How to Ask for an Information Interview
I sometimes receive requests from other career counsellors for information interviews (and am always delighted when I do). After recently receiving a particular request that was both fun and charming, I started thinking about what makes a good request for an information interview. While there are lots of examples in books of letters you can write for requesting an information interview, it is rare that you get to see an actual request, so I thought it might be very useful and illuminating to see one (especially one that I think is so nicely done).
Here’s how the email I received went:
How does one ask a networking guru for an information interview? I puzzled over this briefly before realizing I know the answer - directly and honestly! You have actually been on my radar for a while as someone I would like to talk to ever since I heard you speak at a CCIA presentation a few years ago while I was still working at the U of T Career Centre. This summer I saw you mentioned in Mark Franklin’s e-newsletter as having published a book, and now working at Queen’s - and I thought to myself - this must be a sign! But in the chaos of moving home north of Kingston to help my father with renovations and learning to run the family farm I put it on the back burner until the fall. Now as the chaos is finally subsiding, I would love to have the opportunity to meet with you face-to-face for an informal information interview - if you would be interested in meeting with me.I would love to hear more about how you balance your work at Queen’s with your private practice, and your writing. As I am learning to run our small family farm I am realizing that it is not enough - financially or career-wise - and would like to add a missing piece or two to the puzzle. I believe that these pieces are very likely writing and counselling and would love to hear about your experiences and the ensuing wisdom!
This week I will be in town around lunch time on Thursday if you are available then, or I am much more flexible in the next 2 weeks and could come in almost any day (farm work is always there, but can wait!).
I hope to hear from you soon,
Sincerely,
Why I love this request:
· He reminded me of how we had met in the past. This was really helpful. If he had just given his name, I may have been able to place it, but I am much better with faces than names. Remembering where we had met helped me to remember him.
· It was flattering. I am no “networking guru” and it made me laugh out loud to read that, but, even though I’m sure it was a bit tongue in cheek, it is nice to be complimented. It is nice to know someone thinks they could learn something from you.
· It was personalized. This is not a request that has been sent out to 25 people – Even if some of it has been copied from other requests, Miguel clearly thought about what to say to me, and personalized this request just to me.
· The request was clear. What he wanted wasn’t vague – he was clear that he was asking to meet in person to discuss career stuff.
· Most importantly, it felt really real. (wow “really real” – I think my high school English teacher might have circled that in red). Miguel’s note just feels so authentic. There is a real person who has written it, and the request and comments seen sincere.
This was a great request. Of course I am not representative of everyone – what is compelling to me in a request, may not be exactly what is compelling to another person. But it seems to me that authenticity and sincerity are almost universally appreciated.
PS: Thank you Miguel, for letting me share this with readers.
Great post Cathy! Thanks so much to you (and Miguel) for sharing the letter. I would agree - as someone who has received and advised on informational interview request - that this is a special one. The thing I liked most was how personalized it was. I think too often, these requests feel like a form letter. And who wants to feel like one of a 100 people receiving a request? I’ll definitely be bookmarking this post and sharing it with my career coaching clients.
Thanks for this post, Cathy. In addition to being a great example of an information interview request, I think it can also provide some pointers for cover letters/emails, other interview requests, and follow-up letters. I’ve received a lot of unsolicited “form letters” from hopeful employees over the years. But every once in a while I receive one that has been personalized, that clearly indicates what type of job is being sought, and that helped me understand why I should give this person a call. I realize this is more time consuming. However, my unscientific theory is that you have a better chance of getting an interview (informational or otherwise) if you send 10 personalized requests versus 100 generic ones. Thanks again!
Caryn and Carly,
Thanks for the comments. And thanks for providing confirmation that others also believe in the importance of personalized letters. While I don’t have any stats, I’m with you Caryn, that 10 personalized requests are likely more effective than 100 generic ones.
I like that Miguel was authentic. It’s really hard for most people to write this way, and it’s hard to get that humourous tone on email. Mostly though, I think that people tend to feel stiff when writing a request. It’s hard to be loose and playful like this example. It takes practice too. It’s almost like people should make a few not-so-important requests on email (or ones to people they know) to warm up to doing it with someone who seems to have all the power. (Yes! The All Powerful Cathy!) Thanks for sharing. I can use this example!
This is a great example. I would jump at the opportunity to meet with someone if they wrote me a note like that! I love it when people actually pick up the phone and calls me for an informational interview. The old fashioned approach! Thanks for this blog.
I love it!