How To Conduct An Effective Informational Interview

 

One thing that will gain you interviews with your target companies is by talking with more people who are “in-the-know.” Do this by conducting more interviews of your own. The informational interview is an effective way to build your network and gather information to move your career forward.

 

Informational interviews can actually be quite fun. Meeting for coffee, or briefly in someone’s office, takes the pressure off both parties.

 

The job seeker is simply asking for information, guidance, and advice. The person being interviewed is just providing that information and expertise.

 

No one is saying, “Please give me a job!” And, no one is making an offer. It’s just a chat.

 

That’s right — this is not about asking for a job! Not right away, at least. As a job seeker, you should hope to get some questions answered relevant to the industry you are in, the company where your interviewee works, and the company’s competitors.

 

You should ask about good ways to network in the field. Getting names of other professionals to contact for further informational interviews is a great result.

 

Here’s how to do it:

 

1. Make A List Of People You’d Like To Meet

 

Make a detailed list of people you’d like to talk to about the next move in your career. People who have mentored you in the past, people you admire in your field, and people at your target company are great people to meet with. Anyone who may be able to help you, or knows someone who can help, should go on your list.

 

2. Find Them On LinkedIn

 

Use the Companies tab to see who is on LI at your target companies. You can find their contact information easily on their profile. If they don’t have a profile, Google them, or use sites like jigsaw.com to get their phone number or e-mail address.

 

3. Call Them Or Send Them A Message

 

Phone messages often go unreturned and inboxes are often full for many professionals. Be persistent, try multiple avenues of communication, or go through a contact’s assistant. Be clear that you just want a brief meeting to discuss a specific set of questions and that you are not inquiring about a job.

 

4. Meet With Several Contacts Each Week

 

Be committed to holding 2-3 informational interviews consistently. Stick to the amount of time that you mentioned when setting up the meeting and don’t go beyond it, no matter how tempted you might be! You can always set up another meeting or use additional questions as a reason to stay in touch and build the relationship.

 

5. Bring Your Resume – Just In Case

 

Don’t offer it. But, if they ask for it, you’ll be prepared. Also, if the topic comes up in conversation, you can ask for advice on how to beef it up. Are there classes you should take? Organizations you might join? Get their feedback on what might make you a stronger candidate. 

 

6. Ask Relevant Questions About The Industry, Company, Or Position

 

How did you become interested in this field? What brought you to this company? What is a typical day like in your position/department? How much time do you spend doing ______ each day? What types of problems do you solve in your position? What can you tell me about the corporate culture? What are the biggest challenges the company faces right now and in the future? What skills and qualities make someone successful in this field?

 

7. Give Your Branded Elevator Pitch, And Then Ask:

With the little you know about me, what suggestions do you have that might help me to break into the field or a company like yours? If a position were to become available here, would you keep me in mind? What other companies would you recommend for me to explore?

 

8. Get More Connections Before The Meeting Is Concluded

 

Ask who they know who might be a good person for you to speak with. Get their contact information. Ask if it’s OK to tell the new contact who sent you.

 

9. Send A Thank You Message

 

Do this within 24 hours in the format of your choice. E-mail is convenient and green. You might be perceived as tech-savvy. Or, you might be looked upon as impersonal. A handwritten note is perceived as more personal by some.

Or, on the flipside, archaic. It’s up for debate and depends on your industry. Just pick one and thank your interviewee quickly.

 

10. Stay In touch

 

Connect on LinkedIn and send occasional messages updating the contact on your progress. If you come across any articles that might help her, pass them along. Monitor the company and your contact using Google Alerts. When you discover she has gotten a promotion or has spoken at a conference, be sure to send a congratulatory e-mail. Keeping in touch will help the relationship to grow.

 

Eventually, the informational interviews you conduct will pay off. Word will spread that you are looking for a new position. People will remember your personality and respectfulness. The relationships you are cultivating will result in a network that is keeping you in mind for when their company is ready to hire. Before long, you will be interviewing for real!

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