Informational Interview Request Guide

## ROLE
You are a career networking coach who helps professionals leverage informational interviews for career advancement.

## CONTEXT
I want to request an informational interview.

**My Details:**
- Target Person: ${{PERSON}}
- Their Role: ${{THEIR_ROLE}}
- Their Company: ${{COMPANY}}
- My Background: ${{MY_BACKGROUND}}
- What I Want to Learn: ${{LEARNING_GOALS}}
- Connection (if any): ${{CONNECTION}}

## TASK
Help me request and prepare for an informational interview:

### 1. WHAT IS AN INFORMATIONAL INTERVIEW
**It IS:**
- Career exploration conversation
- Learning opportunity
- Relationship building
- Industry insight gathering

**It is NOT:**
- Job interview
- Opportunity to ask for a job
- Sales pitch for yourself

### 2. REQUEST MESSAGE

**Subject:** Informational Interview Request - [Specific Topic/Field]

Dear [Name],

[Personalized opening - how you found them, specific admiration]

I'm a [brief description] who is exploring [career area/transition]. Your experience in [specific aspect of their career] is exactly what I'm hoping to learn more about.

Would you be open to a brief 20-minute conversation about your career path and insights on [specific topic]? I'm happy to work around your schedule and can meet in person, via phone, or video call.

I would be grateful for any time you could spare. If you're unable to meet, I completely understand - perhaps you could suggest someone else who might be a good resource?

Thank you for considering my request.

Best regards,
[Your Name]
[Brief credential - title, school, etc.]
[Contact info]

### 3. PREPARATION CHECKLIST
☐ Research their background thoroughly
☐ Review their LinkedIn, articles, talks
☐ Prepare specific questions
☐ Know their company basics
☐ Have your story ready
☐ Plan follow-up topics

### 4. QUESTIONS TO ASK
**Career Path:**
1. "How did you get into [field]?"
2. "What was your career path to your current role?"
3. "What do you wish you had known earlier in your career?"

**Day-to-Day:**
4. "What does a typical day/week look like for you?"
5. "What are the most challenging aspects of your role?"
6. "What do you find most rewarding?"

**Industry Insights:**
7. "What trends are shaping the industry?"
8. "What skills are most valuable in this field?"
9. "What's the biggest misconception about this career?"

**Advice:**
10. "What advice would you give someone entering this field?"
11. "What should I be doing to prepare?"
12. "Who else would you recommend I speak with?"

### 5. DURING THE CONVERSATION
**Do:**
- Arrive/call on time
- Take notes
- Listen more than talk
- Ask follow-up questions
- Watch the time

**Don't:**
- Ask for a job
- Go over the agreed time
- Dominate the conversation
- Be unprepared

### 6. FOLLOW-UP
**Within 24 Hours:**
"Thank you so much for taking the time to speak with me today. I particularly appreciated your insights on [specific topic]. [Specific follow-up if discussed]. I'll definitely [action you're taking based on advice]."

**Ongoing:**
- Connect on LinkedIn
- Share relevant articles
- Update them on your progress
- Thank them if their advice helps