What is protocol when contacting people for information interviews when you are a client of theirs? Just curious if people have any insights to share here. I’d assume it’s ok to have an “off line” conversation? Also- regarding information interviews what are some objectives or expectations to have going in? Is it ok to ask them to put you in touch with people they know? Ask about job opportunities?
bump… c’mon peeps
Someone from my school hit me up via email for an informational interview so I emailed her back suggesting some dates and times that I could call her to talk. No response. Lesson #1: don’t waste the interviewer’s time.
comments on client relationship?
Pretend like you’re interested in what they do without actually telling them what your ulterior motive is for asking.
Well I know what they do… cuz I am there client, so that really wouldn’t work… Is it kosher to reach out like that to discuss “career questions” or what not to somebody that you do business with??
If they are more senior than you, you can simply ask a line of questions that suggests you want to learn from them (which should be the goal anyway). It’s really not that hard. Most people like talking about themselves, so you just let them know that you admire something about their job and want to learn how they got to where they are. Later (in the interview) you ask them what their suggestion is for you to get where they are (assuming you discover this is where you want to be). Just be as straightforward and honest as possible and it should go smoothly. You say that you’re interested in some aspect of what they’re doing and want to know more about what it’s like and could you schedule some time to talk about it. Let them know that your time horizon is not immediate (this will make them feel less pressured to find you a job, and also that they aren’t inciting a key relationship person to leave), but you’re just thinking about the long term future and want to know more.
Be polite and ask them if it is ok for you to ask them some questions about their organisation. Ask them if they are expanding. Is it a good place to work. The approach all depends on how well you know them. But people in general will always want to help you if you make it sound like they are knowledgeable. Check out how to win friends and influence people for tips on how to open people up without being obvious.
Great thanks bchad, Mudd - I’ll have to dust off that carnegie book, read it twice before but always a good one to pick up again. Thanks!
fxguy1234 Wrote: ------------------------------------------------------- > Well I know what they do… cuz I am there client, > so that really wouldn’t work… Is it kosher to > reach out like that to discuss “career questions” > or what not to somebody that you do business > with?? Yes, it is definitely appropriate to do this. Just remember, your loyalty is to your current employer, so make sure you don’t do anything that would somehow make them think that you guys are in trouble, or anything that would somehow convince them to show you less order flow, etc. Also, avoid putting them in an akward situation that would somehow interfere with the relationship between him and your boss. Other than that, I think you’re good and you should give it a shot–just make sure you put yourself in his shoes when you’re deciding what questions to ask him.
You can always say that you want to move along the value chain - towards the front end, a different area with a different focus, wherever you intend to go. It’s really fine. I have seen colleagues come from clients and go to them in various organisations. I think it’s called networking in some places 
If you represent yourself well, they will be happy to have you on board. One guy who has come in here, was a client of mine. A year and a half ago, I was sitting opposite him having lunch as my client. Last month, he got promoted to the head of one of our sales teams - fairly prestigious too. We would happily have him on our team - he is CFA qualified and has a very easy manner when dealing with people. As long as you comport yourself well, it is always possible. Good luck with it, sure you’ll do well.
Awesome. Thanks again Mudd, aha…
I went on a business trip with a client once and got to know him over the course of a week or so. When you’re doing business stick to business talk but when you’re out to dinner or drinks then you can get all up in their sh!t.