How To Do an Informational Interview

>> Bill: Hey, everyone. It's Billy from Candid Career dot com. We get requests all the time for us to break down the process of the informational interview. Today, we're going to do just that. [ Music ] There are three main reasons why you should do an informational interview. First, to learn exactly what that career entails; second, to learn about the expectations that that employer has for future candidates; and, third, to identify any gaps in your training or experience that might prevent you from breaking into that industry. >> You know, you get to hear firsthand from, you know, whoever it is that you've asked their daily routine and the tasks that they perform in their job. Secondly, you can actually, in some cases, go to the person's place of employment and view the setting and the culture. And then, finally, an informational interview can help you discern whether this is the job for you. I mean, oftentimes you have a certain perception of what you think a job is, and after talking to someone who does the job 365 days a year, or at least are in that position for some time, you hear the things that they go through or things that they're responsible for, and it doesn't really line up with your goals. So informational interview are really important. >> Bill: There's so many ways that you can find a professional who will sit down and talk to you about their career. Whether it's your family and friend network, your school's alumni network, or even social media sites like LinkedIn. When you make first contact, be clear about how you got their number and why you hope that they'll meet with you. >> I think that it can't hurt to take any interview that is offered to you because you never know where it can lead you. And you might learn something about yourself or learn how to answer a question better, to be prepared. So when the job that you really want asks to interview, you're comfortable. You have a feel as to how an interview takes place. >> Bill: Keep in mind that this professional probably has a busy schedule. So out of respect, try to keep your interview to about 20 or 30 minutes. Even though you're just gathering information, and you're not there to ask for a job, you should treat this like a job interview. So dress the part. Have your resume handy. Call ahead of time to confirm, and don't be late. >> You know, don't show up wearing flip flops and a t-shirt when I'm there in a sport coat and maybe a tie. You know, come showing me that you have an interest in what my company does, too. You know, make sure you do research on the company. Ask me five, you know, open-ended questions, and then let me, you know, talk to the relevancy of those questions. >> Bill: During the interview, it's important to learn about the company as well as the industry as a whole, but make sure you're focusing primarily on that individual's career. Some good topics to bring up are what does their job entail, what attracted them to this job, what are some of the challenges that they face, and what is their background, both educationally and professionally. It's also not a bad idea to maybe ask them about their short-term and long-term career goals. >> Bring some questions of your own. If you're talking to, you know, if it's a start up, and you're talking to the CEO, try to see what his five-year plan is and where they see it going and, again, you know, what's this section going to be like in a year or two. Because it's going to help you get a better idea of, you know, sort of the place that you're jumping into, but I think it's also going to impress the employer that you've done your research. It shows them that you're interested, and, you know, you're organized, and you have good initiative. >> Bill: Just because the interview is over doesn't mean the process is through. As you're leaving, ask for a business card so you can stay in touch, and when you get home, promptly write a letter, thanking them for their time. And when you do get a job, it's not a bad idea to drop them a line and let them know where you landed. Remember, it's all about building your network. >> Informational interviewing is so important, and it really is about setting up those contacts so when you do need that job really, really, you've already made that introduction, and you're not cold calling someone when you really have to get that job. By setting up the informational interview, even though there's not a position you're necessarily applying for, you have now put yourself on that person's radar.