Why You Should Conduct an Informational Interview

Posted: Nov 21, 2011 |Comments: 0 |

Finding a job can be difficult even in the most forgiving of economic times. However, in this difficult economic environment, it is truly a daunting task. Job seekers have to be even more creative and assertive in their job searching tactics in order to get noticed. One often overlooked approach is that of the informational interview.

The informational interview is set up by the job seeker with a professional in the career he or she is looking to enter. This is not an interview directly related to employment for a particular position as the person being interviewed is most likely not in a position to hire the interviewer, or even looking to employ anyone at the time of the interview. The informational interview is an interview for the purpose of gaining additional insight or networking opportunities within the profession the interviewer is seeking to enter.

When setting up an informational interview, there are several points of etiquette one must keep in mind in order to successfully procure time with an interviewee. When contacting potential interviewees, be sure to include a letter of introduction that clearly outlines your background and interest in the company. Be sure to make it very clear in your letter of introduction that you are not requesting a job interview. This is a key point to remember if you expect to get a response. If the interviewee suspects that you are requesting a job interview, it is unlikely that you will get a favorable response to your interview request.

When setting up your interview, be respectful of your interviewee's time. Since this person is doing you a favor, offer to make the interview short and be sure to end the interview when your allotted time is up. If your interview is held over coffee or over lunch, offer to pay. Additionally, make sure that you do your research and have questions prepared before meeting with your interviewee. In addition to researching the background of the individual you are interviewing, be sure to research the company so that you are knowledgeable and able to prepare intelligent questions. When researching companies, a good place to start is reading their annual report and the investor relations portion of their website.

Finally, be sure to thank your interviewee. Common protocol is to send an email within twenty-four hours after the interview is complete and then follow up with a handwritten note a few days later.

Questions and Answers

Ask
200 Characters left
Rate this Article
  • 1
  • 2
  • 3
  • 4
  • 5
  • 0 vote(s)
    Feedback
    Print
    Re-Publish
    Source:  http://www.articlesbase.com/business-ideas-articles/why-you-should-conduct-an-informational-interview-5415342.html

    Article Tags:

    informational interview

    ,

    informational interviews

    ,

    conduct an information interview

    It goes without saying that being called back in for a second interview indicates you performed quite well during the first round of interviews for the position. That being said, there is still prep work to be completed prior to this second round in order to maximize your chances of receiving a job offer. Some of that prep work actually takes place during the first interview. Here are a few tips that will help you ready yourself for a second interview.

    By: ZoomInterviewsl Careersl Jun 13, 2011
    Muna wa Wanjiru

    Conducting a job interview is one of the most important task, mangers or supervisors do. Because of their judgment and skill to abstract the best from the candidate, they ensure the good future of the organization. Conducting a job interview is not easy task for the first time interviewers.

    By: Muna wa Wanjirul Careers> Interviewsl Jun 27, 2008

    When businesses grow to the point of needing outside assistance, i.e. employees you must be prepared to conduct a business interview.

    By: Cherie Angl Business> Human Resourcesl Jan 01, 2008

    An informational interview is simply a means of gathering information you need in order for you to choose which career path is right for you. It is not the same as a job interview because the job hunter is the one who conducts the informational interview.

    By: Ryan Stewartl Careers> Interviewsl Feb 28, 2006 lViews: 1,247

    What happens when you are the interviewer and your potential employer is the interviewee? Learn some basic tips on conducting a informational interview.

    By: Joseph Delos Reyesl Careers> Interviewsl Apr 07, 2010

    financial crisis has conned everyone's live. Mass layoffs were happening in everywhere which is very sad. Throughout the crisis era not really a couple of companies go under. This will make the company managers searching for the best and accurate online marketing strategy to enhance the productivity and efficiency of the organization. The best online marketing strategy is really a way to succeed.

    By: chloe25l Business> Business Ideasl May 31, 2012

    Business needs customers to make profit and survive. It's as simple as that. Without doing any marketing no-one knows you exist and you're not going to get too far. So, if you're in serious business, you have to get your message out.

    By: Sami Brownl Business> Business Ideasl May 30, 2012

    Is your company on the lookout for a plush new office in London? If so there is plenty of different choice as regard areas and plenty of choice when it comes to office space, Lloyd's area of London being a prime example of what is on offer.

    By: Toml Business> Business Ideasl May 28, 2012

    The Digital governors are designed not just to take control of the speed of the machine but it also allowed the machine to be smarter, allowing automation and improved functionality for the engine. By implementing these governors, the system became more stabilized and reliable, and there is no more need to add diesel generators that consume precious fuel and is expensive to maintain

    By: lselectricl Business> Business Ideasl May 28, 2012

    If you're heading to Australia for business, you'll discover a world-class destination that's at the cutting edge of many industries. Australia is also ideally located for business opportunities in Asia, and it has a sturdy economy, exceptional facilities, good communication services and strong institutions.Here's just a brief introduction to the essentials for business travellers.

    By: Gerlie Reyesl Business> Business Ideasl May 28, 2012

    So you have a blog. But you need readers. Performing without an audience is no fun, now is it? Fortunately, there are a number of proven ways to grow your readership and keep you motivated. Let's look at a few.

    By: JuliaMyers1234l Internet> Bloggingl Jan 25, 2012

    Facebook has slowly been rolling out its new profile, entitled the Timeline, over the past several months. Those who voluntarily clicked the button to switch over were allowed to test the new setup early, but only those who were also using Timeline were able to see which users had switched over. All of this changed about a month ago when Facebook began unveiling Timeline to all users via the profiles of the early adopters.

    By: JuliaMyers1234l Internet> SMOl Jan 25, 2012

    If you are a blogger you know what it means to have other people comment on your work. It is a great feeling to know that someone has taken the time to read your work and actually leave feedback. Therefore, you understand the effect that you can have by commenting on another blog that you have just read. The benefits to doing so are many.

    By: JuliaMyers1234l Internet> Bloggingl Jan 25, 2012

    Binge eating can lead to weight gain, which may cause diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, heart disease and other health problems. Binge eating can contribute to emotional problems.

    By: JuliaMyers1234l Education> College and Universityl Jan 25, 2012

    Smartphones these days are great for doing lots of things such as tracking shipments, ordering food, finding hip places to go, and even paying your own bills. They're revolutionary devices that have taken the tech crowd by storm, but their battery life can drain very easily and quickly from all of the things that they're capable of.

    By: JuliaMyers1234l Technology> Cell Phonesl Jan 24, 2012

    Discuss this Article

    Author Box
    Articles Categories
    All Categories
    Quantcast