Request One Informational Interview
Informational interviews are one of the highest-leverage activities you can do as a recent graduate. You are not asking for a job. You are asking to learn. This lowers the pressure for both sides and often leads to referrals, introductions, and genuine opportunities.
Informational interviews are one of the highest-leverage activities you can do as a recent graduate. You are not asking for a job. You are asking to learn. This lowers the pressure for both sides and often leads to referrals, introductions, and genuine opportunities.
Step by Step
Identify one person worth talking to Look for someone working in a role similar to the one you want at a company you are interested in. Alumni connections are ideal for this.
Send a request message Template: "Hi [Name], I am a recent graduate in [field] and am in the early stages of my job search. Your career path really caught my attention, particularly your work at [Company] in [area]. I would love to learn more about how you got started and what you wish you had known when you were just starting out. Would you be open to a 20 minute virtual coffee chat sometime in the next few weeks? I am completely flexible on timing."
Prepare 5 questions Good questions for recent graduates:
How did you get your first role in this field?
What skills or experiences do you think made the biggest difference early in your career?
What do you look for when you hire entry-level candidates?
What do you wish someone had told you when you were starting out?
Is there anyone else you would recommend I speak with?
Log the request and follow up once after 10 days if no response
Tips for success
Always end by asking if there is anyone else they would recommend you speak with. This is how your network grows exponentially.
Send a thank you message within 24 hours of the conversation. Reference something specific they said.