Setting up anINFORMATIONAL

INTERVIEWThis guide will walk you through the art of the

informational interview step by step and give you email copy to start reaching out.

The hardest part of informational interviews is setting them up. It takes courage. Just remember, most people don’t have the guts to do it – so simply taking the initiative to reach out is putting you ahead of the game.

You’ve already learned how to make your list. If you skimmed the blog post, refresh yourself here [LINK].

The next step is sending out the emails. This might seem basic, but do not send a mass email. Put in the legwork to personalize each one, even if it’s just an extra sentence.

Scroll down for some sample email copy.

THE SET UP

Emailing someone you find in your alumni databaseSubject: Greetings from College X

Dear Melinda,

How are you? I hope you are doing well. I am a student at X College and will be graduating in 2015. I am interested in pursuing a career in (industry / company / whatever) and I was hoping to set up some time to chat with you about your experience in (industry / company / whatever).

I will be in the city the week of X. Can I buy you a cup of coffee and chat with you for thirty minutes? If that week does not work for you, is there a good time to chat over the phone?

Thank you so much for your help -

Best,

X

*Pro-tip: While it is always nice to get a fast response from people, there is at least a 50% chance that you will not.

Don’t get disgruntled or upset. People are busy, inboxes get full, and you cannot take it personally. This person does not know you!

Try again. Scroll down for copy for an email follow-up.

Following up with the contact after 7 days

Subject: Chat with College X Student?

Dear Melinda,

I hope all is well. I wanted to follow up on my previous request to buy you coffee when I am in town the week of X. Given your experience in (industry, company, whatever) I really feel like I have a lot to learn from you.

I understand you are extremely busy and if you don’t have time to meet me, I fully understand.

Sincerely,X

Asking for a referral from a family friendSubject: Follow up from (Insert Name)

Dear John,

It was wonderful to catch up with you at the Johnsons’ holiday party. I wanted to follow up with you with on your kind offer to help me during my job search. As we discussed, I’m interested in exploring opportunities at (company, industry). Do you have any suggestions for people that I could reach out to for advice? If appropriate, I would appreciate a personal introduction.

I have attached my resume. Please let me know what additional information I can provide you.

Sincerely,X

Emailing a cold lead

Subject: Interest in (Insert Company Name)

Dear Jennifer,

My [Uncle/Aunt/Friend] suggested I get in contact with you to learn more about [Company, Industry.]

I’m a current senior at X, and I’m very interested in picking your brain about your experience at X. If you’re free at all next week, I’d love to buy you a cup of coffee.

Let me know what is convenient for you.

Best,X

Subject: Interest in (Insert Company Name)

Dear Spencer,

How is life after (Insert College?) I hope everything’s going great.

I saw on LinkedIn that you’re working at X. Congrats! I’ve only heard really good things about that company.

I’d love to get together and learn about your experience working there. Would you have time to meet up after work sometime next week for a quick coffee or drink?

Best,X

Emailing a young alum

Thanks for meeting with me emailSubject: Thanks for meeting with me

Dear Melinda,

Thanks for taking the time meet with me today.

I loved learning more about your experience at X, and am grateful for all your stellar advice on starting a career in X field. I’ll definitely be doing so more research on X when I get back to school.

Thanks again,X

*Pro-tip: You should also send follow up emails to people who connect you to someone.

Thank them for the introduction and let them know how the informational interview went. People who help you will be curious how it all works out. You’ll also put yourself in excellent position to ask another favor in the future.

Hope you found this helpful.

Send us a note at hello@joinkoru.com and let us know what type of content you’d like to see on our blog.

Cheers,Team Koru

Koru is an intensive business program that teaches college grads relevant skills in a real-work setting and helps them land great jobs

at great companies.

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