Your job search needs all the valuable information
it can get
➔ Informational interviews can be an essential component of a great job search strategy. It should come as no surprise then that preparing for an informational interview is just as important as preparing for an actual job interview.
While the basic preparation steps are similar, if not identical, there are a couple of nuances that can help you get the most out of this opportunity.
Keep in mind why you’re there
First, be prepared – and don’t hesitate – to ask for referrals. Even if those turn out to be other potential informational interviews, the more contacts the better; the more opportunities to sit down face-to-face with someone the better. You never know where that job nugget might be hiding.
Second, don’t forget that this is an informational interview. Except in the rarest of cases, there will be no job offer forthcoming. There is no specific position about which to inquire. But don’t be surprised – and you should be prepared – to address the question: “How can I help you?”
This is an informational interview. That how-can-I-help question comes up often – especially if you don’t know the interviewer well. It only makes sense that you know up front how this person can assist you in your job search. Additional contacts or introductions? Knowledge about any openings with another organization? Comments about your resume or LinkedIn profile? Industry news? What should I be looking for? The questions may vary from one situation to the next, so you need to be prepared.
Oops! There’s that word again: prepared.
“The key is not the will to win… everybody has that. It is the will to prepare to win that is important.” – Bobby Knight, Hall of Fame basketball coach
Comments