Use the relationship to choose the request
A message to someone who has supervised your work should not read like an email to an unfamiliar recruiter. Identify what the recipient can actually answer and make one clear request. Replace every placeholder with a true detail and remove anything you cannot support.
| Situation | Request | Prepare |
|---|---|---|
| Former supervisor at the employer | Advice about a specific route | Role link and work they observed |
| Employee offered a referral | Confirm the referral process | Requisition, résumé and application status |
| Unfamiliar alumnus | One work-related question | A real shared connection and channel rules |
| Posting is ambiguous | A factual eligibility or logistics answer | Exact wording and your relevant facts |
| Prior exchange went quiet | One bounded follow-up | The actual promise and timeline |
The samples are original writing prompts, not messages sent on your behalf. They do not invent familiarity, competing offers or urgency. An exchange can be useful without producing an interview: a factual answer about a worksite or department is a real outcome, even when it is not a referral.
Templates 1–2: a known contact and an offered referral
Former supervisor: “Hi [name], I enjoyed working with you on [real project]. I am considering [role and requisition] at [employer], especially its [specific task]. Since you saw my work on [relevant contribution], would you be comfortable advising whether this is the right recruiting route? The role is here: [official link].”
Offered referral: “Hi [name], thank you for offering to help with a referral. I am interested in [title, requisition and location]. I have [not applied / applied on date], and my résumé is attached. Please let me know which process I should follow so I do not create a duplicate application. I appreciate your help.”
Do not convert an offer to look at a résumé into a claim that a referral was submitted. Record the actual state. Use the existing referral guide for a more detailed packet and retain the employer's application instructions.
Templates 3–4: alumni advice and an introduction
Alumni advice: “Hi [name], I am a [school/program] student exploring [specific work]. I saw your experience in [publicly documented function]. I am trying to understand [one concrete question]. Would you be open to a brief answer by email or a short conversation at a convenient time? Thank you for considering it.”
Introduction through a personal contact: “Hi [name], you mentioned that [person] works in [function]. I am researching [specific question], not asking you to vouch for work you have not seen. Would you be comfortable asking whether they would welcome an introduction? I can send a short forwardable note.”
Read the channel's rules. Harvard's Alumni Directory guidance specifically says not to use that directory to solicit particular job opportunities. That restriction belongs to that tool; do not generalize it to every university or every alumni relationship. An advice request should remain an advice request rather than concealing a demand for a job.
Sources[1]
Templates 5–6: sending a résumé and asking about an unadvertised role
Requested résumé: “Hi [name], thank you for asking me to send my résumé. I have attached the current version for [role or purpose]. My relevant experience is [one accurate sentence], and I am available [actual dates or hours]. Please let me know whether you need anything else for the step we discussed.”
No advertised role: “Hi [name/team], I am a [program] student interested in [specific type of work]. I noticed [a concrete aspect of the organization] and have experience with [relevant evidence]. Does your team consider paid student projects or internships in this area during [actual period]? I can provide a résumé and a short example of my work.”
The second message asks whether a process exists. It does not pretend an opening was posted or offer an unlimited unpaid trial. Choose a student-sized scope and avoid proposing access to private systems or data before a legitimate role and supervision are established.
Templates 7–8: a requirement question and a bounded follow-up
Requirement clarification: “Hi [recruiting team], I am considering [title/requisition]. The posting states [short exact requirement]. My situation is [accurate degree, location or timing fact]. Could you confirm how that condition applies to this role? I want to use the correct application route and answer the form accurately.”
Follow-up: “Hi [name], I am following up on my message about [specific subject]. You had mentioned [actual next step, only if one was promised]. Is there an update, or is another route more appropriate? Thank you for your time.” If no next step was promised, omit that sentence rather than manufacturing one.
A real deadline can be stated with its date, but it should not become pressure based on a fictional offer. Respect a clear no and the employer's published communication policy. Before sending, check the recipient, role, link, final attachment and the exact action requested.
For interviews or offers, choose the existing situation-specific guide. A request for an extension does not change the deadline until confirmed, and acknowledging receipt of an offer should not accidentally accept it.