Informational Interviews – Step 1: Getting Started

What if you could get “inside information” about a company you’re interested in working for, or about a specific job you’re applying for?

If you’re thinking about changing careers, talking to someone who does the job you’re interested in can give you insight into what you will — and will not — like about your desired job.

For someone who hasn’t interviewed for a job in a long time, an informational interview can also provide valuable practice before applying for jobs and going on interviews.

Informational interviews (also called information sessions, informational meetings, or research interviews) are interviews that are conducted to gather information to help prepare for a job interview and/or learn more about a specific job, industry, or company.

However, an informational interview is not a job interview, and should not be confused with one. With an informational interview, you’re not seeking a job — you are seeking information to help you get a job.

Anyone can conduct an informational interview, although they are most commonly used by new graduates and those considering changing careers.

Informational interviews are not used as often as they should be by jobseekers, but they can be a valuable tool in your job search — one that can help you make an informed decision about starting a career in a new industry or even working at a specific company or organization.

Choosing Who to Interview

When you’re seeking information about a job, company, or industry, there are a variety of sources that can provide you with these details. These can include:

•     Someone who is doing the job you want, but at a different company than you are thinking of applying to.

•     Someone who works in the industry you want to work in — but not necessarily doing the job you want to do.

•     Someone who works at the company you want to work at (so you can get an idea of company culture, benefits, and vacation policies, and to possibly get a referral to the person with the authority to hire you for your dream job).

•     A professor who teaches classes in your dream industry (so you can learn about what you need to do to prepare yourself to work in the industry).

How can you find specific people to interview?

•     Ask the people you know if they know someone who works in the job (or industry) you want to work in.

•     Contact your target industry’s trade associations and ask if there is a member (or members) who would be willing to talk to someone who is new to the field.

•     Contact your university’s alumni association and/or your former professors or the head of the department.

•     Use LinkedIn — conduct a search by job title or company and then either request a connection directly, or see who you know in common who could make the introduction. Also consider contacting people in a LinkedIn Group you’re a member of to see if they would meet with you.

•     Reach out to a recruiter in the industry. A recruiter who specializes in the industry will have great insights on industry potential, salary and benefit expectations, and who is hiring.

Make a list of people (and/or companies and job titles) you would like to conduct an informational interview with and start contacting them. Email is generally best for this. 

Make sure you keep your email brief and to the point. Don’t include your whole life history. Remember, you are asking that person to do you a favor. Don’t waste their time. If you haven’t heard back after a week, it’s okay to send a follow-up email. If you don’t receive a response after the second email, move on to the next person on your list.

Why would someone agree to meet with you for an informational interview? Here are a few of the possible reasons:

•     To do a favor for someone. Being introduced by a mutual acquaintance is a great way to secure an informational interview.

•     To help others. Many people who have reached a significant career position enjoy “giving back.” Also, those who don’t want to mentor others may still take a one-hour meeting to share their expertise.

•    To receive recognition for their accomplishments. People love to talk about themselves — especially successes in their professional life.

•     To build their own network. Someone new to the field — or just out of school — provides a fresh perspective, which may help the interviewer do their job better.

Next week, we’ll share how to prepare for an informational interview.

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New Leaf Career Solutions is a career consulting boutique that redefines individuals and small businesses professional brands.  New Leaf partners with each client to provide quality résumés, cover letters, bios, brochures and much more.  Visit newleafcareersolutions.com to schedule an appointment.  Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest for tips.  Call today to turn over a New Leaf !!