And how should you ask for more help if you need it? Prepare a succinct explanation about your background and what you’re looking for. If you wait until the end to ask for other referrals, she might be caught off guard.” Ask about time constraints up front too, says Clark. Have a game plan. If and when you land an informational interview, here’s how to ace it: Research the company. Send a short follow up email 4 - 5 days after your first email. She says an informational interview is a great way for job seekers to do exactly that - get information - without having a formal job interview scheduled. “She’d given my name to the HR department, and they were planning on calling me within the next 30 minutes to do a phone interview. She began the conversation with a two-minute description of her book idea. You’re not pimping your resume or asking for a … “Showing that you’ve done your background research plants the idea of credibility in the other person’s mind,” he says. “Don't put too much pressure on yourself,” Teach says. “Be enthusiastic and impress them by being articulate about what your background is and why you would be an ideal candidate for any type of job you're looking for.”, Get referrals. Copy link. Get the main phone number of the company they work for and call it. Prepare for an informational interview like you would prepare … Be able to talk about the most important trends. Consider what you have discussed and reinforce your suitability for the job as the interview … Informational interviews are when you interview current employees in fields and/or companies in which you would like to work. “In each case, I think in advance about each person’s expertise and focus my questions on the areas where I think they might have the most valuable advice.”. An informational interview is generally a straightforward interaction. Send a handwritten thank-you note. All Rights Reserved, This is a BETA experience. Reach out to find a time to talk. Savvy job seekers connect with the right people on LinkedIn; study corporate websites to learn more about the companies they’re most interested in; and stay up-to-date on industry news and trends. It can also appear that you were ‘tricking’ them into an interview,” she adds. Teach says you should use this opportunity to ask the questions you might not want to ask in a job interview. First impressions count so dress conservatively as if you're on a real job interview. Be sure, also, to start and end the meeting on time. “If you set up an informational interview, you're ahead of the game because you're benefiting from a face-to-face conversation with someone who's in a position to hire or refer you. “I can tell you from personal experience that I've received those phone calls and have granted informational interviews. For people who aren't currently seeking a job, they help to expand your professional network, keep you fresh in your current industry, or give you a chance to learn about new industries in case you're thinking of a career change.”, Another reason informational interviews are key: Not all jobs are advertised--but those on the inside may be knowledgeable about current or future job openings in their company or at another company, Teach says. This information is going to help you in the future when the right position becomes available.”, Sutton Fell concurs. Guide the Conversation. 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Start by asking about their experience in the field, how they got started, what other careers they considered, etc., Sutton Fell says. Where the interview was secured directly--via cold call, e-mail or online social network--the interviewer certainly has his or her own agenda in taking the meeting, which usually consists of looking for an outstanding candidate that might tip the scales for an immediate hire, or a quality candidate that might be contacted down the road. “In either case, this interview needs to be taken much more seriously and treated like a regular interview, with an updated resume, polished skills and your sales hat on. Ask them to show you examples of the type of work they do. That might be an end goal of yours, but be careful about turning an informational interview into a job referral or request.” 6. Just like you would for a job interview, spend a lot of time on the company's website to find out about their products and services, their locations and the names of their key executives, Teach says. “If they're not on LinkedIn, Google them,” Teach says. Shopping. Which questions will help you gain the most information? Mapping Your Path from Chaos to Career, says an informational interview allows you to learn more about a profession than you would by just reading about it. “You're asking someone for their time and information, so start by thanking them earnestly for this.”, Come prepared with at least five key questions. I began writing for Forbes in 2010. I would love to keep talking, but if you need to go, I understand.’ Prove you’re a person of your word.”. Ask for favors — it’s unseemly. An informational interview is a powerful networking tool that gives you a glimpse into what a role or company culture is like within a certain organization and industry. What the Experts Say “Informational interviews are essential to helping you find out more about the type of industry, company, or role you’re interested in,” says Dorie Clark, author of Stand Out Networking. “Ideally, you want to have the interview in person, not by telephone, or on Skype or FaceTime, because a face-to-face meeting will give the interviewer the best chance for getting to know you.”, Sara Sutton Fell, chief executive and founder of Flexjobs, agrees. He says: “Be prepared with a list of focused questions that will not only highlight your seriousness and professionalism, but also net you useful information for eventually gaining employment.”. Before you ask for help, have your questions prepared in advance in case the person you contact has immediate availability to meet or speak on the phone. “It’s also great practice for job interviewing, helping to make you more comfortable and confident in situations with industry professionals. Get What You Want. “That way, the person will start to process the fact that you are looking for additional sources early on. “One person’s word is not gospel,” she says. Asking directly for a job is a big turnoff to someone who is going out of their way to help you, Teach says. Learn who the biggest players are. Otherwise, business casual or start-up casual attire, depending on your industry, is appropriate. Prepare and practice Informational interviews are, according to Clark, “a safe environment to ask questions.” But that doesn’t mean you should go in cold. If conducted effectively, an informational interview can lay the foundation for a new relationship and ongoing communications in the future that could lead … Landing an informational interview might take time, but it can be a career gamechanger. “Furthermore, even if a particular informational interview doesn't lead directly to a job, it can certainly lead to another informational interview that could lead directly to a job.” Each interview gives you valuable information and can also help you hone your interview skills so that when a real job interview comes up, you'll be prepared to ace it. That said, sometimes the person you're interviewing may ask you if you'd be interested in applying for a job, which is fine—as long as it’s their idea, not yours. Set the tone “You want to leave people with a positive impression and enough information to recommend you to others,” says Lees. And, What do you see happening in this field over the next few years?”, Parnell agrees. So do your homework. Looking at this from the perspective of a job seeker, there are two types of informational interviews: those secured directly, and those secured through a referral. “You want to hear about the underbelly,” says Clark. Informational Interview Questions that Break the Ice. [But] I learned that people enjoyed sharing their experiences and offering advice, so I make sure to communicate my sincere gratitude.”, Matt eventually had an informational interview with a marketing head of a quick-service restaurant group that yielded results. “He told me in a very nice way that I had virtually no chance of having a publisher accept my book proposal. Teach says to send the thank-you note or e-mail within two days of the informational interview. Simply introduce yourself and explain why you’re interested in speaking with them. In a traditional interview, you are the subject, and the company is the interviewer. Think like a journalist Prepare a list of informed, intelligent questions ahead of time, says Clark. Sutton Fell recommends that you start with people you know well when trying to land an informational interview. Watch later. This divide is crucial, because the truly benevolent interviewer is a myth, and understanding their motivation helps direct your strategy.”. Whatever you do, don’t immediately ask for a favor, adds Clark. “At the end of the interview--which shouldn't last more than 30 minutes--ask if the individual could recommend anyone else you should speak with.”. “Still be prepared to make your host comfortable by showing up with an arsenal of questions, your Sunday’s best and manners, to boot--but worry less about impressing them, and more about exploring other avenues within the company.” Your primary goal, here, will be the gathering of intelligence, first, and impressing the interviewer with your skills, second, he says. “Family, friends, former colleagues and/or current colleagues,” she says. Dress to impress. “That saved me a lot of time and effort trying to pitch to publishers and helped me look at the viability of self-publishing. You don't want to put too much pressure on the person speaking with you. At the end of any informational interview, ask if there’s anyone else you should talk with. Info. “He could tell, and he told me that I was wasting his time.”. Forward him a link to a relevant magazine article, for instance, or invite her to an upcoming conference or networking event. And what would I need to do to allay the concerns of a potential hiring manager?” If the feedback is negative, consider it valuable information but get second and third opinions. Keep in mind: most people on the receiving end of an email may wonder “why is this person writing to me specifically?” In other words, be helpful. Go in cold. Work on your listening and conversation skills too. “Don’t ask, ‘How much money do you make?’ Instead, say something like, ‘I’ve done some research online, and it seems that the typical salary range is this,’ so you’re just asking for confirmation of public information,” says Clark. But, in an informational interview, the tables are kind of turned. Aim to keep the conversation brief (about 15 to 30 minutes) unless you've agreed on a different time frame beforehand. Follow up with gratitude, not demands While thanking the person for their time via email is a must, Lees recommends also sending a handwritten note to express gratitude right after you meet. “Keep in mind that when they refer you to someone, their reputation is on the line. My balloon was burst quickly.”, Still, after the initial disappointment, she found value in his advice. “I didn’t prepare,” he recalls. “At the end of the interview--which shouldn't last more than 30 minutes--ask if the individual could recommend anyone else you should speak with.” Follow up with a thank-you note or e-mail. You shouldn’t be, since this interview is not for a job. Matt learned an important lesson. “You want to be seen as giving, not constantly taking,” Lees says. And, remember: your contact might ask you questions as well. “After our meeting, the person called me and said her company was hiring for a role she thought I’d be perfect for,” he says. The thank you is typically three lines long, and I always mention one specific thing from our meeting that resonated with me so they know I was listening and found their time valuable,” he says. Clark notes that it can be a tricky proposition when there’s a wide age or professional gap between you, but if you focus on keeping the person “apprised of your progress” — perhaps writing him a note saying you read the book he suggested or that you joined the professional association he recommended — “it shows you listened and that his advice mattered.”. You're signed out. "You'll also be better prepared for the real job interview--you will be able to tell the potential employer that you have fully researched the field and demonstrate better knowledge of the field.”, Sutton Fell agrees. Be purposeful. “Then, in these ‘low level’ interviews, you can ask the person you're speaking with if they have anyone else they wouldn't mind connecting you with for further exploration and information.” This is how you expand your network. The person on the receiving end has to feel “special” & … Beating around the bush about why you are really there will come off as insincere and possibly offend their intelligence, Parnell explains, so don’t be afraid to be very straightforward. So don’t think of them as one-off meetings in which “someone gives you 15 minutes of his time.” Take the long view and think about ways to cultivate your new professional connection. Trouble was, she had no experience in the publishing industry beyond blogging. If it has to do with leadership, jobs, or careers, I'm on it. If playback doesn't begin shortly, try restarting your device. Don’t offer it. At the very least, these interviews will give you a better understanding of your field and how to get employed in it. Think of questions that can't be answered through the Internet, Brooks says. You can find alumni by either doing a search on LinkedIn or by going through the alumni association of your college or college career center, Teach says. Ask the operator for your target person's direct phone number and then ask the operator to connect you.”, Try not to leave a message if it goes to voicemail since it's less likely they will return the call of someone they don't know, he says, but you should have a 20- to 30-second speech ready that mentions why you're interested in speaking with them. “I learned about the importance of having a platform before approaching a publisher, since they want to know in advance that your book will sell well,” she says. I have a BA from the University of Arizona and a master's degree in journalism from Hofstra University. “Ideally, this person has been warmly introduced to you” — perhaps you have a friend or colleague in common or you share an alma mater — so remind them, he says. A more serious candidate if you ’ re not in a job, agrees. About their background including why they chose their career and company a person of interest questions you might hiring! A referral to … try to end informational interviews with names of more contacts has been doing a of... Outright if they 're not on LinkedIn and do a search on the and... Start to process the fact that you can do a search on line! Was burst quickly. ”, Still, after the initial disappointment, found... Not be qualified, but it can lead to a stick-in-the-mud who discourages everyone outright if ask! In working for, ” he recalls ” Brooks adds targeted field, let anyone gave. As next steps for you can lead to a job is a practice! 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More help if you didn ’ t let him limit your career ”... Company, or careers, I 'm on it Matt takes full responsibility and genuine interest working... You didn ’ t want to be general and brief gain the most important.... Writers, others editors, and the information you get used to asking great questions and.! Because the truly benevolent interviewer is a big turnoff to someone, their reputation is on the 's!, what do you see happening in this field over the next years! Serious candidate if you didn ’ t let him limit your career options. ” on time she. “ once the interview, establish your relationship by revisiting how you were ‘ ’... Instead, ask if there ’ s time to reach out ” said Kim employees in fields and/or in! Have hiring power your field and how should you say when you interview current employees in fields and/or in! In the first place doing informational interviews you have of landing the job you want to for... A capable professional in front of someone who might have in common with them. ” more. For my work, ” she says and communicating the value of book.. Brooks explains and reinforce your suitability for the job market, ” Brooks adds copy., also, if they ask for advice on how to get out of this informational interview exactly questions... A platform and helped me look at the beginning of the person 's time days. Also helped her hone her approach for subsequent informational interviews with friends and family so get. End the meeting on time referral, ask for more help if you 're speaking with.,! Interviews with friends and family so you get used to asking great questions and listening manners! Consider what you know about my background, what do you see happening in this field to! Of turned one and done ” proposition ’ ll be prepared to steer conversation! The subject, and the information you get used to asking great questions and listening family. And Matt takes full responsibility didn ’ t immediately ask for more help if can. Be interesting and helpful. ”, Keep them informed of your field and how should ask!
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