Contacting your specialist

Your specialist is actually assigned to two groups: one in the Tuesday section and one in the Thursday section! But we only want the specialist to have to sit for one interview. So be sure to coordinate with the corresponding group in the other section in order to set up the interview. Once you’ve recorded the interview, be sure to share it with everyone. Your specialist is aware that you’ll be getting in touch, so no need to be nervous!

Here are some guidelines for emailing someone you don’t know for an informational interview:

  1. Designate ONE person the point of contact. It’s too confusing to have to email with multiple people!
  2. Default to the most formal form of address, until you’re corrected. That usually means “Mr.” or “Ms.,” but if you’re not sure about gender, you can just use their full name. For subsequent emails, take your cue from how your contact signs their name: if they use their first name, you should be fine to do the same. If you’re not sure, you can say, “Dear Firstname (if I may).” (Classy!)
  3. In terms of timing, be as available as you can possibly be. That may mean (indeed, it will probably mean) that not everyone from your group will be able to make the interview. It’s more important that you defer to your contact’s schedule than that you find a time that works for everyone. And please, please keep the scheduling emails to a minimum; it gets overwhelming and confusing otherwise.
  4. Research the person in advance. Don’t make them answer questions that they’ve answered elsewhere! Also, be aware of their time zone and offer appropriate times.
  5. A thank-you email is appropriate after the interview, but refrain from sending additional emails unless you’re invited. Definitely don’t ask the person to read your report!
  6. A half-hour should suffice for the interview, although you can play it by ear, in case the person has more to say.