Contacting Professors: How to make that initial contact

[pea-jay]

I know there are a few threads out there on contacting professors prior to application to gauge interest, direction and I wont duplicate that question. What I am looking for is what exactly one should (or shouldnt) write in that first communication. After all first impressions count. I seem to be struggling on what to write, beyond the cursory intro. I know you are supposed to know what that prof is currently working on but beyond that I'm not sure. Obviously your research interest should mesh, but what if you really are open to working on whatever they are, knowing full well you are perfectly fine with working on something completely different with one of their colleagues. (I say this because I am applying to a professional masters program where the vast majority of graduates never return for PhDs.) I'm honestly fine with whatever research once in the program, if it is part of a Graduate Assistantship.

Any tips, dos and donts would be appreciated. Thanks

[socialcomm]

[rising_star]

I don't think it's necessary for professional master's programs, unless you're planning to complete a thesis and will need a supervisor for it.