How to Land the Informational Interview

How to Land the Informational Interview People are busy. Why would they want to take time from their busy day to meet with you?Even the busiest professionals tend to be open to informational interview requests if you approach them the right way.Who Do You Know?But first things first: How do you decide who youll approach?1. Start with your inner circle. First, reach out to your friends, family members, and advocates. Ask them if they know someone in your desired field or a related one. Request introductions to likely candidates.If youre nervous about the prospect, you may also consider asking one of these trusted friends to be your first informational interview partner. Even if he or she is in a totally different line of work, you can practice asking questions and talking about yourself with a friendly interviewer.2. Expand your reach. Next, make a list of everyone in your network (if youre active on LinkedIn, that list is just a click away). Include former colleagues, friends of friends, alumni contacts, recruiters and acq uaintances.Note who might have useful insights to share. You will likely want to reach out to some of these folks to request informational interviews. Others may be able to introduce you to someone in their circle.You should also think about going out to industry events that are likely to attract interesting contacts. Mix and mingle and collect business cards. Theres no need to stalk or beg. Have a good conversation and follow up later with a respectful request to meet (see below for tips on how to do it without coming off as obnoxious).How to Ask for an Informational InterviewIts generally best to initiate contact with an email (unless you already know these contacts well).1. Ask for advice, not a job or a favor: Start by requesting a brief meeting to ask the persons advice about career opportunities in the industry. Make it clear that your goal is not to beg for a job. Thats just awkward.Most of the people you contact wont know much about you yet and some may not even have influen ce over hiring decisions at their company. However, almost everybody is happy to provide advice if you make it easy for them and ask nicely (see below).2. Name drop: If one of your friends or contacts referred you, use that persons name in the first sentence. A request is much more likely to be prioritized a if it starts with, Our mutual friend, Karen Johnson, suggested that I contact youDont overstate your connection to the referrer. If Karen is your sister-in-laws ex-boss assistants cousin, dont claim abiding friendship or youre likely to get busted.However, as social networking has proven, even a distant connection can provide a comfort level. Most people want to help in general and they especially want to help someone referred by a friend or colleague.3. Be respectful: Yes, these are probably busy people. They are more likely to agree if you explain that the meeting will be short (30 minutes or less) and that youre happy to meet when and where its most convenient for them.4. Sho w that youre legit: Briefly describe your current situation and why you think they can help. Heres one way to do it: I have been working in development for nonprofit organizations for the last three years and am currently looking for my next opportunity. I would love to hear your advice on areas to explore.Demonstrate that youve done research and wont be wasting her time. Show that youre a professional and not a stalker. Attach your resume if you think it can help you establish credibility.5. Dont take No personally: Ive actually never had anyone respond with,No, I cant meet with you EVER. However, some of your correspondents may not reply for a while or may write back that theyre super busy right now, but might be able to connect in a few months.Do not interpret either of these replies as a rejection or a judgment of you. I have been guilty of both of these responses to those requesting informational interviews. I love to provide career advice, but my schedule is sometimes hectic.I am more likely to respond to you promptly if you follow the advice above and make it easy for me to accommodate you. Others in my network agree.If someone says theyre too busy, ask politely when might be a good time to contact them again. If someone doesnt reply at all after two weeks, go ahead and send a follow-up note. If a second note gets no response, move on to other candidates for now.Connect with Pamela Skillings on Google+