One thing that will help you gain interviews with your target companies is 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 the names of other professionals to contact for further informational interviews is a great result.
Here’s how to conduct an effective informational interview in your job search.
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 companies 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.
Consider also reaching out to individuals who are in roles you aspire to, as they can provide invaluable insight into the skills and experiences needed to reach your goals. Even if you don’t have a direct connection to these individuals, they may still be open to offering guidance or referrals that could propel your career forward.
2. Find Them On LinkedIn
Look up your target companies on LinkedIn and see who works there. You can find their contact information easily on their LinkedIn profile. If they don’t have a profile, Google them to get their email address.
3. Send Them A Message
Inboxes are often full for many professionals. Be persistent, but don’t harass them. Be clear that you just want a brief meeting to discuss a specific set of questions regarding their job, company, and industry, and that you are not inquiring about a job opportunity.
Let them know you value their time by suggesting a short, 15- to 20-minute conversation, either in person or via video call. If they don’t respond after a week, send a polite follow-up message reiterating your interest and flexibility. Express genuine curiosity about their experiences and insights, making it clear that their perspective is valuable to you.
4. Meet With Several Contacts Each Week
Be committed to holding two to three 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 okay to tell the new connection who referred you.
9. Send A Thank-You Message
After the meeting, send a thank-you email expressing appreciation for their time and highlighting a key takeaway. Do this within 24 hours of your information interview. This not only shows your gratitude but also reinforces your enthusiasm for the industry and your professionalism.
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 them, pass them along. Monitor the company and your contacts using Google Alerts. When you discover they have gotten a promotion or have spoken at a conference, be sure to send a congratulatory email. Keeping in touch will help the relationship 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 cultivate will result in a network that keeps you in mind when their company is ready to hire. Before long, you will be interviewing for real!
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