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Turning the Tables: The Importance of Informational Interviewing
When most people hear the words “job interview,” they automatically think of the high-pressure and often dreaded part of the job search process. In actuality, there are some interviews designed to spark confidence instead of fear. These interviews are referred to as informational interviews.
In previous columns, we have talked about the necessity of research when you are conducting a job search. Informational interviewing is a formal method of research conducted by the candidate long before he or she is the one in the hot seat. It is the job seeker’s chance to turn the tables on employers. The importance of informational interviewing cannot be underestimated. The numerous benefits of this method of research include clarification of the day-to-day requirements and expectations of your chosen field, knowledge of the office climate of companies within your field, cultivation of your network of contacts, and confidence building for future job interviews.
Just like a job interview, an informational interview requires some preparation. First, you must identify which companies you would like to learn more about, and the appropriate person within each company with whom you can interview. You can find professionals to interview through people you already know, social networking sites such as LinkedIn, alumni from your college, professional and trade organizations, newspapers, the Yellow Pages and other directories. Before contacting the person, make sure you confirm their job title.
Next, you need to set up the informational interview by sending a letter indicating your interest in the field, your request for the opportunity for a brief meeting to discuss the practice of the person’s specialty, and the date you will be contacting them for an appointment at their convenience. Then make sure to follow up with a phone call to schedule the interview.
Once you have an appointment scheduled, it is now time to prepare for your informational interview. Yes, you must prepare for an informational interview just like you would for a job interview. Plan to arrive on time and be dressed professionally. Most importantly, make sure you have prepared many thoughtful questions for the person you are interviewing. Do not waste the employer’s time by not having appropriate questions prepared.
During the informational interview, questions should be aimed to help you gain information on how the employer got started in the field, what the daily work environment is like, what the culture of the industry is like, and any advice the employer can give you on entering the particular profession. This is not the time however to ask about any job openings with the company. If the person you’re interviewing offers up that information, then great, but you should never bring that up in this setting. Be sure to take accurate notes on the responses to your questions and also refer to the research you’ve already reviewed about the field or the company.
As you close the interview, make sure you ask for the names of other professionals in the field whom you can contact for more information. This is just one way you can expand your network of contacts. Be courteous enough to keep to your agreed-upon time frame and thank the employer for his or her time. It will also be necessary to send a written thank you letter within 48 hours of the interview and to periodically follow-up with phone calls to let that person know his or her help has been of service and where you are in your job search process.
Not only will the informational interview benefit you, but it will also benefit the employer you meet with. That person might just discover that you would be a great asset to their company!
Lori Bumgarner, owner of paNASH Style, assists professionals from a variety of industries in becoming a TOTAL PACKAGE by developing their image and their career promotion skills. Lori's clients have included recording artists, producers, managers, and Grammy-nominated songwriters.
Lori possesses ten years experience in career coaching and holds a master's degree from the University of South Carolina and a bachelor's degree from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte. She has written for magazines and newspapers on topics such as networking and dressing for success. In addition, Lori has five years experience in media interview coaching. She has also worked with Miss America system pageant contestants on competition and media interview skills, wardrobe, and stage presence with a 100% success rate!
Lori is a current member of the Association of Image Consultants International (AICI), the Country Music Association (CMA), and the Women in Music Business Association (WMBA). She was recently featured on Nashville's 103 WKDF morning radio show and in The Tennessean newspaper. In addition, Lori's speaking engagements have included presentations for the Nashville Songwriters Association International (NSAI) and George Jones University (GJU), a program for aspiring artists held at the home of George and Nancy Jones.
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