The 6 Steps Of Arranging An Informational Interview
Feb 13th, 2008 by Nohel
When first starting out in a career, one of the most important things you can do is network with others in that career. The importance of networking is very high. It’s one of those things that take practice and confidence, but once you have it down, it can be one of the best assets you can use when changing jobs, careers or making a career advancement. One way to start networking is by setting up informational interviews. These interviews are informal but are priceless because of the insight someone can give you in a career, possible job opportunities, their organization and in future job openings.
You would be surprise how many people would love to go out to lunch and talk about what they do (especially when the lunch is on you). You don’t have to take them out to anything fancy, but the gesture works wonders when wanting to get more information about a job or an organization. Often times these informational meetings leave an impression on the person you are interviewing that they keep you in mind when a job opens up in their company.
What is very important for you to know is that informational interviews are NOT times to ask for a job! That will only throw your chances of any opportunity in the trash. These information interviews are for just that…information! Use the following steps to help you on your way:
- Identify the Industry You Want to Learn About: Assess your own interests, values, and skills. Research and gather information about the field in which you are interested in.
- Do Your Homework: Read all you can about the field prior to the interview. Decide what information you want to know more about. Create a list of questions that you would like to have answered.
- Identify People to Interview: Start with lists of people you already know such as friends, relatives, students, co-workers, supervisors, etc. Professional organizations, the yellow pages, organizational directories, and public speakers are also good resources.
- Contact the person: by telephone, by a letter followed by a telephone call, by having someone who knows the person make the appointment for you, etc.
- Conduct the Informational Interview: Dress appropriately (at least business casual), arrive on time, be polite and professional.
- Follow Up: Immediately following the interview, sit down and jot down important points and information gathered. Be sure to send a thank-you note to your contact within one week of the interview. At the very least, send an email.
Stay tuned for some sample Informational Interview questions…
A Career Counseling Tip: “If you practice some you want to perfect, you might not notice the change, but others will.”