What should I say to set up an informational interview?
Q: What do you say when you cold call a professional to set up an informational interview?
A: bizMe was created through the power of networking and if there is anyone that is an expert at cold calling . . . it is me! A year after I graduated from college I moved to Chicago with dreams of working for a national magazine. Little did I know how challenging this would truly be! I ended up getting a job working for the Chicago Tribune but I took advantage that I was in Chicago and promised myself I would have a job working for a national magazine in a year. I did lots of research to find out the names and numbers of advertising reps in the Chicago market and began cold calling. I was almost up to four coffee meetings a week. It was truly an awesome experience and the knowledge and friendships I have made would never have happened unless I picked up the phone. And don’t worry, I currently work for an awesome national online magazine!!
Script to use:
Hi Suzie, My name is Amanda and I recently moved to Chicago from Minneapolis. I am extremely interested in working for a national publication and was wondering if you would enjoy talking with me over coffee. I am anxious to hear your words of wisdom and how you broke into the industry. Please let me know if there is a convenient time for you. Thanks much!
Hey Amanda,
For the script, do you say it all at once when you are connected with the person? What if you get his/her voicemail would you just say the same thing but leave your number?
Thanks a lot for this!
Hi Mee,
Absolutely leave it in a voicemail and once you have been referred to someone, be sure to name drop the person that referred you. Example: Hi Jane, My name is Amanda and I was referred to you by Tim. I spoke with Tim last week about my interest in learning more about the magazine industry and he said you would be a great person to talk to. . . and so on. Once you have left a voice-message make sure you follow up until you reach the person on the phone. Don’t just keep leaving voicemail’s!
Thanks for reading bizMe,
Amanda
This is an awesome script! Short, to the point and sweet.
Thanks Yanique, I used this script all the time when I first moved down to Chicago and my coffee talk was about 3 times a week! Hope it brings you many informational interviews.
Thanks for reading,
Amanda
I love this site! You answer all of the questions that I am on the verge of asking!
Thank you!