Own Your Expertise:

Written By Jadey Ryndak

Introduction Request Concept

+ Sample Templates

The best roles for senior-level professionals often never make it to a job posting. Instead, these roles are created to address key business problems or capitalize on emerging opportunities. The right individuals are identified and hired during the evaluation and strategic planning phases. Therefore, when you are in career search or pivot mode, your focus should be on connecting with companies and individuals who are grappling with the types of challenges or opportunities you are best equipped and most interested in solving.

Activating your network is essential for this approach. However, the traditional “Hi [Contact], I saw a posting at your company. Can you share my resume with the hiring manager?” misses the mark.

Instead, use your expertise, interest, curiosity, and standing as a professional in your industry as the driving force behind your interactions. The stance to take: You are not looking to fill a “job.” Instead, you are exploring the organization’s current needs, objectives, approaches, opportunities, and pain points within your area of expertise and interest. You are expanding your network and adding value.

With that in mind, here are a few templates that can be adapted to support your networking efforts:

  • INetwork Contact: An individual who may be able to introduce you to the Key Connection Target.

    Key Connection Target: The individual in the company you want to meet, typically a major decision-maker or key influencer within the organization.

    Interest Detail: A reason for your interest in the company or the individual’s work. This could include specific news articles, posts, market intelligence, or research. The more tied to your specific area of expertise, the better.

    Company: The target company or specific line of business.

    Business Opportunity: A unique and relevant pain point, industry shift, or market opportunity that the company will need to address. This should align with your expertise or area of interest.

    Area of Expertise: Your specialized industry knowledge, skills, or experience that aligns with the company’s market opportunity.

    Success Detail: A brief proof point demonstrating your ability. This is generally a related, recent, and impactful accomplishment or action, with a measurable result, that validates your expertise.tem description

  • DesVersion 1

    Subject: Quick Question About [Company]

    Hi [Network Contact],

    I’ve been following [Interest Detail], and I’d love your perspective on [Company]’s approach. If you feel it’s appropriate, would you be open to introducing me to [Key Connection Target]? I can share some language to make it easy.

    Thanks so much!

    [Your Name]

    Version 2

    Subject: Your Perspective on [Company]

    Hi [Network Contact],

    I hope you’re well! I’m intrigued by [Interest Detail] and would love to hear your thoughts on how [Company] is navigating [Business Opportunity]. If you think it’s a fit, I’d appreciate an intro to [Key Connection Target].

    Thank you!

    [Your Name]

    Version 3

    Subject: Insight on [Company]

    Hi [Network Contact],

    I hope all is well with you! I came across [Interest Detail], which piqued my curiosity about [Company]’s work in [Business Opportunity]. Given your connection, I’d love to hear your insights on how they’re addressing this area.

    If it feels right, would you be comfortable introducing me to [Key Connection Target]? I’d appreciate the chance to share my perspective on [Area of Expertise] and learn from them as well. Happy to provide suggested language to make it seamless for you!

    Looking forward to your thoughts,

    [Your Name]

    Version 4

    Subject: Exploring [Interest Detail] at [Company]

    Hi [Network Contact],

    I hope this note finds you well! Recently, I came across [Interest Detail], and it struck me as a significant opportunity in [Business Opportunity]. Knowing your connection to [Company], I’d value your perspective on how they’re navigating this area and their broader priorities.

    If it aligns, I’d love an introduction to [Key Connection Target]. I’m particularly interested in exploring how my experience in [Area of Expertise] might complement their efforts or spark ideas. Let me know how I can support you in return!

    Thanks so much for your time,

    [Your Name]

    Version 5

    Subject: Curious About [Company]

    Hi [Network Contact],

    I’ve been diving into [Interest Detail] and was fascinated by [Company]’s approach to [Business Opportunity]. Given your insights, I’d love to hear your thoughts.

    If it feels natural, would you be open to connecting me with [Key Connection Target]? I’d be glad to offer suggested language to simplify the process.

    Thanks for considering, and let’s catch up soon!

    [Your Name]cription text goes here

  • DescriVersion 1

    Hi [Key Connection Target],

    I’d like to introduce you to [Your Name], an expert in [Area of Expertise]. She shared great insights on [Interest Detail] and expressed interest in [Company]’s work on [Business Opportunity]. I thought you two might benefit from connecting.

    Best,

    [Network Contact]

    Version 2

    Hi [Key Connection Target],

    I recently spoke with [Your Name], a professional in [Area of Expertise]. She’s been following [Interest Detail] and would value your perspective on [Business Opportunity]. Let me know if you’re open to connecting!

    Best regards,

    [Network Contact]

    Version 3

    Hi [Key Connection Target],

    I wanted to connect you with [Your Name], who has a keen interest in [Interest Detail] and brings expertise in [Area of Expertise]. I think you’d have a valuable conversation.

    Warmly,

    [Network Contact]

    Version 4

    Hi [Key Connection Target],

    [Your Name] is a professional in [Area of Expertise] who shared great thoughts on [Interest Detail]. I thought it might be worthwhile for you two to connect.

    Best,

    [Network Contact]

    Version 5

    Hi [Key Connection Target],

    I’m reaching out to introduce you to [Your Name], a seasoned professional in [Area of Expertise]. She recently shared her perspectives on [Interest Detail] and expressed interest in learning more about [Company]’s approach to [Business Opportunity].

    I think you’d both benefit from exchanging ideas. Let me know if you’d like me to connect you!

    Best regards,

    [Network Contact]

    Version 6

    Hi [Key Connection Target],

    I wanted to introduce you to [Your Name], a trusted expert in [Area of Expertise]. We recently discussed [Interest Detail], and she expressed curiosity about how [Company] is tackling [Business Opportunity].

    Given his background and collaborative approach, I thought it might be valuable for you to connect. He’s keen to share ideas and explore ways her expertise might complement your priorities.

    Let me know if you’re open to connecting!

    Best,

    [Network Contact]

    Version 7

    Hi [Key Connection Target],

    I’d like to introduce you to [Your Name], a professional in [Area of Expertise]. She’s deeply interested in [Interest Detail] and sees exciting opportunities in [Business Opportunity].

    I believe his insights and collaborative nature could spark valuable conversations. Let me know if you’d like me to connect you both!

    Best regards,

    [Network Contact]

    Version 8

    Hi [Key Connection Target],

    I recently reconnected with [Your Name], a professional in [Area of Expertise] with impressive experience addressing challenges in [Business Opportunity]. During our conversation about [Interest Detail], she expressed a genuine interest in learning more about [Company]’s initiatives.

    I think she’d bring valuable insights and would love the chance to connect. Let me know if you’d like me to facilitate an introduction!

    Warm regards,

    [Network Contact]

    Version 9

    Hi [Key Connection Target],

    [Your Name] is a talented professional in [Area of Expertise] who’s been exploring [Interest Detail]. She’s interested in how [Company] is addressing [Business Opportunity] and brings a fresh perspective.

    I’d be happy to connect you two if you’re open to it!

    Best,

    [Network Contact]

    Version 10

    Hi [Key Connection Target],

    I’d like to introduce you to [Your Name], a skilled leader in [Area of Expertise]. She’s been following [Interest Detail] and is curious about [Company]’s approach to [Business Opportunity].

    I thought you might enjoy exchanging ideas, given your shared focus. Let me know if you’d like me to connect you!

    Best regards,

    [Network Contact]ption text goes here

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About This Resource

This resource is brought to you by Vocation LLC, a coaching and executive recruiting firm dedicated to helping senior-level professionals and organizations create strategic career and talent solutions.

At Vocation LLC, we believe you are more than a job seeker—you are a professional with deep expertise and value to offer. Through our career coaching programs, we help you:

  • Clarify your unique value and positioning.

  • Build a powerful, proactive networking strategy.

  • Approach your career with purpose, leveraging your expertise to uncover opportunities where you can solve meaningful business challenges.

Whether you’re pivoting careers, pursuing leadership opportunities, or activating your network, we provide personalized guidance to help you own your expertise and design the next chapter of your career.

Jadey Ryndak