Begin with research

Before you reach out, research the person you want to contact and their org. This will help you understand your audience, and make sure they’re the right person to talk to.

Customise your message

Use your research to personalise your message. For example, use people’s names and their professional title and link their title to the issue you want to discuss.Mention a particular project of theirs that you are interested in and want to discuss.

Introduce yourself

Consider why you’re reaching out to someone as well as the context when deciding what information to share about yourself. If there’s a personal connection (like a common interest or a reason you’re passionate about their work) it can help to include this when connecting.

Be clear about your purpose

Let them know why you’re reaching out – are you looking for a mentor, an opportunity to collaborate, or for advice? And is there any relevant info from recent work they’ve done that you could refer to?

Try to be as specific as you can about what you’re looking for.

Timing

Be appropriate in your timing. This usually means sending emails or contacting them during standard business hours (9 AM - 5 PM, Monday-Friday). You can always schedule your email to send during business hours.

Be patient

You won't always get an immediate response, especially if your request requires some research or information. Allow a reasonable amount of time for a response.

If you do have a deadline, make sure you have allowed yourself plenty of time for a response, plan ahead.

Follow up

It’s okay to send a follow-up message if you have not heard back. Sending a polite follow-up message can prompt people to respond and show dedication to your cause.

Persevere

If you don’t hear back from someone, or they aren’t able to support you with a request, don’t give up!

Sometimes this means seeking other people who may be more supportive of your cause. It may also be that timing isn't right, and the person you’re contacting will ask you to reach out at another time.

You would be surprised at how your networks can connect you with people.

  • You can ask friends or family if they know anyone working in your area of interest, for example, the waste and consumption space or social housing. They may know someone from work or someone they have on social media that they could connect you with.
  • LinkedIn is also a great place to make connections. You can see who is connected to organisations you want to contact, and reach out to them.

Politicians make important decisions that affect your life and it’s important for them to hear what you have to say.

YACVic developed a resource about how to meet with your federal MP and candidates. We encourage you to check them out for some awesome tips about how to prepare, request a meeting and of course, how to nail it!

Congrats – you’ve managed to connect with someone in a leadership position. This is great news but now comes the challenge of how you stay connected.

Remember to manage your expectations about the ongoing relationship you may have with this leader.

Practical ways to keep in contact once you've made contact:

  • LinkedIn is a professional way to connect with people, find the right job or internship, and strengthen professional relationships. You can ask to connect with the leader on LinkedIn, see what they are up to and keep an eye on any opportunities they have.
  • Ongoing catch ups. Depending on the capacity and availability of the leader, you could request to schedule ongoing catch ups. These could be monthly, quarterly or even once a year – it keeps the communication open and is a great way to stay on their radar
  • Ask about next steps and what will happen with the information you’ve provided or spoken about. Ask them to be clear on what they will do with this information and how they will use it.

Remember to manage your expectations when you reach out to people in leadership positions.

They are often very busy and may not have time to meet with you. If they can’t meet with you, you could request a meeting with someone else from their team and usually they will give you their contact details.

If you’re looking for volunteering and work experience opportunities, there may not be any current positions. Don’t be disheartened – ask for your contact information to be kept on their files and to be contacted when a suitable position becomes available.

Similarly, if you’re looking for a mentor, be mindful that the person may already be mentoring other people and may not have capacity for another person.