Networking is more important than ever when it comes to creating opportunities. But reaching out to someone you don’t know can feel intimidating.
The key question to ask yourself is: Why would this person make time for me?
If your request feels too big or unclear, it can create discomfort. If they don’t know what you want to talk about, they may hesitate to respond. Make your request clear and specific so they can easily imagine what the conversation will be about. When people know what to expect, they’re much more likely to say yes.
- Keep it short—ask for 20 minutes. It’s long enough to have a meaningful conversation but short enough to feel like a small ask. And if things go well, it can naturally extend to 30 minutes, as most meetings start on the hour or half-hour.
- Make it easy to say yes. Most professionals are happy to help, but asking for a referral, resume review, or introduction right away can feel like too much. Instead, start by asking for insights and advice—this makes the conversation feel lighter and more enjoyable.
- Be upfront about your topic. If you say you want to talk about their career journey, stick to it—don’t surprise them with a request for a job. However, if the conversation naturally flows into that, great!
Think of this as opening a relationship, not just a one-time conversation. The most important thing is leaving a strong impression—that you’re smart, capable, and great to work with. That way, when opportunities come up in the future, they’ll think of you.
Here Are Some Ways You Can Request a Chat
Now that you know how to approach these conversations, here are six ways to phrase your request depending on the situation. Try the approach that feels right for you, and test it out. If you’re reaching out to multiple people, track what works best across industries, functions, and company sizes—you might notice interesting patterns!
1️⃣ Interest in Their Role/Experience
👉 “I’m interested in a role similar to yours at [Company] and would love to hear about your experience. What do you enjoy most, and what challenges have you faced? I have a few questions and would appreciate your insights. Would you be open to a 20-minute chat?”
2️⃣ Reference Their Work or Thought Leadership
👉 “I read your work on [topic] and found it really insightful. I have a few questions about your approach and some ideas I’d love to get your thoughts on. Would you be open to a 20-minute chat?”
3️⃣ Mutual Connection or Common Interest
👉 “I was speaking with [mutual connection], and they mentioned you’d be a great person to learn from about [topic]. I’d love to hear how you approached [specific challenge or transition] and ask a few quick questions. Would you be open to a 20-minute chat?”
4️⃣ Specific Career Transition or Advice
👉 “I’m transitioning into [industry/role] and noticed you made a similar move from [previous role] to [current role]. I’d love to hear what helped you the most during that transition and ask a few questions. Would you be open to a 20-minute chat?”
5️⃣ Company or Team-Specific Interest
👉 “I’ve heard great things about [Company], especially [specific aspect—e.g., its reputation, culture, or innovation in X]. I’d love to learn more about what it’s like to work there and how your team approaches [relevant topic]. Would you be open to a 20-minute chat?”
6️⃣ Direct & Concise Approach
👉 “I admire your work in [industry/field] and would love to learn from your experience. Specifically, I’d love to ask about [topic, e.g., how you navigated leadership growth in tech]. Would you be open to a 20-minute chat?”
Build Relationships That Open Doors
Networking isn’t just about one conversation—it’s about building long-term relationships. Every great career opportunity starts with a connection, and the more conversations you have, the more doors you open.
If you need help crafting the right message or navigating networking conversations, feel free to reach out—I’d be happy to help!
No comments:
Post a Comment