How To Contact Your Target Properly

When you've found out who your target is, don't blow the opportunity:

• Be quick and to-the-point -- they're as busy as you are
• Start out with a phone call. Hopefully you can get voice mail and leave a message, then follow up with an e-mail.
• But you don't always get voice mail! Be prepared starting with that first contact -- do all of your research first.
• If you send an e-mail before making phone contact (and voice mail messages don't count), include who referred you in the subject line of your e-mail; that'll make you stand out in a crowded inbox.
• If you don't hear back after the first e-mail, keep trying -- follow-up a week later with another e-mail. But don't be a stalker; give up after three unanswered e-mails.
• Always follow up with an e-mail. Keep it short and sweet. Sample text: "Hi, I'm [name], and I'm interested in [job]. I'd love an informational interview, I know you're very busy and I'd appreciate even a few minutes of your time."

If you need a quiet place to make this call, see if you can grab an empty interview room at the CRC.

Once you've made contact, look for a way to return favors for the people who got you the name. Share full-time job leads with second-years, and always buy your referrers beer or coffee.

If the target can't give you their time, don't despair -- often they'll be happy to refer you on. That referral can be very valuable.