How to Ask for An Information Interview

How to Ask for An Information einstellungsgesprch Ask Amanda How Do I Ask My Network for Help?Each week, TopResumes career advice expert, Amanda Augustine, answers user questions like the one below from Quora and the Ask Amanda form. A certified professional career coach (CPCC) and resume writer (CPRW), Amanda has been helping professionals improve their careers for over 10 years. Have a question for Amanda? Submit it here.Q How do I ask my network for help?Whats the best way to ask people in my network for an informational interview without making it sound like I need a favor? Mani R.Great question, Mani Kudos for understanding the importance of conducting informational interviews. This is one of my favorite and one of the most overlooked networking tactics, especially for those who recently graduated college or are considering a career change.The concept of an informational interview also known as an informational conversation welches first introduced by Richard N. Bolles, aut hor of the book What Color is Your Parachute? In his book, Bolles recommends that job seekers set up interviews with professionals working in their fields of interest to collect more information before choosing a particular career path. The goal of these information-gathering sessions is bedrngnis to necessarily get a job lead though that can happen. Instead, the focus of these informal conversations is to gather intel so you can make smarter decisions about your career path.RelatedThe 8 Best Questions to Ask in anInformational bewerbungsinterviewNot only is this a great tactic when youre trying to narrow down your career goals or you need help launching a career transition, but it can also be helpful in gaining insight into a prospective employer youre targeting as part of your job search.How to ask your network for helpPrioritize your connectionsThink about your current career goals, taking into account the industry, the line of work, and the employers in which youre interested. Then, take a good look at your first and second connections via LinkedIn to determine if you know anyone who currently works or previously worked in that field, industry, or for that company. Prioritize those contacts first.In addition to the people who are directly connected to the industry or company youre pursuing, make a list of the people you consider to be the social butterflies among your circle of friends. Malcolm Gladwell, the author of the book The Tipping Point How Little Things Can Make a Big Difference, refers to these people as powerful connectors and an important gateway to other valuable connections. The natural connectors in your personal network, regardless of their industries or professions, will likely be able to introduce you to people you would notlage meet otherwise.Be specificYour network cant help you if they dont know what your job goals are or what type of help youre looking for. Simply stating Im looking for a job. Can you help? wont get you any closer to landing a job. Instead, be thoughtful about who you approach and what you ask for.For instance, some people in your network might be able to share their experiences working in a particular field or industry, while others can provide insider information on a desirable employers interview practices. When you reach out to a networking connection for help, be clear with your request.If youre planning to reach out to someone you dont know personally, make sure your objective is spelled out in your subject line. Here are a few sample subject lines to try outLooking for advice about the field or industryFriend of mutual acquaintance who needs your adviceFellow your industry or function professional who needs your adviceFellow your alma mater grad looking for adviceBig fan of your work looking for adviceAsk for a call, not a coffee dateIn the past, I always defaulted to the standard informational interview request of Can I pick your brain over a cup of coffee?and I believe the approach is still worth your while when youre reaching out to a friend or close connection from your professional network. Theres nothing wrong with catching up over a beverage and asking for some advice.However, this type of request is not as effective when youre approaching someone who is practically a stranger. In those cases, youre better off asking for 10 minutes of someones time over the phone. A 10-minute phone call requires less investment from the other person than a face-to-face meeting. As a result, theyre more likely to agree to share their pearls of wisdom with you.Sample networking messagesHi Name,ur mutual friend, mutual acquaintance, recommended I reach out to you as Im currently exploring a career change and am interested in learning more about industry or field. Based on your profile and what mutual acquaintance shared, its clear youve had a successful a career at a specific company or in a particular industry or fieldWould you be open to speaking for 10 minutes next week? Id love to learn more about your experience with a specific company or in a particular industry or field.Thanks in advance for your help. Take care and have a great day.Your nameClick on the following link to check out Danny Rubins free email samples.Dont ask for a jobRemember, the goal of an informational interview is not to secure a job lead. While this may occur naturally, it shouldnt be your primary objective. Use this opportunity to pick your contacts brain, learn their personal career story, and share your goals and career narrative as well. As a result, youre sure to receive great career advice and valuable insights into a new field.Say thank youThe lessons you learned in kindergarten also apply to your job search. As Come Recommendeds Heather Huhman points out, manners matter. Thank the person for taking the time to speak with you and follow up with a thoughtful thank-you email within two business days of your conversation.Click on the following link for three powerful thank-yo u emails you can write in under 30 seconds.You need a strong resume to go with your network. Submit yours for a free resume review and well tell you where you stand.Recommended ReadingThe Importance of Networking (and How to Do It Well)Is It an Interview or Not? Interview Tips for Either WayAsk Amanda What Should MyLinkedInProfile Photo Look Like?Related Articles