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 using resources from the Networking Toolbox to move into action using a 6-step process.
Step 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 of 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.
Step 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. But the only way you’ll find out but you first need to have a list of these people.
Step 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, either an employee or someone the decisionmaker knows.
Step 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? Keep these eight tips in mind and you’ll be on your way to successfully set up informational meetings!
1. Ask People You Know for an Introduction
The first thing to keep in mind is that you really shouldn’t reach out to people you don’t know. Instead, ask people you know for an introduction. A warm referral will result in a higher response rate and improve the chances that the person will agree to meet with you.
2. Request Information and Insight, Not a Job
You aren’t asking for a job. You are seeking information and insight; consider your quest a research study into a career path. It is up to you to make it clear you want to learn from the person, and that you are asking for advice, information or recommendations. When you are making the request to meet, don’t call it an informational interview. It's not an interview, it's a conversation.
3. Explain the Purpose of the Meeting
The reason you want to meet with the person depends on who they are and what they do. If the person holds a role you are interested in, then your purpose for wanting to meet is to learn, first-hand, what the job really entails, what skills are most important or what additional training or certification is helpful. If you’re asking to meet with someone who works for one of your target companies, then you will want to learn what it’s like to work there.
4. Prepare for Likely Objections
Before you pick up the phone, develop a script or bullet points so you’ll be prepared to introduce yourself and explain specifically what you are asking of them. Being prepared should make you more confident. The more often you do this, the easier it will get. You will encounter people who don’t know how to help you and they may make excuses for not meeting with you. What they are really saying is that they are not comfortable enough to schedule a meeting with you at this time. They aren’t always saying no. Prepare responses ready for these common objections so you’ll be able to continue the conversation.
5. Be Crystal Clear and Truthful
You are asking for a short meeting, 20-30 minutes. Most people can fit this into their schedules either before work, during lunch or after work. Your request for a conversation must be sincere and free of hidden agendas. You will not ask for a job, you won’t even mention the word job during your conversation. To help you secure the meeting, make sure you are crystal clear about the topics you plan on covering, types of questions you’ll be asking and your expectations for the meeting.
6. Meet Face-to-Face
If logistically possible, request a face-to-face meeting at a place that is convenient for the person you are meeting. Face-to-face meeting is more likely than phone to forge a connection and build a relationship. If distance does not allow for an in-person meeting, so set up a call, with video if that is acceptable to you both.
7. Tell Them Who You Are
While your message will include a link to your LinkedIn profile, you must also include a short sentence or two summarizing your background. The key is to keep this concise. Only include the most relevant information. This is a written version of your shorter pitch.
8. Craft A Winning Request
Email is the preferred method for making the request for an informational meeting. Everyone uses it and checks it multiple times a day, which means your message is more likely to be seen. Sending a LinkedIn message asking for an informational meeting should be a last resort.
Step 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.
Step 6: Run the Meeting
You are in charge of the agenda and asking questions. Make the most out of the informational interview!