What is an Informational Interview & How Do I Get One

What is an Informational Interview & How Do I Get OneInformational Interviews and How to Get OneWhat is an Informational Interview & How Do I Get OneIs this another informational interview? If it is, I really do not want to go. These interviews are a waste of time.This prozentzahl was from my daughter, a recent graduate with 2 undergrad degrees, ready to take on the world. If she wasnt interviewing for a specific role, she didnt want to interview at all. She believed the informational interview would not help her quest in getting a job, so I had to explain to her all the ways it would advance her search. Id like to share those ways with you, too.Informational Interview vs. Job InterviewAn informational interview is similar to a job interview, with one big differencetheres no job opening. The goal of an informational interview is to build knowledge, get advice, and maybe even get leads to people or opportunities that can help your job search. It can be an excellent way to gain insight into a specific field, industry, or organization that interests you, without the pressure of a job hanging in the balance.Goal of an informational interview Build a lasting professional relationshipGrow your networkGet your name out in the industryConnect on LinkedInTheres always a hidden job market ready to be discovered, so it pays to be in-the-know. Its like the old phrase, its not what you know but who you know.Choose Your Industry and Identify CompaniesYour job search is a project Research the industries that you would want to work in, then research specific companies in that industry. Next, start expanding your network by finding people who work at these companies. Once you identify some potential contacts, you can make the move to platzdeckchen up an informational interview.Getting the Informational InterviewYou can cold-call contacts that you find within specific companies, but the best way to get an informational interview is to ask someone in your network to make the conn ection for you (if they have connections with the company, of course).Once you set up this opportunity, what is your approach? There is no job opening, and you know that up front, so how do you proceed when you meet to discuss the industry and company? Here are a few questions you can ask your contactTell me about your career trajectory.What would I need to do to get started in this industry?Do you think my resume is interesting enough to catch a recruiters eye?If you were hiring, would you be interested in my candidacy?If a job opening came across your desk or through your network, would you feel comfortable passing my name along?Would it be ok if I sent you an invitation on LinkedIn?Could I stay in touch by email while I begin searching for jobs in your industry?Keep the focus on the contacts experience with the company and the industry. But whatever you do, do not ask questions that you could find answers to on your own through Google or the companys web siteFollowing UpAfter the meeting, make sure to follow up with a thank you note. Then, stay in touch periodically, especially If this contact is in one of your dream companies or your industry of choice.