ask the AI for 5 good questions to ask about their role and how they got into it.
What you get
Hi Jen, it's been ages since our days on the Riverside reception desk! I saw you're now a project coordinator at a housing charity. I'm thinking about a similar move and would love 15 minutes to hear how you made the jump. Completely understand if you're too busy.
Tips
- Most people are glad to help when the ask is small and specific.
- Always thank people afterwards and let them know what you did with their advice.