Whether reaching out to a colleague, old friend, or a stranger, email can be very useful. We are all comfortable using email in business situations where a hand-written note would have been required a few years to a
decade ago. Since the people you are interviewing are doing you a favor, the best approach is to be flexible -- their schedule and their convenience is primary. If food or drink is to be purchased, you are the person who picks up the check. Samples include a message requesting a referral as well as messages to friends and strangers requesting an interview.
