The ‘informational interview’ is a key tool every jobseeker should have in their arsenal. A fusion of a valuable networking opportunity, an info-session, and a job interview, the informational interview can give jobseekers inside scoop on what a field is really like. And that’s why it should be an integral part of your job-hunting strategy.
So what exactly is an informational interview?
It is basically an informal conversation with a professional working in the field or company you are interested in. The objective of the interview can be to help you decide whether to pursue a potential career path, or to get insights about a company’s hiring processes.
It is important to remember though that the purpose of an informational interview is NOT to find job openings or to solicit employment.
Finding the right people
While it’s okay and sometimes even effective to contact strangers through LinkedIn to ask for interviews, the most straightforward way to go about it is to reach out to fellow alumni from your alma mater. You can run a quick search on LinkedIn or go through your college’s alumni association listings.
“If you call someone out of the blue and the first thing you mention is that you graduated from the same college as they did, you immediately have something in common with the person you wish to meet with and that alone could be enough for them to grant you an informational interview,” says Andy Teach, author of From Graduation to Corporation.
Most of all, don’t discount your existing network, friends, and family even if they are not affiliated with your target industry — they could lead you to people who are.
Reaching out
To schedule an informational interview, make phone calls whenever possible. If you are writing an email, you can find some useful templates here. Don’t copy paste, however. Try to personalize the request as much as possible. Remember, you are asking for help so make sure you sound not only respectful but also interesting enough for them to want to invest their time in you.
Nailing the Interview
Once you have an informational interview set up, make the most of it by following these steps.
Research the company — Just like you would for a job interview, spend some time on the company’s website to familiarize yourself with its offerings, mission and goals. Read the latest press releases so you can discuss what’s going on with the company. Your extensive knowledge could impress the person you are speaking with.
Research the person you are interviewing — Use LinkedIn or even a simple Google search to read up on the person you are meeting with. Look for any interests or background that you might have in common with them.
Ask the right questions — Informational interviews are great learning opportunities, but not all questions are best suited for an informational interview. It would be a waste of time for both you and the interviewee if you ask questions that can be found on the company website.
Dress appropriately — While the conversation can be a casual one, you don’t want to look lazy and unprofessional. First impressions count so dress conservatively as if you’re on a real job interview.
Be on time –Informational interviews are usually done as a favor with little to no benefit to the interviewer. Show that you are grateful by arriving on time, if not a few minutes early. Never be late.
Show gratitude — You’re asking someone to take time out of their busy schedule, so start by thanking them sincerely for this.
Have a game plan — Unlike a job interview, you will be the one asking the questions. So come prepared with at least five central questions to base your interview on. Choose topics that will highlight your earnestness and professionalism. At the same time, your focus should be learning first, and impressing second. Let the interview flow like a natural conversation. You are trying to build a relationship, not fire off as many questions as you can.
Focus your questions on them, not you — People love to talk about themselves, so ask for their story. How they got to where they are, who or what helped them along the way, and how new entrants to the industry can do the same. A great way to get unique insights from the interview is by requesting them to show you examples of the type of work they do.
Be curious — Curiosity breeds interesting questions, thoughtful comments, and a memorable conversation. It also shows a sincere enthusiasm for learning.
Do not ask for a job — Asking outright for a job can be a huge turnoff to someone who is going out of their way to help you. It also makes them less likely to refer you to other people.
Keep it short — Wear a watch to keep track of time, instead of relying on your cell phone. Glancing at your phone repeatedly, for whatever reason, can make you look unprofessional.
Get referrals — At the end of the interview, ask if they could recommend anyone else you should speak with. This is a great way to build a network of contacts in your chosen field.
Follow-up — Write a thank you note or email expressing your gratitude for their time. Mention anything they said that resonated with you. It’s a great way of showing that you were paying attention and that you value your connection with them.
Keep them in the loop — If all goes well, you will have built a (hopefully long and mutually beneficial) relationship with your interviewee. Don’t alienate them once the informational interview is over. Keep them informed of your progress and any meetings with people they referred you to. Maintaining the connection will also increase the chances of having them remember you when a position you’re suited for comes up in the future.
Need help making the most of your network to land a job or internship? Shooin can match you with a mentor working in your target firm who will help you fix your resume, provide company insights, and conduct mock interviews so you can be ahead of the competition and land your dream job. Sign up for a 30-minute free career consultation by sending your resume to start@shoo-in.com.
