Informational Interview (How?)
The last post shared the “what and why” of an informational interview. Here you will learn the “how.”
1) Prepare ahead. Make a list of questions that are appropriate and important to you. Do some research on the industries and companies within them that you’d like to pursue. Jigsaw, LinkedIn and Zoom Info are great, free tools to identify industries, companies and contacts.
2) Schedule your appointment. Most requests are made on the phone. It is also appropriate to send a letter. Confirm your appointment the day before.
3) Do your homework. Research the company website so that you can ask relevant questions about the company, the individual and about their industry.
4) What to bring with you: a notebook or pad of paper, your resume, your business card, your list of questions.
5) Dress appropriately. Dress as though you would for any professional interview.
6) Be prepared to take notes, write down names, phone numbers and email addresses.
7) Be enthusiastic and show interest. Give a solid handshake, maintain good eye contact, and posture.
8) Share something about yourself. Don’t dominate the conversation with information about yourself, but do share something relevant about your interest, education, experiences or goals.
9) Ask for names of others who might be helpful to you. Ask permission to use your contact’s name in contacting the new contacts.
10) Always send a handwritten thank you note* within 1 to 3 days. A nice touch is to quote something they said to you word for word. Ask them to keep you in mind if they come across any other information that would be helpful to you in your career research and include your contact information.
*Remember that the person granting you an informational interview is doing you a huge favor.
With information interviews, you set yourself apart in a personal, memorable way.
As comedian Milton Berle aptly quipped, “If opportunity doesn’t knock, build a door.”
10 Steps for Flawless Informational Interviews
Connie Dorigan, Founder and Director of Recruiting, sees the food processing industry as the link between good living and good people. She’s the west coast’s most experienced and trusted food processing recruiter. She also provides Executive and Career Coaching and lots of free job search tools. Once you’ve connected with Connie, you’ll always be connected.
© 2018 Connie Dorigan. All rights reserved.
This is a general interest article and does not constitute specific or legal advice.
