Perfect the Art of the Ask to Further Your Learning

Written by Brian Chien. 9/24/2021.

As you progress through your learning, career, self-discovery, you might wonder what it is like to be in your next envisioned state. Do you want to know what a career is like? Would you like to know how others are approaching similar challenges you are facing? Ask someone with the first-hand experience. An informational interview is a hybrid meeting of a fantastic networking opportunity and an info session. These interviews usually last 20 to 30 minutes at the most. 

The purpose of an informational interview is not to get a job or find a mentor. Instead, the goal is to find out about how others who are currently doing the things you are interested in. Some people who conduct informational interviews discover their dream job isn't so dreamy after all. In contrast, others find insights to correct or accelerate their current path. An informational interview is a tool everyone should have in their back pocket. It is essential to helping you find out more about the type of industry, company, or role you're interested in. This article aims to support you in crafting that first message and email.

Assuming you have identified whom you would like to reach out to, let us walk through some tips and examples to help you perfect the art of the ask. An excellent cold email has two things: a clear message (why you're reaching out) and an easy-to-understand ask (the action you want the recipient to take). Here is a simple framework that will work most of the time:

Hello,

[One sentence that includes your name]. [One sentence about how you came across their profile/contact]. [One sentence about what you are currently interested in that is tied to their expertise]. [One sentence on why you are reaching out to them]. [One sentence of the ask].

Email Signature. 

Here are a few examples using this framework:

Hello Tim, 

My name is Bob, and I am a freshman at Stanford University. I'm learning more about what a career in computer graphics looks like. I came across your work at the XYZ conference and would like to learn more about the field. I was wondering if I could schedule a time to talk with you for about 10-20 minutes to ask you a few questions about your career?

Best,

Bob

————

Hello Linda,

My name is Finley. I am currently exploring ways to support children in the space of social-emotional learning. John Doe recommended I reach out to you. May I briefly chat with you for 20-25 minutes about your work in building healthy communities to support parents and teachers in developing emotional resilience? Your insights are greatly appreciated. 

Sincerely,

Finley

————

Dear Lee,

My name is Jenny. I am an aspiring gardener who recently started to learn more about plants. I am very interested in exploring how humidity affects plants' growth. I came across your post and resonated with your insights. I'd love to learn more about your experience in gardening. Would you be available this week for a 15–20-minute chat? Let me know if the following time works for you.

Sincerely,

Jenny

Feel free to use these as references for creating your email. These messages can also be used when reaching out to connections on LinkedIn. As a bonus, you can also consider including a meeting scheduling link like YouCanBook.me, Calendly, and Setmore. Simply set your availability and let the person find a time that works for both of you without exchanging additional emails.