menu
Expert Word
Welcome to the stickK Expert Word
Informational Interviewing
By Laura R. Hosid   View more articles by this author
  Add a Comment    |    Bookmark and Share
March 17

Informational interviewing  is really just a fancy term for the dreaded “N” word – “networking.”  Everyone hates the idea of networking, yet studies show that the majority of jobs are obtained this way.  Conducting informational interviews is a form of networking  that enables you to gain valuable insight that will help you better position yourself for future opportunities.  It also allows you to expand  your network and thereby open doors to the hidden job market – the jobs that never get posted because they are filled through connections.  Informational interviewing is something that can and should be done throughout your career, whether or not you are actively engaged in a job search. 

 

Finding Potential Contacts


Your goal should be to meet with people who hold jobs that interest you – either in areas you are exploring or in careers you are certain you want to pursue.  To get your feet wet, start with “warm contacts” – usually friends of friends – as these people are likely to be more receptive to your outreach.  But there is also nothing wrong with contacting people you do not know – look for alumni of your undergraduate or graduate school, or even your high school.  Members of religious or cultural groups are also good options.  People are more inclined to want to help people with whom they have something in common. 

 

Approaching Contacts


Send potential contacts a brief e-mail introducing yourself and explaining how you got their name and what sort of help or advice you are seeking – be explicit that you are not looking for a job.  Do not attach your resume, as this often gives the wrong impression.  Ask for a few minutes of their time, and offer to come to their office or meet for coffee at their convenience. 

 

Preparing for the Informational Interview


Before meeting with a  contact, make sure you are prepared.  Remember that unlike a traditional interview, the burden will be on you to keep the conversation going.  Some basic questions include:

  • What has your career path been thus far?
  • What advice do you have for someone looking to break into your field?  Are there courses I should take, organizations I should join, or periodicals I should subscribe to? 
  • What qualities do you look for in a candidate when hiring for your organization?
  • What trends are you seeing in this job sector?
  • Can you suggest anyone else for me to speak to?

This last question is key.  If the initial contact gives you additional names, these new names then become “warm contacts.” 

 

Following-up


Immediately after an informational interview, you should send a thank you note.  Let contacts know that you appreciate their time, and plan to follow up on their advice.  You should then  actively maintain all contacts by periodically checking in to update them with any new developments in your job search.  You can also forward articles that may be of interest, or send them holiday greetings at the appropriate time.  Staying on their radar screen helps to ensure they will remember you when they hear of a relevant job opening.   

 

Conclusion


The best outcome from an informational interview comes when you hit it off with a contact and he or she becomes a mentor and/or helps you find a job.  But even in the worst case – where you do not click with the contact and are not going to stay in touch – you still walk away with valuable information about the field.  Remember, “networking” is not a dirty word, and informational interviews are a great tool for anyone looking to advance his or her career. 

  Add a Comment    |    Bookmark and Share

Comments

Post Message
MichelinePeric
MichelinePeric
July 20, 2023, 12:11:26 PM GMT
URGENT AND EFFECTIVE LOVE SPELL CASTER TO HELP YOU GET BACK YOUR EX LOVER VERY FAST WHATSAPP +2348124644470

My Name is Micheline Peric from Ireland, I want to say thank you to PRIEST WISDOM for the good thing he has done for me,Though am not sure if this is the best forum to show my joy and happiness for what he has done for me but i can't hide happiness and my Joy so i have to share it with people, my marriage got crashed about two years ago and i tried all i could within my power but to no avail. I saw a post and testimonial about the good things PRIEST WISDOM has been doing so I decided to give it a try. though he is always a busy man but when he responded back to my email, he gave me 24hours for my marriage to be restored really just like he said my marriage was restored since then I am happy and i am living happily i am so grateful, PRIEST WISDOM you can always email him here: Supernaturalspell0@g mail.com or WHATSAPP / cell phone +2348124644470 or view his blog his web page https://supernatural spell21.blogspot.com / or go to his page https://web.facebook .com/PRIESTWISDOM11
Jason54674774
Jason54674774
October 25, 2022, 11:31:17 PM GMT
Omg I Finally Got Helped !! I'm so excited right now, I just have to share my testimony on this Forum.. The feeling of being loved takes away so much burden from our shoulders. I had all this but I made a big mistake when I cheated on my wife with another woman and my wife left me for over 4 months after she found out.. I was lonely, sad and devastated. Luckily I was directed to a very powerful spell caster Dr Emu who helped me cast a spell of reconciliation on our Relationship and he brought back my wife and now she loves me far more than ever.. I'm so happy with life now. Thank you so much Dr Emu, kindly Contact Dr Emu Today and get any kind of help you want.. Via Email [email protected] or Call/WhatsApp cell number +2347012841542
Https://web.facebo ok.com/Emu-Temple-10 4891335203341
laylacole
laylacole
August 30, 2022, 11:02:34 AM GMT
Special thanks to HACK VANISH, a professional hacker I’ve been hiring for the past 2 years because, I find him to be an outstanding hacker who has aided me in various hacking-related issues, ranging from fixing my poor FICO credit score of about 437 TransUnion, 462 Equifax to 802 plus excellent score, tracking my cheating husband’s phone and currently has helped me recover my lost crypto funds from an online scam investment I recently ventured into, I must confess he is the best, quite brilliant, ever since I discovered him through a positive review I saw on Wallet Hub and reached out to him via Email: HACKVANISH @ GMAIL. COM, and Phone: +1(747) 293-8514, to which he responded in less than 10mins, I have never regretted working with him, he’s been quite helpful and highly efficient. I Would recommend his services to anyone without hesitation.
laylacole
laylacole
August 30, 2022, 10:44:59 AM GMT
Special thanks to HACK VANISH, a professional hacker I’ve been hiring for the past 2 years because, I find him to be an outstanding hacker who has aided me in various hacking-related issues, ranging from fixing my poor FICO credit score of about 437 TransUnion, 462 Equifax to 802 plus excellent score, tracking my cheating husband’s phone and currently has helped me recover my lost crypto funds from an online scam investment I recently ventured into, I must confess he is the best, quite brilliant, ever since I discovered him through a positive review I saw on Wallet Hub and reached out to him via Email: HACKVANISH @ GMAIL. COM, and Phone: +1(747) 293-8514, to which he responded in less than 10mins, I have never regretted working with him, he’s been quite helpful and highly efficient. I Would recommend his services to anyone without hesitation.

stickK Expert Word

   Career
   Diet & Healthy Eating
   Education & Knowledge
   Exercise & Fitness
   Family & Relationships
   Green Initiatives
   Health & Lifestyle
   Money & Finance
   Sports, Hobbies & Recreation
   Weight Loss
Your feedback has been sent. Thank you!
This website uses cookies to ensure you get the best experience on our website. Read our Privacy Policy