Using AI for Networking
Networking isn’t just about who you know or who knows you; it’s about how you build and maintain meaningful professional relationships. Whether you’re connecting on LinkedIn, attending events, or using AI to help draft outreach messages, networking can lead to jobs, internships, mentorships, and growth opportunities.
Tips: Dos & Don’ts
- ✅ Do use AI to get suggestions on how to start a LinkedIn message or email when reaching out to professionals, but always personalize your message based on your goals and connections.
- ✅ Do ask AI to help you refine your elevator pitch by offering language suggestions or structure ideas that clearly explain who you are and what you’re interested in.
- ❌ Don’t send AI-generated messages without context or editing. Add a personal touch by referencing how you found the person or why you’re reaching out.
- ❌ Don’t use AI to ask for a job in your first message. Instead, ask for advice or insights that foster a professional relationship over time.
- ✅ Do ask AI for tips on how to follow up after a networking event or conversation but include specific takeaways to show genuine interest and attentiveness.
Example Prompts for AI Tools
- Here is a draft of a LinkedIn message to connect with a UConn alum working at Google. Suggest ways I can improve it.
- Using my résumé and experience, suggest talking points to help me create an elevator pitch for a career fair.
- What are the key highlights I can include in a thank-you email after an informational or job interview?
- Suggest icebreaker questions for networking with recruiters.
- How can I follow up after someone accepts my LinkedIn request?
- Provide insights into local networking groups or clubs that facilitate in-person connections within [insert industry].
- I am interviewing with a screenwriter who has been in the industry for 5 years. Analyze their LinkedIn profile [insert text of LinkedIn profile] and come up with three questions I can ask during an informational interview.
- Create a 30-second elevator pitch for a junior studying economics and global health who has prior summer internship experience working for the federal government and a small health-tech startup.
- I met with an alumna who is VP of Sustainability at a mid-sized energy company. We talked about ________ during our meeting. What are the key highlights I can include in a potential follow-up email based on our conversation?
