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[zephyr04]

This might seem like a silly question, but I need some email/networking etiquette advice.  A prof in my dept (not my adviser, just someone I've spoke to about my dissertation topic and research interests) emailed me and said he had recently talked with some faculty in another department.  He mentioned my research to them (which overlaps w/some issues studied in department #2) and said that I "should" get in touch with these faculty. 

So my question is, how to best phrase a "cold call" email to these faculty, who I have never met before.  Believe it or not, I've never been in this situation before - I'm kind of a late bloomer in my program and only recently has my project caught anyone's attention. 

In an email, should I just introduce myself and say what I'm working on?  Should I offer to send something I've written?  Should I offer to meet with these faculty in person?  Should I just say something like, "feel free to correspond with me in the future"?  I really have no idea how to phrase this.  I don't want to come across as uninterested or too vague - but I also don't want to do or say anything that would demand too much of their time. 
 
Networking can be so hard!

[breskvar]

I would start by looking at their publication list, and identify some which is close to your own research area.  Skim through some, and find some questions or points to start a conversation on email.

It shows you have read some of their stuff and are at least vaguely familiar with the subfield.  You also show that you are interested by asking questions on the material.  You can also introduce your own material briefly in the emails.

If they care to reply, then you can engage in further conversation with them.  My experience is if you talk about their work, you frequently get enthusiastic replies. 

[oldadjunct]

Dear Prof (Dr.) X,

Professor (Dr.) Y suggested I  contact you about my work in [very brief description].

I would like to meet with you at your convenience.  May I stop by next Tuesday during your office hours to introduce myself?

ME

And what breskvar said.

[verysneaky]

I would probably write something like this:

Dear Prof. ...,

Xavier Yanovson recently mentioned to me that I could learn a lot from your work on x, which overlaps with mine in the area of y, and suggested that I should be in touch with you. I've read your Publication 1, 2, and 3 and found them very helpful in refining my thinking on z/providing me with new research directions regarding q/whatever. I'd be grateful for the chance to speak briefly with you in person about this area of overlap. Do you have any time to meet over coffee? If it's more convenient, I'd also be happy to stop by your regularly scheduled office hours.

Best,

Zephyr04

[breskvar]

Dear Prof (Dr.) X,

Professor (Dr.) Y suggested I  contact you about my work in [very brief description].

I would like to meet with you at your convenience.  May I stop by next Tuesday during your office hours to introduce myself?

ME

Oh yes, I totally forgot about the Professor Y card.  

[zephyr04]

thanks for the prompt and helpful replies! 

[grasshopper]

Under no circumstances should you ever write:

"Dear Up-and-Coming Scholar Whose Work I Love,

I read your recent publication "Blah Blah Blah: Intersections Between Blah, Blae, and Bloh" with great interest. Have you ever read Commonly Assigned Undergraduate Reading By Really Big Name in the Field? I think it would be really useful to your research."


Not that I would ever do such a thing.

And if I had, I would be eternally grateful that Up-and-Coming didn't recognize my name when we actually met a few years later.

[failoutboy]

I agree. Talk about their work more than yours and don't try to give them any reading assignments. Professors don't like homework any more than students.

[commcycle]

Keep it brief, cordial, and mention your prof's recommendation.

[monsterx]

Just send an email explaining in a couple of sentences what you do, and mention that so-and-so said that it would be a good idea to get in touch.  Ask if it would be possible to get feedback on your project, and ask for an appointment.  Come prepared to explain your project comprehensively but quickly.   You should be able to do this in 2 minutes or less.  Make sure your presentation is clear and interesting.  You are selling yourself and your ideas, although not for any specific purpose yet.   Don't send any documents in the first email, but be ready to do so if asked.  The professor may want a project summary or something in writing to prepare for the meeting, or may not want to bother.

After that, the professor will know who you are and what you are doing, and will be able to keep you in mind if something comes up you could be involved in.   You'll get a sense of his or her level and nature of interest in your work, in case you need someone to go to in the future for something specific. 

Sometimes I contact students who stopped by my office  like this, for project assistant jobs, or seminar presentations.    It might down the road, when an opportunity comes up, I'll think "what about that guy who I met 6 months ago, maybe he could do this".  It is a good idea to spread your ideas around because you never know what opportunities will crop up as a  result.