How to get an informational interview

Make a list of people you’d like to meet with. This list can include people you know or are acquainted with, and they can also be new connections.

Look at your list and decide who you’d like to interview.

• If you are new to informational interviewing, it might be smart to start with someone you know. For example, a former classmate or colleague, a friend of a friend, or someone you know through family or friend networks. These people will be likely to be excited to take the time with you based on the connection you already have with them.
• If you are trying to make a new connection, you can make a cold contact through LinkedIn or some other means, but the best way to do so is through a mutual acquaintance if you can. So, take a close look at your existing network and decide if there’s someone that might be able to introduce you to the person. Here are some ways they can introduce you.

Reach out! You can usually try up to about three attempts to catch someone’s attention. And don’t take it personally if someone declines your request or doesn’t respond. Conventional wisdom says that it’ll take a few “no’s” to get a “yes.” So keep trying and you’ll get some bites.

Review these tips for reaching out with a request.

What someone in your network can say in their email when making an introduction for you:

I’d like to introduce you to my friend ‘Sally’ who is interested in meeting with you for an informational interview. ‘Sally’ recently graduated from State College and is exploring potential careers in Accounting, so I thought you could be a helpful sounding board for her.  Would you be open to meeting with her to share your expertise in the field?

When you send an email to a potential interviewer but mention a mutual contact

Subject Line: Informational interview request – referred by Jill Monty

Hello! Jill Monty, a former classmate of mine, suggested that I reach out to you about the possibility of doing an informational interview…

When you are making a cold contact

Subject Line: Informational interview request

Dear ,

I hope you won’t mind my contacting you out of the blue!  I found your contact info on , and it looks like you have a wealth of experience in the Accounting field. I’m very interested in finding out more about the field to prepare myself for my eventual job search.

I recently graduated from State College with a BA in Accounting, and am exploring different possibilities in the area. I’m particularly interested in .

I would love to meet with you or one of your colleagues for 30 minutes or so to get any thoughts or suggestions you may have on entering the accounting field.  Also, if there’s someone else you would recommend that I contact, please let me know.

Thanks in advance for your attention!