Research Opportunity Inquiry Best Practices

A general framework for success

• Begin with a proper introduction:
  • Use a formal salutation: “Dear Dr.____”
  • Use the first paragraph of your email to breifly explain who you are. Share your major(s), what year you are (freshmen, sophomore, etc.), professional goals, relevant background, and anything else that showcases your reliability as a prospective research assistant.
    
    
• Connect to their research:
  • Explain why their research group is intriguing to you. Why would you like to work with this faculty member in particular? What about their research fascinates you? Here is a time to showcase your knowledge of their research in a brief manner.
  • Make it clear that you have taken the time to read up on them and their research.
  • Tie it together. Why would you fit in with this research group and faculty member? What about your professional goals and background harmonize with their space? Don’t overdo it but make it clear that this professional connection is what interests you.
    
    
• Inquire:
  • Here is where you ask if there are openings in their research group.
  • Ask if they have time to meet you and discuss further.

• Attach relevant documents:
  • Adding a CV or resume is a good final touch.
  • If you do not have a CV or a resume, take advantage of the K-State Career Center as a resource. Visit the K-State Career Center website to review their expert advice on building a CV or resume. Or, schedule an appointment with the Career Center team. (If you have a CV and a resume, you will need to make separate appointments for each document.)

Email template

Feel free to use the email template below as a starting point for contacting a faculty member. Be sure to read it over carefully to make sure the email fits your discipline expectations and language.

Dear [TITLE (Dr., Professor, etc.)],

My name is [YOUR NAME], and I am reaching out to introduce myself and to inquire about your research. I am a [YEAR IN SCHOOL (freshman, sophomore, etc.)], and I study [YOUR MAJOR(S)] here at K-State. Professionally, I hope to achieve [PROFESSIONAL GOALS]. Additionally, I have background in [REVELANT BACKGROUND/TRAINING IF APPLICABLE]. Furthermore, I [ANY ADDITIONAL INFORMATION THE FACULTY MEMBER MAY WANT TO KNOW ABOUT YOU].

I came across your [“research group” OR “lab”, WHICHEVER IS APPLICABLE] through [HOW YOU HEARD ABOUT THEM]. I am also interested in [AREA OF RESEARCH], particularly in the research you conducted in [A PUBLICATION FROM THEM]. This research is intriguing to me, as it related to my professional goals of [YOUR GOALS], and I believe being able to one day engage in this research will benefit both myself and the field mutually.

Does your [“research group” OR “lab”, WHICHEVER IS APPLICABLE] have any available openings for an undergraduate researcher to join? If so, please let me know, and I would be grateful for the opportunity to meet with you and discuss further.

Additionally, I have attached my [CV OR Resume] to this email for your consideration. Thank you for your time, and I look forward to hearing back from you.

[CLOSING: (Best, Best regards, etc.)],

[NAME AND EMAIL SIGNATURE]