How can you approach someone for an informational interview?

1 Identify your goals

Before you contact anyone, you need to have a clear idea of what you want to achieve from the informational interview. Do you want to learn more about a specific field, company, or role? Do you want to get advice on how to break into a new career or industry? Do you want to find out about the challenges and opportunities in a certain area? Having a specific and realistic goal will help you narrow down your list of potential interviewees and tailor your message to them.

2 Research your target

Once you have a goal in mind, you need to do some research on the person you want to interview. Find out as much as you can about their background, current position, achievements, and interests. You can use LinkedIn, Google, or other online sources to gather this information. You can also look for mutual contacts who can introduce you or vouch for you. The more you know about your target, the easier it will be to craft a personalized and relevant request.

3 Write a concise and respectful email

Writing an email to introduce yourself, explain your purpose, and request a meeting is the next step. Keep the email short, polite, and professional. Use a clear and catchy subject line that summarizes your request and captures their attention. Begin with a warm and friendly greeting that addresses them by name and shows that you know who they are. Introduce yourself briefly and mention how you found them or what you have in common. Explain why you are interested in talking to them and what you hope to learn from them, being specific and genuine about your goals and motivations. Request a meeting at a convenient time and place for them, offering a few options while being flexible and respectful of their availability and preferences. Thank them for their time and consideration, expressing your enthusiasm and appreciation. End with a clear and polite call to action that invites them to reply and confirm the meeting.

4 Follow up and confirm

After you send your email, you should wait for a response and follow up if necessary. Don't be discouraged if you don't hear back right away. People are busy and may not check their email frequently. You can send a gentle reminder after a few days or a week, but don't be pushy or impatient. If you still don't get a reply, you can try another channel, such as a phone call or a social media message, or move on to another person. If you do get a positive response, you should confirm the meeting details and thank them again for their willingness to talk to you.

5 Prepare and conduct the interview

The last step is to prepare and conduct the informational interview. You should treat it as a professional and respectful conversation, not as a sales pitch or job interview. To make the most of it, you should do your homework and review what you know about the person and their field. Prepare a list of open-ended and relevant questions that align with your goals and show your interest and curiosity. Dress appropriately and arrive on time, bringing a notebook, a pen, and a copy of your resume or portfolio if relevant. Start with some small talk and rapport-building, thanking them for their time and reminding them of your purpose and goals. Ask your questions attentively, taking notes and asking for clarification or examples when needed. Respect their time by wrapping up the interview when the agreed time is up, asking for referrals or recommendations if appropriate. Express your gratitude and appreciation, asking for their contact information or permission to stay in touch. Finally, follow up with a thank-you note or email within 24 hours, summarizing what you learned and how you benefited from the interview. Reaffirm your interest in the conversation and suggest ways to keep the relationship going.