How do I prepare for an informational interview?
It is impossible to overvalue the importance of preparing for your informational interview. The more research you've done about the interviewee's background, accomplishments, line of work, company, and current projects, the better the conversation will be. If you impress the interviewee with your preparation, he or she will be much more inclined to help you and take you seriously.
So what exactly should you to adequately prepare yourself?
• Check out the interviewee's company Website – make sure you understand what the company does, what it values, how it implements its tactics, what kind of culture it has, etc.
• Read articles about current trends, issues and advancements in the interviewee's line of work. Include articles about the company itself, and about the interviewee. You want to go into the interview as knowledgeable about the industry and the position of your interviewee as possible.
• Make a list of questions based off the information you’ve gathered. Prioritize them in case you run out of time or the interview is cut short.
How do I conduct the informational interview?
Once you arrive for your informational interview it is time to put on your professional face. As with regular interviews, it is all about the execution. Doing adequate preparation is the key to having a successful interview, but you also must present yourself in a polished and professional manner. Be considerate and appreciative of your interviewee’s time. Your face-to-face meeting should last no longer than you promised it would (20 or 30 minutes), and your conversation should follow a specific sequence:
1. Introduce yourself and state the reason for the meeting, including an explanation of how your new contact might be able to help you out.
2. Briefly explain your background so your contact can put your questions and requests in an appropriate context.
3. Ask your specific, prepared questions, but also recognize when to ask relevant questions that come up during the meeting.
4. At the end of the meeting, ask for two or three referral contacts who might be helpful to you. Be sure to ask your contact if you can use his or her name when you contact these individuals. End the meeting with the door open for future contact.
At some point throughout your meeting, the opportunity may arise for you to offer to leave your professional resume with your interviewee. Although the purpose of an informational interview is not to obtain employment, it never hurts to get your resume into the hands of as many people as possible. Your interviewee may even have some industry-relevant resume writing tips to pass along.
How do I follow up after the informational interview?
Always send a thank you note to the interviewee. Mention specific aspects of the conversation that you found helpful, and acknowledge the interviewee's generosity in speaking with you. Make a point to keep in touch with the interviewee in the future. For example, if you get a job, let him or her know of your progress.
Informational interviews are an excellent way to make valuable industry contacts and learn more about a potential career. These are golden opportunities, so it is important to take them seriously and make the most of them.
ResumeEdge is dedicated to helping you through the entire career searching process – from the goal-setting to the job-landing, and everything in between. ResumeEdge.com is a leading resume writing and editing service specializing in 40 different industries to provide job-winning resumes and cover letters. ResumeEdge is a proud member of the Professional Association of Resume Writers and the National Resume Writers Association.
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