Networking is tough and feels awkward. A great close out to a conversation with someone is to have a call to action. For example, “I’ve really enjoyed talking to you. I was hoping we could continue this conversation over coffee. Is that something you’d be open to?” If it sounds like asking someone on a date, it’s because that’s what it is. You’re asking someone to go on a business date.
So they say yes. Hurray! Now you have an informational interview, and you don’t know what to say.
DO
Have some questions prepared about things that are important to you. Examples include:
- What do you like most about your job?
- What is a day in the life like?
- What is one thing you would change?
- What would be one piece of advice you would give to someone starting out in (industry)?
- What has your career trajectory been like? How did you get to here?
- Is there anything you would have done differently?
- How do you feel about the future of (industry)? What do you think is next?
Engage in an interesting conversation — feel free and confident to share your thoughts and hear the other person’s ideas. Be curious, be confident, be open.
Offer to pay for coffee/ drinks. But don’t insist on it. At some point that back and forth gets weird.
DON’T
Ask for a job. Please. Please. Please. If you asked for an informational interview, please treat it as such. If you need to close with something you can say, “I feel like company would be a great place for me to get my feet wet and really contribute. I hope you would think of me for upcoming opportunities.”
Try to make yourself sound smart. I can tell you from experience that this peacock show is uncomfortable and not fun at all. Engage in a conversation.
Forget to follow up! Send a note after the fact and thank them for their time, add them on LinkedIn and bonus 10 points if you send them a link to an interesting or helpful article.
Let it die. You have now added someone to your networking garden. And if you don’t tend to that relationship, it won’t do very well. So every once in a while, whether you need them or not, drop them a note to see how they’re doing. #networking
