Requesting an informational interview

[Chicagoist123]

Originally Posted by peet111

It is one way to "get in the door".
Probably not used as much as in better times but in some fields, experts like to be consulted.
People/companies who would consider it a waste of time probably don't offer their field as a whole much except "doing their job."
Brush up on your own interviewing techniques as well, they may turn the tables on you.
This Happened to me once.
Also, even if they say "we have no openings currently" a stock answer in some places, insist you just want to learn about future prospects whatever.

Right and it's a good strategy. Especially if an opening comes up they might remember you.

Here is another things, people love talking about themselves and having people ask questions about them. At least most people do. It doesn't hurt to try. As long as you are not blatantly asking for a job, I think you should be fine.

I mean come one, people network usually for two things: 1. To sell a product to that person 2. To get a job there. People don't network for "fun". I think it all boils down as to how you approach it.

[Chicagoist123]

Another good option. Contact one Linkedin contact per day and send them something interesting relevant to their field. So if they are in architecture, then send them an article you come across that is interesting to them. I think it helps in many ways:

1. They see you that you have an interest and knowledge in their area of expertise.
2. That you are doing more than just connecting with them to look for a job.
3. That you are actively keeping up with the industry.

Everyday I send one email out to my connections. Little things can lead to big results!

[FBJ]

It would work better if you had another connection who knows you and the guy you are trying to get to meet with so it would just been a smooth referral

Try finding out who do you know that knows him so you can be linked to him rather than just sending a cold email