Whether you’re just entering the workforce or have plateaued, you might need career advice. Finding someone knowledgeable in your industry might just be the ticket to helping you kick off your career.
Be Clear on What You Want
What do you want? Looking for simple career advice is different from asking for innovative ideas. Identifying the difference will help you formulate your questions.There are several types of advice. For example, you may only want counsel for a specific project. In that case, the adviser could provide a framework for the process you should take.
Another form of advice is coaching. This role could help you with task proficiency and professional development.
You might be looking for a mentor. A mentor provides opportunities, guidance, and protection. This relationship aims to build and sustain career advancement and personal effectiveness.
How to Find Career Advice
Finding someone to ask advice from can often be challenging. Home in on people in your industry who can give you the most help. But don’t cast your net wide. Narrow it down and approach only one. You'll probably find that that individual is open to giving you some time. Most people are flattered when someone asks for advice from them.
There are several places to start to find your adviser. Start with professional organizations in your chosen field. Attend a meeting and show genuine interest in others. Many professional organizations have member directories. These can be great sources for contacts and potential advisors.
Take advantage of co-workers and ex-co-workers. They know the field, and they probably know you. A current employer is also a potential advisor. Besides asking for advice, you'll show them that your goal is improving yourself and your career.
LinkedIn is a treasure trove of help. Reach out to a potential advisor. Keep the message concise while being cordial and specific. Make sure you let the potential adviser know you admire their career path. Only ask for 15–20 minutes and let them know it would be very helpful to you.
Know the Industry and Potential Adviser
Once you’ve identified a potential adviser, do your homework. What is their position, and what are some of their accomplishments? Go on LinkedIn and see the jobs they’ve held and their education credentials. Know everything you can about them before you contact them.You want to avoid walking in the door and asking them what their career path was when it’s already open to the public. It shows you didn’t care enough to look it up ahead of time.
But if you walk in knowing them and asking them specific questions relating to specific companies, you’ll impress them and start a stimulating conversation.
How to Email a Potential Adviser
When emailing a potential adviser, remember that your email is intruding on their inbox. This means you need to appreciate the time it’s taking them to read it. Start with an introduction and perhaps say, “We’ve never met, but…” and somehow work in a connection or person you both know. It could be as simple as having both attended the same college.If you don’t have a connection, let them know that you have followed their career, admired them, etc. It’s ok to give a compliment; everyone likes to feel good, just don’t go overboard. You need to be sincere. Once you have this introduction over with, explain what you want.
When asking for the meeting, make sure you say “please.” It’s amazing how far that little word will go. Don’t beg, but let the person know how appreciative you'd be for the meeting.
Keep the Meeting Short
Time is important when asking for a meeting. You’re asking a busy person to carve out some time in their day. So, you need to be accommodating. Never ask for more than 20 minutes and the preferable would be 15.If they can only meet in the evening, then that’s when you meet. They aren’t there to fit your schedule; you must accommodate theirs. And you must be early for the meeting.
One executive said that if someone was on time for a meeting, she considered that late. The meeting starts at the designated time; that’s not the arrival time.
Have Specific Questions
Whether it be in the email or in person, do not say, “I want to pick your brain.” That’s a generic way of saying you don’t know what to ask.- What skills or knowledge do I need to be successful in this field?
- What networking events should I go to?
- How can I make my resume stand out more for my field?
- What is the company culture like at organizations in this field?
- Where are jobs in this field located?
Ask What You Can Do for Potential Adviser
Ask if there is anything you can do for them. It doesn’t matter if you’re in a position to help them or not; you’re letting the person know that you’re willing to give back for taking their time. Let them know that if you can ever be of service, they should please contact you. That will go a long way with the potential adviser.Send a Thank You Note
This may seem obvious, but it’s incredible how many people skip this step. Send a thank you note or email. Don’t wait a week; send it that night or the next day at the latest. A thank you for your time and advice will go a long way to endearing you to them.Intelligence and Gratitude Wins the Day
By approaching the potential adviser intelligently and gratefully, you increase your chances of a meeting.Make sure you make the most of it by having your questions prepared. Be respectful and always thank the person for their time.
