Two simple thoughts to making contact. First, find out what the friend is targeting and try to help them. Second, just be simple, considerate, and ask.

Highly Effective Job Search - Concise list Explains what to do when asking for a meeting.

Specific steps on Career Intercom ...
- Check their credibility by clicking their name.
- Click the Contact link next to their name.
- Send a friendly letter starting with what you can offer them and then asking for what you need.
- You can't see their email address but they'll see yours and can reply. It will arrive in your email not Career Intercom.
- As with all other first contact, if you don't hear back feel free to gently prompt them just once more.

When you speak with someone remember this acronym ... SUCCESS.

S Strategic - does the story fit the message I want to convey?
U Unique - why are you different from everyone else
C Clear - not technical but understandable to the person listening
C Concise - don't ramble, stick to one main point
E Enthusiastic - Smile, make it exciting, make it memorable
S Short - should be a quick answer to their question
S Solution- Why did you use this story, did it serve the purpose,
convey your message?

Making contact with employers ...