College graduates guide for informational interview requests via LinkedIn
One of the most useful professional social media platforms is LinkedIn
Loads of college graduates reach out to professionals on LinkedIn without proper guidance on how to request for an informational interview.
One advice on reaching out to executives, you can try your luck, but they are super busy and aren't usually available. You might have better luck finding people at positions you want to apply for and one level up, eg, managers
Here are some steps to organize your approach to network and to seek informational interviews
Step 1: Tap the network of folks you already know who are professionally doing well.
Step 2: I recommend getting LinkedIn's premium version where you can send a note in the connection request.
Step 3: When sending a request here is a good message format: ( It has 300 character limit so edit accordingly)
" Hello XYZ, I am a recent graduate of WP Carey School of Business, ASU. I would like to request 30 min of your valuable time to chat about the work culture at XYZ, your day to day responsibilities and challenges in your role and team. Please let me know a few days and times that work for you."
Step 4: After they agree to meet with you, request for their email and offer to set up a Google Meet. Thank them for their response and for agreeing to chat with you. Be courteous of their time and willingness
Step 5: 30 min before the informational interview set aside time to research the company, the team in which they work, product and services and mission and vision of the company
Step 6: Be on time for the interview, use a well lit environment. Thank them for making time for you
Step 7: Tell them the structure: First I will introduce myself, then I would love to hear about your career journey and then finally I have a list of questions if you don't mind answering.
Step 8: Be mindful of the time limit. 5 mins before the 30 min limit, remind them that you realise that you are almost about time.
Step 9: Thank them
Step10: Follow-up with a thankyou email for their time and what you learnt about them
Do not ask for a referral in the informational interview unless they offer. Ask them for tips for job applications.
This is a great article regarding informational interviews:How to Request, Conduct, and Follow-Up on an Informational Interview | LinkedIn