The most valuable part of a successful job search strategy may be the informational interview. It is the best tactic to land a referral to a hiring manager. Below is a streamlined version of informational interviewing using a 6-step process:
1.) Be Clear about Your Purpose
- It’s not really an interview at all, but a conversation to get advice, insights and contacts, and you are in charge or the agenda and asking questions. Do not ask for a job. Consider this CAREER RESEARCH. It’s always better to schedule these kinds of conversations in person, but it’s possible to have an informational meeting via phone or Zoom
2.) Build Your Contact List
- Be methodical in creating a list of your network. Start by documenting the names of people you already know so you don’t overlook someone, then continue to add names to your list. Keep in mind, it’s easier and more successful to get an introduction to someone you already know than to reach out to a complete stranger. For this reason, begin networking with the people you already know and hope they will be able to introduce you to other valuable contacts. The truth is you never know who can help you, butut to find out, you'll first need to have a list of these people.
3.) Ask for an Introduction
- Your network is the key to getting in touch with people inside your target companies. One of the main reasons you’ve thoughtfully and carefully been building out your network is to earn the right to ask for a favor one day. That day has come. Either one of your contacts knows someone you really want to meet or your contact works for a company that just posted a job you’re really interested in.
- Warm referrals happen when you are able to name drop a mutual connection. Requests that come from a warm referral are much more likely to win a response than a cold email or outreach. Similarly, you are much more likely to get a response to a job you apply to if you use a referral that is either an employee or someone the decisionmaker knows.
4.) Request a Meeting
- What will you say to someone you barely know that will convince them to meet with you – either face-to-face or on the phone — for 20 to 30 minutes? Carefully craft your request, considering who the person is, what their position is, what objections may arise, and your request.
5.) Prepare for the Meeting
- Your invitation for an informational meeting has been accepted! Now it is time to prepare for your meeting. It’s important to remember that you are the one asking for the meeting and therefore, you set the agenda. It’s up to you to develop questions to acquire the information you need to help with your career. If you do this right, your initial informational meeting could be the beginning of a long-term professional relationship with the person you are meeting. You want to make a good impression by sounding interested, enthusiastic, and smart.
6.) Run the Meeting
- Be sure to be the leader of the informational interview and make a good impression.