AI in Support of Networking

AI as a Networking Support Tool

AI can be a useful tool in your networking toolkit. It can help you draft outreach messages, develop questions for informational interviews, write thank-you emails, and build out your LinkedIn presence. For instance, you might use an LLM to draft a cold outreach message to a Dartmouth alum in a field you are exploring, or to prepare for an informational interview.

That said, AI-generated content requires your careful review. Generic outreach is easy to spot and rarely gets a response. Always revise the output to reflect your actual voice, your specific context, and what you genuinely know about the person you are reaching out to. Personalization matters.

Dartmouth’s alumni network is a robust and valuable resource. Two platforms to know:

  • connect.dartmouth.edu: Dartmouth’s dedicated alumni networking platform, where alumni have opted in to connect with students. Start here for informational interview outreach.
  • LinkedIn: Search for Dartmouth alumni at specific companies or in specific roles. A career coach can help you develop your search strategy.

For more specific information on networking strategies, please visit our networking resources.

The prompts below have been developed by the Center for Career Design for use with LLMs such as ChatGPT, Claude, and others. To get the best results:

  1. Customize the fields [bolded here] before using. Sample content has been included to show you the format; replace it with your own information. You can either cut and paste directly into the LLM and customize the fields before sending, or cut and paste into another document to customize first. Either way is fine, just make sure the LLM receives your specific context.
  2. Evaluate the results critically. Make sure the output sounds like you before using it.
  3. Iterate. Ask the LLM to adjust the tone, shorten the message, or try a different approach.
  4. Feel free to experiment, changing the prompts as you see fit!

Remember, generative AI should not replace guidance from humans. The coaching team at the Dartmouth Center for Career Design brings years of experience, knowledge of Dartmouth, and access to our expansive alumni network. Meet with a career coach to develop your networking strategy and get feedback on your outreach.

Use this prompt to draft an initial outreach message to a Dartmouth alum or other professional you would like to connect with for an informational interview. Review the output, personalize it with anything specific you know about the person, and make sure it sounds like you before sending.

Prompt: 

Write a [LinkedIn message / email] to a Dartmouth alum named [Name] who currently works as a [Job Title] at [Company]. I am a Dartmouth [year, e.g. sophomore] studying [major] and I am interested in learning more about their career path and experience in [field or industry]. My interest in this field stems from [brief personal reason or relevant experience]. Keep the message to 100-150 words, maintain a professional but warm tone, and include a clear call to action inviting them to connect for a brief informational interview. If an email, include a subject line.

Use this prompt before an informational interview to generate thoughtful, personalized questions. Provide context about the person you are meeting, your background and interests, and what you most want to learn. Review the output and select the questions that feel most genuine and relevant.

Prompt: 

I am preparing for an informational interview with [Name], who works as a [Job Title] at [Company] and has [X] years of experience in [field]. Here is a summary of their background: [paste LinkedIn summary or relevant bio]. I am a Dartmouth student majoring in [major] and I am particularly interested in [specific aspect of their work or field]. Please suggest 5 thoughtful questions I could ask that reflect my interests and would lead to a meaningful conversation.

Use this prompt after an informational interview or networking conversation. Provide specific details from your conversation so the message feels genuine, not templated.

Prompt: 

Draft a professional thank-you email to [Name], a [Job Title] at [Company], following an informational interview we had on [date]. During our conversation, we discussed [2-3 specific topics or takeaways from the meeting]. I want to express genuine appreciation, reference something specific from our conversation, and leave the door open for future connection. Keep the tone warm and professional, and the length to around 150 words.

Use this prompt to develop a concise introduction to yourself for networking events, career fairs, or other professional conversations. Provide your year, major, relevant experiences, and what you are looking for, then revise the output and practice it out loud.

Prompt: 

Draft a 30-second elevator pitch for a Dartmouth [year] majoring in [major], with experience in [relevant internship, job, or project]. I am interested in pursuing a career in [field or role type]. Here is a brief excerpt from my resume for context: [paste relevant experience]. The pitch should be confident, conversational, and specific, and should end with a clear statement of what I am looking for.

Your LinkedIn headline is one of the first things people see. Use this prompt to generate a few options, then choose the one that feels most like you.

Prompt: 

Generate 5 LinkedIn headline options for a Dartmouth [year] studying [major] with experience in [relevant skills or industries] and an interest in [target field or role]. Each option should be under 150 characters, lead with my current status as a student, and incorporate relevant keywords for the [target field] industry.

Your LinkedIn summary is an opportunity to tell your story in your own words. Use this prompt to generate a draft, then revise it to make sure it reflects your actual voice and experience.

Prompt: 

Write a LinkedIn summary for a Dartmouth [year] majoring in [major]. My key experiences include [2-3 relevant experiences]. I am passionate about [areas of interest] and am looking to [career goal or type of opportunity]. Write 4 alternative versions ranging from 200 to 300 words each. The tone should be professional but personable, written in the first person.

  1. Start with connect.dartmouth.edu. Search for alumni in roles and industries you are exploring and reach out to at least one person for an informational interview. Use the Cold Outreach prompt above to draft your message.
  2. Build out your LinkedIn profile so that when alumni and recruiters find you, your profile makes a strong impression. Use the LinkedIn Headline and Summary prompts above as a starting point, then revise in your own voice.
  3. Follow employers and associated recruiters on Handshake and LinkedIn. Message recruiters strategically, with a clear and personalized note about your interest in the organization or the position. For more specific information on networking strategies, please visit our networking resources.
  4. Follow up after every conversation. A thoughtful thank-you email keeps the relationship warm. Use the Follow-Up prompt above and send it within 24 hours of your meeting.
  5. Meet with a career coach to develop your networking strategy, practice your elevator pitch, and get feedback on your outreach. Schedule an appointment to get started.