Informational interviewing: Feel more empowered in your job searching
Before we delve into how valuable informational interviewing is, let’s define what exactly it is. Informational interviews are not part of a hiring process instead they are an opportunity for someone to simply gather information. It is simply a chat with someone who can give you the inside scoop about a job or industry. It can offer networking perks and it is a great way to gather first-hand occupational information.
Yes, they are called “interviews” but instead of you being bombarded with questions, you are the one who asks the questions about the company or field. It is an amazing learning opportunity too! As a career counsellor, Amelia believes Informational interviews are something that everyone needs to try at least once! Contact Amelia, career coach Melbourne here to chat more!
Benefits of Informational Interviews:
You can obtain firsthand knowledge of the specifics of working in a certain field, industry, or job.
Learn about professions you were unaware existed.
Learn how to prepare for and land your first career position by receiving advice and insider knowledge.
Find out what it's like to work for a particular company.
Establish a professional connection and broaden your network of contacts in a particular field of endeavour; meet individuals who may later on provide you with job leads.
So how do you organise/request an informational interview?! Without beating around the bush, you may have a little trouble with some employers accepting the interview but good things take time and with persistence and the right attitude, you will be easily able to lock in a time for an informational interview with your future employer.
To give you a little helping hand, here are a few steps to set up a successful informational interview. If you want more assistance Amelia, a qualified careers coach in Melbourne is here to help. Contact Amelia Here.
Start by choosing who you want to interview!
Sometimes going for the people at the top of the food chain might not have the time to chat! And people on the other side might not have much influence over hiring decisions or be aware of any employment openings.
Therefore, the middle tier, or someone in an aspirational position, is your best hope. Once your purpose is clear, you may more easily determine with whom you should speak.
For example:
If you want to get some clarity about what you’d like to do next in your career, talk to someone who’s doing the job you want to do
If you’re planning a career switch, speak with someone in that industry, who inspires you!
Get organised!
Create an excel sheet or a word doc with a list of people you want to talk to! Be detailed, so add information such as name, their job role, email address, what company they work for and the major reasons why you wish to speak with them.
If you are struggling to find email addresses, use email finders like Hunter.io or Respona. Or find their emails from LinkedIn contact information. And don’t forget to identify any mutual connections that you may have – these people can help set you up for a chat.
Don’t sweat it if you don’t have any mutual connections! You can create a powerful network and a chain of introductions as you go.
Finally, reach out to the person.
When reaching out to the person you wish to organise an informational interview with, you have two options:
1. Send an invitation after you've connected on social networking.
Your chances of getting a response from the interviewee increase if you do this. Before you invite them for a discussion, they would already be familiar with you, which favours you.
2. Invite through an email
This is referred to as cold pitching technically. And when you send out large quantities of them, in particular, they are effective.
Whichever way you choose, your message needs to be:
1. Short and concise
Put yourself in their shoes, would you want to read a novel-length email that doesn’t get to the point until the end? No you wouldn’t, so keep it straight to the point and short!
Mention what you are emailing about in the first two lines then go on to introduce yourself in a line or two. If you want help with constructing the perfect email, contact Amelia, a qualified careers coach, here and she will be happy to help!
2. Convenient for the interviewee
Make it very simple for the prospect to accept your chat request as one more thing that it must accomplish. Decide on a time and location that works for them. Or converse with them in their workplace.
Always strive for face-to-face meetings. Meetings online are great (and comfortable, I know). However, face-to-face conversations convey a sense of proximity to the conversation, which is crucial for forging new connections.
Once you have secured the interview, preparation is key! You want to impress the interviewee and not disappoint!
Do your research! Gather information on the person and the company via outlets such as LinkedIn and other social channels, Google - Hit the ‘news’ tab to learn the latest and the Company website - visit the About page as well as the blog.
Plan some ice breaker questions. Put your research to work and start your chat with something you learned about the person from their LinkedIn profile. Better yet, start with a shared interest (if any). It’s a far more authentic and meaningful way of growing a relationship.
When your interview is completed, here are a few things you can do!
Send an email or a handwritten note to thank the person for their time
Add them to your LinkedIn network to keep in touch
Make notes – what were your 3 major takeaways from the chat? What’s the one thing you learned about the person you didn’t know?
Ready to set up an informational interview and grow? Hopefully, this post answers all of your burning questions! If not, Amelia, career coach Melbourne is here to help. Contact Amelia here.
Amelia McDermott is a Career Coach and Coaching Psychologist, based on the Mornington Peninsula in Melbourne. With nearly 20 years of training and experience working as a psychologist, Amelia has a strong understanding of how to uncover what makes people tick, and how to help people find an authentic career that aligns with their unique talents and values. If you’re looking for Career Advice or Career Counselling, look no further than Uplift Coaching and enjoy a consultation with Amelia to see if a Career Coach is right for you. Book a consultation here.