For even more smart networking emails and how to write a perfect follow-up note, check out this excellent resource from the Sidekick team at HubSpot!

Imagine if this email popped up at work:

“Recent College Grad Who Needs Your Advice”

How would you feel? Honored? Important? Let’s go with both.

Most of us relish the chance to help from a position of authority — even if we’re swamped with stuff to do. That’s why the smartest networking email subject lines contain “Needs Your Advice.”

Yes, you typically network to find a job. But you can’t barge into someone’s inbox and ask straight up for employment. It’s too direct and intrusive. Ah, but the advice route. It can work wonders because:

– Everyone likes to be the expert and feel valuable.

– You look smart because you ask for insight and not a job.

And since the economy added 288,000 jobs in June, now is the perfect time to send “advice” emails to key people who need to notice you. An inbox is a crowded place, sure, but how many emails do “important” business types — or any of us, really — receive in a week that only ask for their wisdom?

One. Yours.

Also check out: Five Ready-to-Use Templates for Tricky Job Search Emails

Scenario: you want a job on Capitol Hill, and a friend of a friend is chief of staff for a US senator. Pretty big job, right? You send the networking contact this email:

Subject line: [Your Friend’s Name] Friend Who Needs Capitol Hill Advice

Hi ____,

My name is ____, and I’m a good friend of ____. I would love to find a job on Capitol Hill but am new to Washington, DC and would appreciate your advice.

– How did you get started on the Hill?

– What are the smartest ways to apply for jobs? I want to make sure I handle the process the right way.

Thanks so much for the help!

– You

Three points:

– Since you sought advice — and not a job — the person is much more willing to answer. (If you end up in a real conversation, remember the six most important words in networking.)

– You likely gain insight into the hiring process, which would not happen if you flatly ask “Is there a job opening?”

– You begin a conversation and — who knows? — maybe your inquisitiveness leads to a job.

Bottom line: If you want people’s undivided attention, let them be the expert. They will go all day. [TWEET]

Below are more subject lines you might want to use or adapt.

General networking:

Friend of [Mutual Acquaintance] Who Needs Your Advice

Fellow [Your Industry] Professional Who Needs Your Advice

To a college alum:

Fellow [Your College] Grad Looking for Advice

Someone notable you admire: 

Big Fan of Your Work Looking for Advice

Interoffice:

New Employee Who Needs Your Advice

What’s your networking email strategy? 

Share below!

Featured: Vera Yu and David Li (Flickr)