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I. Contacting Student Leaders for College Research
II. Contacting Professionals for Career Research
III. Asking Professors for Academic Research Opportunities 
IV. Contacting Anyone for Extracurricular Activity Research
V. Contacting Artists for Vision and Voice Development
VI. Follow Up Emails (If You Don’t Hear Back)

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I. Contacting Student Leaders for College Research:

*Always personalize whenever possible.

Dear Mr./Ms. ____________:

I hope this e-mail finds you well.  My name is Jonathan Bailey and I am a junior at Hills High School in California. The reason I’m contacting you is because I found (name of organization) while researching involvement opportunities for students at (name of campus) who are interested in _______.

Right now, (name of university) is one of the top schools on my college list, and I’m really excited about applying, but I’m still trying to determine if it’s the right place for me.  Because ________ is one of the activities that I really see myself joining if I am admitted, I thought I should contact you to learn about your experiences in the organization as well as how your involvement has affected your experience as a (name the university) student.

You are someone whose footsteps I’d like to follow, whether at (name of university) or another school as a leader of a student organization.  If you have 15-30 minutes to share with me, may we please schedule a time to speak at your earliest convenience?  I am more than willing to accommodate your schedule, and I would greatly appreciate any opportunity to learn from you.

Sincerely,

[Name]
[Your School], Class of 20__

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II. Contacting Professionals for Career Research:

*Always personalize when possible.

EMAIL TITLE: Informational Interview Request

Dear Mr./Mrs. ____________:

I hope this e-mail finds you well.  My name is Jonathan Bailey and I am a junior at Hills High School.  [Mention the person who referred you, if applicable, and immediately explain what your recipient really wants to know: “How did you find me?” and “Why me (specifically)”?]

I’d like to learn more about your personal journey as a ______ because (a) I have dreams of ______, or (b) I’m not sure what I want to do in life but think that the _____ industry/profession may be a good fit for me.  [Then explain what inspired you to consider this career path (e.g. a passion, interest, skill, etc. and why you hope meeting with this person will help you gain clarity].

I understand that you have a very busy schedule, but I would greatly appreciate any opportunity to meet with you.  If you have 45 minutes to share with me, may we please schedule a time to speak at your earliest convenience?  I am more than willing to accommodate your schedule.

Thank you for your time and consideration.

Sincerely,

[Name]
[Your School], Class of 20__

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III. Asking Professors for Academic Research Opportunities:

*Your email must be highly personalized. At the university level, no department governs who a professor can take on as a research assistant. Essentially, if the professor likes you, you’re on. However, if you work under a professor, although you will have his/her support, you will likely be somewhat independently self-directing. Therefore, making a stellar first impression with this email is a must! Any student seeking a research opportunity must pour an exceptional amount of effort into these 5 things:

1) Know about the professor’s history.
2) Demonstrate authentic interest in the subject
3) Explain what you have to offer (i.e. why you’d be motivated, capable of making the professor’s life easier)
4) How you’ll add value rather than become extra weight

5) Enclose a current copy of your resume.
Here is a template if needed.

Lastly, while you’re writing this email keep this in mind: the last thing a professor wants is to have to train an enthusiastic student while doing his or her research. The professors want is an enthusiastic and obviously capable student that he or she can give readings or assignments to and trust for solid analysis and summaries. This makes life much easier for the professor. So, ensure you paint yourself to be the later kind of student.

Email Subject: (something along the lines of “Interest in Becoming Your Volunteer Assistant”, “Volunteer Interest in Assisting Your Research”)

Dear Mr./Ms. ____________:

I hope this e-mail finds you well.  [Explain how you found this person or who referred you]. My name is Jonathan Bailey and I am a junior at Hills High School in California with a X.XX GPA (cite your GPA only if high). [Explain what your recipient really wants to know: “Why me (specifically)?” by convincingly geeking out about why you’re insanely passionate about the research topic of the professor. Show you really, really care about the subject matter and obsess about it more than the average interested person]. Bonus points: (if you know) explain what you are trying to accomplish by embarking research (i.e. how it ties into your deeper, long-term interest or purpose).

[Explain what you have to offer by including any information that flexes any past research experience, evidence of exceptional academic prowess, and ability to excel in rigorous academic coursework]. I would be thrilled if you would be open to exploring the possibility of [remotely? (keep or remove “remotely” depending on your request)] assisting you in your research. (Note: explain that you’re interested in continuing this long-term, beyond the current fall/spring/summer term) and into ________ (cite a point in the future).

[Show the depth of your passion. For example, have you committed yourself to work, volunteer, or extracurricular experiences that relate to the research subject. Further, demonstrate the best of your work ethic by sharing a few ways you have intellectually gone above and beyond in past academic, extracurricular, or even self-learning (i.e. online research) contexts. 

Having been so inspired by your work I’d be grateful if there are any virtual reading opportunities you’d be able to recommend to me. Additionally, because it would be such an honor to assist you and support your research, do you have any need for volunteer assistance in data analysis? If so, I could volunteer help this summer and well into the next academic year].

Sincerely,

[Name]
[Your School], Class of 20__

Enclosure: resume

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IV. Contacting Anyone for Extracurricular Activity Research:

*Always personalize whenever possible.

Dear Mr./Ms. ____________:

I hope this e-mail finds you well.  My name is Jonathan Bailey and I am a junior at Hills High School in California. [Mention the person who referred you, if applicable, and immediately explain what your recipient really wants to know: “How did you find me?” and “Why me (specifically)”?]

[Describe the extracurricular activity or concept you’re excited to pursue or explore]. While I have [X skills], I’m not as knowledgeable as I’d like to be on [Y topic].  [Explain the impact and value to your bigger cause if you are able to become stronger in that area]. Because of your experience in [Y topic], I would deeply appreciate any opportunity to learn about your experiences and insights.

If you have 15-30 minutes to share with me, may we please schedule a time to speak at your earliest convenience?  I am more than willing to accommodate your schedule, and I would greatly appreciate any opportunity to learn from you.

Sincerely,

[Name]
[Your School], Class of 20__

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V. Contacting Artists for Vision and Voice Development:

*Always personalize whenever possible.

Dear Mr./Ms. ____________:

I hope this e-mail finds you well.  [Sincerely compliment their work and heart fully explain why a particular piece (or pieces) speaks to you]. My name is Jonathan Bailey and I am a junior at Hills High School in California. [Mention the person who referred you, if applicable, and immediately explain what your recipient really wants to know: “How did you find me?” and “Why me (specifically)”?]

[Describe the type of art you’re personally excited to pursue or explore in your journey as an artist]. While I have taken [1, 2, 3 steps], I’m not as knowledgeable as I’d like to be on [X topic. Be vulnerable and share any struggles, insecurities, or challenges].  [Explain the impact and value to your artistic development if you are able to become stronger in that area]. Because your experience in [X topic] is a source of great inspiration to me, I would be deeply honored for any opportunity to ask questions about your artistic journey and the inspirations that have shaped and colored your perspective and voice as an artist.

If you have 30-45 minutes to share with me, may we please schedule a time to speak at your earliest convenience?  I am more than willing to accommodate your schedule, and I would greatly appreciate any opportunity to learn from you.

Sincerely,

[Name]
[Your School], Class of 20__

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VI. Follow Up Emails (If You Don’t Hear Back)

Follow up with a phone call (or another email) reiterating your eagerness and interest if you do not get a response every 48 hours. 48 hours is the standard, acceptable follow up interval in business.

First Follow Up: After First 48 Hours

Hi ____________,

Gently following up.

Sincerely

[Name]
[Your School], Class of 20__

Second Follow Up: After 48 More Hours

Example:

Hi ____________,

I hope you’re having a great week! Please kindly let me know. :)*

(*Smilie face optional. It depends on your personal style. But I like it for every email type (except for academic research opportunities). It softens the requested urgency of the matter with a softer, friendlier and less intrusive tone. — David).

Sincerely

[Name]
[Your School], Class of 20__

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Resources: Advice Articles

1. U.S. News: What Are Informational Interviews Anyway? The whys, hows, and whats on this underutilized tactic.
2. Harvard Business Review: How to Get the Most Out of an Informational Interview 

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