Learn to Conduct Informational Interviews

Informational Interviewing is probably the most successful, yet least used strategy for job seekers and career developers.  An informational interview is when you initiate a meeting with someone who is successful in a particular career and interview them about what they do, what it's like to do it, and how they have achieved success.  Done correctly, it is a powerful and encouraging job search activity. 

One reason I believe so strongly in this strategy is because 2 pivotal career opportunities I had early on were the direct result of informational interviews I had initiated.  When people ask me for help in their career search, I often recommend they put together a plan for informational interviews.  Whether or not they are willing to do this tells me a lot about a person and often impacts whether I can help them.

This is an important topic so I will be writing a couple of postings on it.  In the meantime, check out this great handout on informational interviewing from the University of St. Thomas Life/Work Center.

Why is the informational interview such a powerful tool?this such a powerful tool?

  Because:

• So few people actually do it that those who do stand out.  In fact, I would guess that less than 1 in 10 people use this technique in their job search.
• It indicates that the job seeker possesses the traits of ambition and thoughtfulness, both of which will help you perform better in a job search (and make no mistake - a job search is a performance!).
• People who are successful (by this I mean successful in terms of living a worthwhile life of productivity and confidence, not just people who make a lot of money) enjoy telling others how they got there.  When you ask them about their story (instead of trying to tell your own story as you do in a traditional interview) they begin to build a relationship with you.  They may not have an opening for you, but they will think of you when they do.
• You can often get to talk to people at levels in a company that you might never get to meet during a regular interview process based on a job posting.

In order to help you make the most of an informational interview, follow these basic do's and don'ts:

DO

• Come prepared with a list of questions.  Have enough to see you through an hour (even if you only asked for 30 minutes). 
• Have your questions prepared before you even dial the phone to make the appointment.  Sometimes you will catch people at their desk who will offer to talk on the spot - you want to make the most of the opportunity!
• Ask your most important questions first so you make sure you have time for them.
• Research the company, industry, and profession before going in so that you don't ask basic questions and miss the chance to get real information that can help you.
• Keep it interesting!  Ask what they think about current industry trends or a controversial topic in the industry.
• Ask what they think is the best way for you to get started in the company/profession/industry.
• Listen, listen, listen.
• Ask if they can recommend others who can provide you with additional perspective on the industry.
• Attempt to close on time - watch the clock and say, "I want to be respectful of your time and I can see that we have just a few more minutes.  One thing I really wanted to ask you is..."  If they choose to go overtime, that is great for you, but be prepared to end on time.
• Follow-up promptly (within 48 hours!) with a thank you note.
• Follow-up again in a week or two with another thanks and a relevant article.

DON'T

• Don't attempt to wing it.  Come prepared!
• Don't be late or treat the meeting as an optional appointment that you can just reschedule.  Once you schedule time for someone to do you a favor, you need to prioritize it and be there!
• Don't ask if they have any questions for you.  Remember, you scheduled the meeting to interview them!
• Don't contradict them or try to educate them. If you find during the interview that they have a completely different take on the industry than you have picked up in your research or prior informational interviews.  If they say something that surprises you, just say, "So would you support the approach described in the recent [trade journal] article?" or some such thing...
• Don't confuse an informational interview with a job interview.  In other words, don't try to trick them into interviewing you. Believe it or not, people have done this and it smacks of schlock every time!
• Don't offer your resume - in fact, don't even bring it with you.  If they are kind enough to ask, let them know you will send it to them.  Then you can send it with your thank you note later that afternoon.
• Don't forget to follow-up.  People will remember, and you will see them again. 

Sounds like a lot of effort, doesn't it?  It is.  But remember - only about 1 in 10 job seekers are willing to go through the time and effort necessary to schedule, prepare for and conduct informational interviews.  If you are the one, you will stand out from your fellow job-seekers, you will expand your network, you will learn and grow more, and you will find out about more opportunities.

Good luck!