Ask a Professional for 15 Minutes of Advice
The short answer
Ask for a small, clear favour: fifteen minutes, on one topic, at their convenience. Say how you found them, what you are trying to decide, and that you have read about their work. The template does that and offers to send questions in writing instead.
Makes it easy for a busy person to say yes.
A real, specific reason works far better than flattery.
Start with “a” or “an”, for example “an MBA student”.
Your message
Short and specific beats long and general. Add one detail only you could know, like a post of theirs you read. Connection notes have a short character limit that LinkedIn has changed over time, so trim the note if it is refused. Your details stay in your browser.
Everything runs in your browser. What you type is not sent anywhere.
How to: Ask a Professional for 15 Minutes of Advice
- 1Fill in your name, the person's name and how you came across them.
- 2Type the topic you want advice on.
- 3Copy the message and send it.
- 4If they agree, prepare three questions and keep to the time.
At a glance
- Ask for
- Fifteen minutes on one topic
- Offer
- To send questions in writing instead
- Prepare
- Three clear questions
Frequently asked questions
What should I ask them?
Ask how they got started, what they would do differently, and what skills matter most in the first year. Questions about their experience are easier to answer than 'Can you get me a job?'.
What if they prefer to reply by message?
Accept happily. Send your questions in a short list and thank them in your next message.