7 Secrets To A Successful Informational Interview
Bigstock
{"adCodes": [{"desktop": "\u003cdiv class=\u0027rblad-wit_content\u0027\u003e\u003c/div\u003e", "display": true, "mobile": "\u003cdiv class=\u0027rblad-wit_content\u0027\u003e\u003c/div\u003e", "new_amp": "\u003camp-ad width=336 height=280\n type=\"doubleclick\"\n data-slot=\"/22278042776,22664312254/wit/wit_content\"\n data-multi-size=\"300x250\"\u003e\n\u003c/amp-ad\u003e", "order": 0, "tablet": "\u003cdiv class=\u0027rblad-wit_content\u0027\u003e\u003c/div\u003e"}, {"desktop": "\u003cdiv class=\u0027rblad-wit_content\u0027\u003e\u003c/div\u003e", "display": true, "mobile": "\u003cdiv class=\u0027rblad-wit_content\u0027\u003e\u003c/div\u003e", "new_amp": "\u003camp-ad width=336 height=280\n type=\"doubleclick\"\n data-slot=\"/22278042776,22664312254/wit/wit_content\"\n data-multi-size=\"300x250\"\u003e\n\u003c/amp-ad\u003e", "order": 1, "tablet": "\u003cdiv class=\u0027rblad-wit_content\u0027\u003e\u003c/div\u003e"}, {"desktop": "\u003cdiv class=\u0027rblad-wit_content\u0027\u003e\u003c/div\u003e", "display": true, "mobile": "\u003cdiv class=\u0027rblad-wit_content\u0027\u003e\u003c/div\u003e", "new_amp": "\u003camp-ad width=336 height=280\n type=\"doubleclick\"\n data-slot=\"/22278042776,22664312254/wit/wit_content\"\n data-multi-size=\"300x250\"\u003e\n\u003c/amp-ad\u003e", "order": 2, "tablet": "\u003cdiv class=\u0027rblad-wit_content\u0027\u003e\u003c/div\u003e"}], "adsOrder": [2]}
An informational interview is a meeting where a job seeker asks for advice rather than employment. Rather than get a job offer, a job seeker uses informational interviews to:
- Learn more about a company or job function
- Inquire about job leads
- Network
For job seekers, informational interviews can secure meetings with managers, shape positive first impressions, and develop relationships that may pay off in the future. Managers are open to informational interviews because:
- They do not require a big time investment. Informational interviews can be done during lunch or during an afternoon coffee break.
- They can give managers an opportunity to identify new talent, either for now or in the future, without a formal recruiting process.
- Informational interviews allow managers to give advice. Who doesn’t like to have their ego stroked?
Here are my tips on how you can succeed in your informational interviews:
1. Ask For An Informational Interview
After you’ve identified who you want to meet, ask friends, family, ex-co-workers, and fellow alums if they have contacts at a certain company or a particular line of work. Utilize social networking tools, such as LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter to find contacts. In the introduction email, keep it short and simple. Provide some background information on yourself and explain why you want to meet.
2. Clearly Define What You Want To Get Out Of The Meeting
Bigstock
If you don’t know what you want, the person on the other side of the table will have a hard time helping you. I’d recommend going for easy wins such as learning more about a company or a job function. So prepare questions such as: “What do you like about working for company X?” or “When you think about successful folks in position Y, what made them successful?”
3. Getting A Job Should Not Be Your Immediate Goal
Bigstock
Job seekers often ask for a job at the beginning. Resist that temptation. If the manager does have a job, asking for it at the beginning is premature, especially if you haven’t proven yourself. If he or she does not have a job, you and the manager have to overcome the early letdown. Instead, focus on asking good questions and creating a good impression. Then, at the end, do ask if the manager is hiring, but don’t push it.
4. Go With The Flow
Bigstock
Some managers use the informational interview as an informal job interview. If the manager wants to deviate from your prepared list of questions and ask you more formal interview questions, let him or her do so. Who knows? You might get a job offer at the end of the interview.
5. Prepare, Prepare, Prepare
Bigstock
An informational interview can range from an informal career chat to a structured interview. Prepare for any scenario. Have those general career questions ready, and at the same time, don’t be surprised if the interviewer asks tough questions like, “What’s your biggest weakness?” Remember the saying, “Luck is what happens when preparation meets opportunity.”
6. Dress For Success
Bigstock It’s always worth reminding: dress professionally.
7. Don’t Forget To Follow Up And Send The Thank-You Note
Bigstock
Don’t forget to send a thank-you email or note after the informational interview. In addition, send updates every couple of weeks. The manager invested time into your career; he or she will be interested in your progress. And who knows, that manager may not have had openings a while ago, but he or she may be hiring now.
As a job seeker, an informational interview can be the secret to job search success. If you want to have a successful informational interview, just remember these seven tips. Good luck!
Need more help with your job search?
We'd love it if you joined our FREE community. It’s a private, online platform where workers, just like you, are coming together to learn and grow into powerful Workplace Renegades. More importantly, we have tons of resources inside our community that can help you prepare for your next job interview.
It's time to find work that makes you feel happy, satisfied, and fulfilled. Join our FREE community today to finally become an empowered business-of-one!
This article was originally published at an earlier date.
From Your Site Articles- 8 Tips For Conducting An Effective Job Search - Work It Daily ›
- How To Set Up An Informational Interview In 3 Easy Steps - Work It ... ›
- 3 Steps to a Flawless Informational Interview - Work It Daily ›
- 8 Ways To Get Your Foot In The Door At Any Company - Work It Daily ›
- How To Prepare For An Informational Interview - Work It Daily ›
- How To Get the Most Benefit From an Informational Interview ... ›
- 10 Ways to Make the Most of an Informational Interview | Monster.com ›
- How to Get the Most Out of an Informational Interview ›
Get Some LeverageSign up for The Work It Daily NewsletterEnter emailSubscribeFollow
window.googletag = window.googletag || {cmd: []};
googletag.cmd.push(function() {
googletag.defineSlot('/22278042776,22664312254/wit/wit_multiplex', ['fluid'], 'wit_multiplex').addService(googletag.pubads());
googletag.enableServices();
googletag.display('wit_multiplex');
});
Cover Letter Work It Daily's Career Events Jenna Arcand June 02, 2022 
{"adCodes": [{"desktop": "\u003cdiv class=\u0027rblad-wit_content\u0027\u003e\u003c/div\u003e", "display": true, "mobile": "\u003cdiv class=\u0027rblad-wit_content\u0027\u003e\u003c/div\u003e", "new_amp": "\u003camp-ad width=336 height=280\n type=\"doubleclick\"\n data-slot=\"/22278042776,22664312254/wit/wit_content\"\n data-multi-size=\"300x250\"\u003e\n\u003c/amp-ad\u003e", "order": 0, "tablet": "\u003cdiv class=\u0027rblad-wit_content\u0027\u003e\u003c/div\u003e"}, {"desktop": "\u003cdiv class=\u0027rblad-wit_content\u0027\u003e\u003c/div\u003e", "display": true, "mobile": "\u003cdiv class=\u0027rblad-wit_content\u0027\u003e\u003c/div\u003e", "new_amp": "\u003camp-ad width=336 height=280\n type=\"doubleclick\"\n data-slot=\"/22278042776,22664312254/wit/wit_content\"\n data-multi-size=\"300x250\"\u003e\n\u003c/amp-ad\u003e", "order": 1, "tablet": "\u003cdiv class=\u0027rblad-wit_content\u0027\u003e\u003c/div\u003e"}, {"desktop": "\u003cdiv class=\u0027rblad-wit_content\u0027\u003e\u003c/div\u003e", "display": true, "mobile": "\u003cdiv class=\u0027rblad-wit_content\u0027\u003e\u003c/div\u003e", "new_amp": "\u003camp-ad width=336 height=280\n type=\"doubleclick\"\n data-slot=\"/22278042776,22664312254/wit/wit_content\"\n data-multi-size=\"300x250\"\u003e\n\u003c/amp-ad\u003e", "order": 2, "tablet": "\u003cdiv class=\u0027rblad-wit_content\u0027\u003e\u003c/div\u003e"}], "adsOrder": [2]}
Join us for Networking Masters (think Toastmasters but for networking)! During this interactive group session, you'll exercise your networking and presenting skills so you can be a more confident connector!
Hosted by: J.T. O'Donnell or Christina Burgio
Cost of Event: FREE
Sign up for this live event today!
June 7, 2022: J.T. O’Donnell’s CAREER AMA (Ask Me Anything)
Come get your career and job search questions answered by our founder & CEO J.T. O'Donnell.
Hosted by: J.T. O'Donnell
Cost of Event: FREE
Sign up for this live event today!
June 8, 2022: How To Avoid Getting Laid Off
Are you concerned that you might be part of an upcoming layoff at your company? Attend this live event to learn how to keep your job and avoid getting laid off.
What You'll Learn:
- Understand if a layoff is approaching within your company
- Tips on how you can avoid getting laid off
- How to stand out as a key employee to keep your job
Hosted by: J.T. O'Donnell & Christina Burgio
Cost of Event: $5.00/ticket
Buy your ticket for this live event today!
June 10, 2022: Networking Masters
Join us for Networking Masters (think Toastmasters but for networking)! During this interactive group session, you'll exercise your networking and presenting skills so you can be a more confident connector!
Hosted by: J.T. O'Donnell or Christina Burgio
Cost of Event: FREE
Sign up for this live event today!
June 14, 2022: CAREER AMA (Ask Me Anything)
Come get your career and job search questions answered by our team.
Hosted by: Christina Burgio
Cost of Event: FREE
Sign up for this live event today!
June 15, 2022: How To Get Job Interviews
Are you struggling to land job interviews and/or get any calls from employers? Attend this live event to learn how to stand out to hiring managers as a qualified candidate, no matter how competitive the job market is.
What You'll Learn:
- Understand why the job market is so competitive right now
- Create a targeted strategy that lands you interviews
- Hacks on how to market yourself as a qualified candidate for opportunities
Hosted by: J.T. O'Donnell & Christina Burgio
Cost of Event: $5.00/ticket
Buy your ticket for this live event today!
June 17, 2022: Networking Masters
Join us for Networking Masters (think Toastmasters but for networking)! During this interactive group session, you'll exercise your networking and presenting skills so you can be a more confident connector!
Hosted by: J.T. O'Donnell or Christina Burgio
Cost of Event: FREE
Sign up for this live event today!
June 21, 2022: CAREER AMA (Ask Me Anything)
Come get your career and job search questions answered by our team.
Hosted by: Christina Burgio
Cost of Event: FREE
Sign up for this live event today!
June 24, 2022: Networking Masters
Join us for Networking Masters (think Toastmasters but for networking)! During this interactive group session, you'll exercise your networking and presenting skills so you can be a more confident connector!
Hosted by: J.T. O'Donnell or Christina Burgio
Cost of Event: FREE
Sign up for this live event today!
June 28, 2022: J.T. O’Donnell’s CAREER AMA (Ask Me Anything)
Come get your career and job search questions answered by our founder & CEO J.T. O'Donnell.
Hosted by: J.T. O'Donnell
Cost of Event: FREE
Sign up for this live event today!
Read more Show less career events {"customDimensions": {"1":"Executive Community, Jenna Arcand","2":"cover-letter","3":"career events, job events, job search, career, job search help, career help, job search tips, career tips, job search advice, career advice, live events, live career events, how to avoid getting laid off, how to get job interviews, how to get recruiters to talk to you, how to answer interview questions correctly, job interview, interview tips, job interview tips, interview questions, answering interview questions, virtual career events, free events, free live events, free career events, ~rmsc:rebelmouse-image:29917530, ~rmsc:rebelmouse-image:29916578, ~rmsc:rebelmouse-image:29928672, ~rmsc:rebelmouse-image:29916413, ~rmsc:rebelmouse-image:29916722, ~rmsc:rebelmouse-image:29928760, ~rmsc:rebelmouse-image:29916941, ~rmsc:rebelmouse-image:29928894, ~rmsc:rebelmouse-image:29928904, ~rmsc:rebelmouse-image:29928918, ~rmsc:rebelmouse-image:29928957","4":"06/02/2022"}, "post": {"split_testing": {}, "providerId": 0, "sections": [0, 376490081, 370480899, 376550212, 376490053, 376536198, 376491143, 376489962, 376489574, 404327439, 474863171, 376514019, 376489624, 479660731, 473333499, 473310813, 543270555], "buckets": [], "authors": [21030904, 19836096]} } Featured
Work It Daily's Career Events
{"customDimensions": {"1":"Executive Community, Jenna Arcand","2":"cover-letter","3":"career events, job events, job search, career, job search help, career help, job search tips, career tips, job search advice, career advice, live events, live career events, how to avoid getting laid off, how to get job interviews, how to get recruiters to talk to you, how to answer interview questions correctly, job interview, interview tips, job interview tips, interview questions, answering interview questions, virtual career events, free events, free live events, free career events, ~rmsc:rebelmouse-image:29917530, ~rmsc:rebelmouse-image:29916578, ~rmsc:rebelmouse-image:29928672, ~rmsc:rebelmouse-image:29916413, ~rmsc:rebelmouse-image:29916722, ~rmsc:rebelmouse-image:29928760, ~rmsc:rebelmouse-image:29916941, ~rmsc:rebelmouse-image:29928894, ~rmsc:rebelmouse-image:29928904, ~rmsc:rebelmouse-image:29928918, ~rmsc:rebelmouse-image:29928957","4":"06/02/2022"}, "post": {"split_testing": {}, "providerId": 0, "sections": [0, 376490081, 370480899, 376550212, 376490053, 376536198, 376491143, 376489962, 376489574, 404327439, 474863171, 376514019, 376489624, 479660731, 473333499, 473310813, 543270555], "buckets": [], "authors": [21030904, 19836096]} }
Now Hiring: Remote SysOps Engineer
{"customDimensions": {"1":"Work It Daily, Kinsta \u00ae","2":"popular","3":"kinsta, hiring, remote jobs, remote work, remote workforce, remote companies hiring, remote companies 2021, sysops engineer, sysops engineer jobs, ~popular_source-pageview, ~rmsc:rebelmouse-image:26404410, ~rmsc:rebelmouse-image:26409812","4":"05/18/2021"}, "post": {"split_testing": {}, "providerId": 0, "sections": [370480899, 545998439, 545998440, 473310812, 376489962, 526353713, 545658354, 548352055, 548352058, 543270555, 473333499, 473310813], "buckets": [], "authors": [19548593, 21891195]} }
3 Important Career Lessons Learned On And Off The Field
{"customDimensions": {"1":"Executive Community, J.T. O'Donnell","2":"popular","3":"career change, entrepreneur, entrepreneurship, career, career challenges, overcoming career challenges, personal branding, personal development, professional development, professional growth, success, career success, pro athletes, tom brady, chris gronkowski, nfl, tiktok, social media strategy, social media, career growth, ~rmsc:rebelmouse-image:25632872, ~rmsc:rebelmouse-image:25633076, ~rmsc:rebelmouse-image:25632876, ~rmsc:rebelmouse-image:25632899","4":"02/10/2021"}, "post": {"split_testing": {}, "providerId": 0, "sections": [0, 370480899, 473333499, 376489962, 526353713, 376489624, 479660731], "buckets": [], "authors": [21030904, 19549412]} }
How Ex-NFL Player, Chris Gronkowski, Is Using Social Media To Change Careers
{"customDimensions": {"1":"Executive Community, J.T. O'Donnell","2":"popular","3":"2010, Barstool, camera phone, career growth and development, career growth opportunities, chrisgronkowski, cowboys, dallascowboys, dinner, football, free, gronkspike, iceshaker, investor, nfl, nflfootball, nflplayer, nflplayers, nflworkout, payday, rookie, salary, sharing, sharktank, tic toc, tic tok, tick tock, ticktock, tictok, tik tok, tiktok, tiktok.com, trade, trainingcamp, upload, video, video phone, weighin, youtube.com, ~popular_source-pageview, \u0442\u0438\u043a \u0442\u043e\u043a, \u30c6\u30a3\u30c3\u30af\u30c8\u30c3\u30af, chris gronkowski, ~rmsc:rebelmouse-image:25551501, ~rmsc:rebelmouse-image:25551637, ~rmsc:rebelmouse-image:25551540, ~rmsc:rebelmouse-image:25598481","4":"01/29/2021"}, "post": {"split_testing": {}, "providerId": 0, "sections": [0, 370480899, 473333499, 526353713, 376489624, 479660731], "buckets": [], "authors": [21030904, 19549412]} }
AP by OMG
Asian-Promotions.com |
Buy More, Pay Less | Anywhere in Asia
Shop Smarter on AP Today | FREE Product Samples, Latest
Discounts, Deals, Coupon Codes & Promotions | Direct Brand Updates every
second | Every Shopper’s Dream!
Asian-Promotions.com or AP lets you buy more and pay less anywhere in Asia. Shop Smarter on AP Today. Sign-up for FREE Product Samples, Latest Discounts, Deals, Coupon Codes & Promotions. With Direct Brand Updates every second, AP is Every Shopper’s Dream come true! Stretch your dollar now with AP. Start saving today!
Originally posted on: https://www.workitdaily.com/tips-for-successful-informational-interview