Informational Interviewing

Content tips:

• Engage the reader by making a connection with him/her (through shared interests, etc.)
• Introduce yourself beyond stating your name.
• Help the reader understand what stage of career planning/searching you are in.
• Explain (briefly) why you have chosen him/her to reach out to (e.g., geographic location, shared interests, graduate degree choice, company/organization, etc.) and state your goal for the meeting.
• Request a meeting and be clear about how you wish to meet (in person, by phone or Skype.)
• Provide your general availability and a specific request for the person to respond to.

Format Tips:

• Have a subject line that will catch the person’s attention (for example – says “Hamilton” for alums, says connection’s name or high school or other way you are connected.
• Keep it short (one paragraph).
• Be professional (no “love language”, no typos, use appropriate salutation: Mr., Mrs. Dr. etc.)

Process Tips:

• Give people at least two weeks’ notice for an informational interview.
• Prioritize and consider sending a few networking outreach emails at a time. (Keep the number of requests you have out there manageable.)
• Try keeping track of contacts on a spreadsheet so that you don’t drop any balls.
• Follow up when you have not heard from people. Professionals are often busy but that doesn’t necessarily mean they don’t want to talk to you.  Wait about 10 days between outreaches and consider changing your subject line.