Informational Interviews: A Chance to Ask Questions
By Jeff Altman, The Big Game Hunter
An informational interview is an opportunity to gain inside knowledge about a particular industry, company, or person. These interviews are typically short, usually lasting twenty to twenty-five minutes. You can also conduct an informational interview by email. Regardless of whether you conduct your interview in person or through email, come prepared with questions to ask.
An informational interview is much more than just a quick question like, “Should I do this?” You should be able to learn more about the company, the industry, and the profession than
you walked in with. By asking thoughtful questions that probe deep into the subject matter, you’ll be able to establish a professional rapport and demonstrate your interest in the industry. If you’re interviewing an experienced person, you will want to learn the industry lingo, learn about the company’s culture, and learn about key players in the industry.
When you conduct an informational interview, ask specific questions and follow up with a thank-you note. Periodically, contact the person you interviewed to keep them informed of how you are moving ahead based upon their advice . . . or how things have changed. You may be able to strike a friendship from this. You may be surprised at the connections you make through informational interviews. You never know when you might end up being a valuable mentor.
When conducting an informational interview, make sure to ask about what the workday consists of for the people that work there. Sometimes, this can lead to a job offer and certainly a referral. You should also ask about possible ways to improve your knowledge and skills. You may be surprised by the answers you receive. After all, up until this point, you may have been operating from false assumptions.
Remember, stay in contact with anyone you meet.
Ⓒ The Big Game Hunter, Inc., Asheville, NC 2022
ABOUT JEFF ALTMAN, THE BIG GAME HUNTER
Jeff Altman, The Big Game Hunter is a coach who worked as a recruiter for what seems like one hundred years. His work involves career coaching, as well as executive job search coaching, job coaching, and interview coaching. He is the host of “No BS Job Search Advice Radio,” the #1 podcast in iTunes for job search with over 2300 episodes.
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