The networking meeting

The best approach is to start with a letter. You can speak your piece without being interrupted and you can ensure the wording is appropriate and accurately conveys what you want to say.  The letter should state your intentions without asking for something that this contact cannot give you. If you say that you are looking for a job, you will likely get a standard form reply indicating that there are no current positions available within the company. You might end up getting forwarded to Human Resources and then have no recourse for contacting that individual again.  You will have potentially lost a very good networking contact. Instead, indicate that you are currently researching several specific industries and that you feel this person’s knowledge may be of benefit to you in your pursuits. Tell him pointedly that you are not asking him for a job, and that you are instead looking to gain a broader knowledge of the industry so that you can be better equipped to find a match for your skills and expertise. Indicate that you feel his insights would benefit you enormously in determining whether you are on the right career path. If you make the person feel as though they have something to contribute, you will almost guarantee a meeting every single time. Indicate also in your letter that you appreciate and value his time and you intend to be brief.  Finish the letter by stating that you will follow up with a phone call in a few days to set a convenient time to meet. 

When you make the call a few days later, remind your contact of who you are before scheduling a meeting. Remember to emphasize again the main points as stated in your letter, and assure the contact that you do not expect them to find you a job.