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Write a short alumni outreach note that asks for one call

  • For College students
  • You practice Getting the tone right
  • Time about 5 minutes

About this exercise

You want to message a Lewis State alum on LinkedIn about her path into aerospace. Keep it under 70 words, plain text, mention the club you both were in, and refer to where she works now. Ask only for a 15-minute call in the next two weeks, not for a job or referral. Don't open with "I hope this message finds you well", and sign it "Thanks, Jonah".

Common mistakes when you ask AI for this

  • Asking for too much. The AI often slips in 'and if Kestrel has any openings' because you're a student, which makes a cold note feel like a job request. Try: Add: "Ask only for a 15-minute call in the next two weeks. Don't ask about jobs or referrals."
  • Missing the shared detail. Without a nudge, the AI writes a generic note that could go to anyone. Try: Add: "Mention we were both in Robotics Club and her engine testing at Kestrel."
  • Getting the stock opener. AI messages start with 'I hope this message finds you well' and end with a long sign-off. Try: Add: "Don't open with 'I hope this finds you well'. Sign it: Thanks, Jonah"
  • Trusting the AI to count words. AI is bad at counting. Ask for a total and it often lands 20% over. Try: Cap each part: "4 sentences, each under 14 words."
  • Forgetting where it's going. AI adds bold and headings that show up as stray symbols in a LinkedIn message box. Try: Add: "Plain text, no bold, no headings."

What a strong prompt includes

  • Names the shared club
  • Keeps the ask small
  • Bans the stock opener
  • Gives the sign-off
  • Sets a length limit

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