{"id":1469,"date":"2020-04-19T16:16:04","date_gmt":"2020-04-19T23:16:04","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.virtualjobsearchcoach.com\/?p=1469"},"modified":"2021-08-04T16:12:31","modified_gmt":"2021-08-04T23:12:31","slug":"informational-interviews","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.virtualjobsearchcoach.com\/informational-interviews\/","title":{"rendered":"Informational Interviews: The Most Powerful Job Search Strategy"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><strong>Informational Interviews are a key strategy in a successful job search\u2026. but what are they and what do you ask during one?<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"Informational Interviews Everything You Need To Know To Find A Job Faster\" width=\"1080\" height=\"608\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/kGoBQXJRI-Q?feature=oembed\"  allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe><\/p>\n<p>When you are looking for your next job opportunity, one of the best strategies I teach my clients is to request informational interviews with prospective employers.\u00a0 Informational interviews (also called Investigative interviews) will increase your success in finding a job faster, as well as ensuring you land a job that you will love with an employer you want to work for!\u00a0 Because who wants to be in a job you hate right?<\/p>\n<p>Today I\u2019m going to teach you the purpose of an informational interview, how to arrange them, and what questions to ask to investigate an occupation, uncover an industry or company culture, and to \u201cfish\u201d for potential job leads. Although nowadays there is a great deal of information that can be sourced from the internet, websites, social and news media, nothing compares to the insights, facts, and opportunities gained from meeting the people who actually work in the industry or the positions that you are considering or seeking. This is where informational interviews come in.<\/p>\n<p>The purpose of an informational interview is to obtain vital information to help in your decision-making for a potential career, job, or industry change and when considering potential employer and industry targets during a general job search.\u00a0 It\u2019s an opportunity where YOU get to be the interviewer. It also provides an avenue to develop your network, build rapport with new contacts, and potentially, your future employer.<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><strong>There are several ways to arrange an informational interview, but I\u2019m going to give you 3 simple steps:<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><b><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-1478 size-medium alignleft\" src=\"https:\/\/www.virtualjobsearchcoach.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/Depositphotos_86049558_xl-2015-300x200.jpg\" alt=\"Circling target audience \" width=\"300\" height=\"200\" \/><\/b><\/p>\n<p><b>1) <\/b><b>Identify the Industry Professionals<\/b> <b>You Want to\u00a0<\/b><b>Meet With <\/b>\u2013 This step starts with researching the industry and companies within your target industry. You want to discover a professional that is either in the role you are interested in or someone senior to that role who can provide useful information about the industry, company and your targeted role(s).<\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">There are several methods to find that target professional such as: LinkedIn, contacting the company directly and asking for the name and contact information for that job title, gathering information through <\/span>media, organizational charts, social media, company websites,<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> and <\/span>asking for referrals<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> from your own personal networks (friends, family, neighbours, acquaintances), etc.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-1477 alignright\" src=\"https:\/\/www.virtualjobsearchcoach.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/Depositphotos_77511384_l-2015-300x200.jpg\" alt=\"Person working at desk with cellphone in one hand and a laptop on the desk.\" width=\"270\" height=\"180\" \/><\/b><\/p>\n<p><b>2) Request to Meet With the Industry Professional<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> \u2013<\/span> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">You can send them an email, leave a voicemail or call them directly introducing yourself and requesting to meet with them (for no more than 30 minutes of their time) for an informational interview.\u00a0 Arrange a convenient time that suits them<b>,<\/b> respect their time and stick to less than 30 minutes unless they offer to talk longer, and make sure to arrive prepared with appropriate questions. If you like, tell them you will bring the coffees and ask what their favourite coffee\/tea drink is. <\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><b>You DO NOT want to say you are looking for work or a job! &#8211; It\u2019s the kiss of death! <\/b>You need to explain that you would like to learn more about their industry from a seasoned professional (if appropriate &#8211; because you are considering a career change). Your goal is to seek information and potential opportunities and build a relationship with your new connection! If you were referred to the individual by a friend, neighbour, etc. \u2013 then it is fitting to open the conversation by saying you were referred to them by \u201c________\u201d.\u00a0 Most people will be naturally more open and receptive if they think someone referred them personally or specifically.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><strong>Here are some examples of how to open the conversation to request an informational interview:\u00a0\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u201cI was given your name by _______ who thought you could put me in touch with someone in the _____ field who could answer a few questions for me.\u201d\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/i><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u201cI am an experienced _______ and am considering a career change into the field of ________.\u00a0 I have a few questions about the industry you are in and would like to seek some advice from a seasoned professional such as yourself.\u00a0 Would you be able to meet\/speak with me for 15-20 minutes to answer some questions?\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/i><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u201cDue to recent downsizing, I find myself without work for the first time in 15 years.\u00a0 As I feel a little out of touch I would appreciate 15-20 minutes of your time to answer a few questions I have.\u00a0 _______ suggested you\u2019d have the most valuable information that could assist me.\u00a0 Do you have time on Tuesday or Thursday of next week?\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/i><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">I think you may be able to help me.\u00a0 I was given your name by _______ as I am seeking employment like that which I was doing in the <\/span><\/i><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">(name sector)<\/span><\/i><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">You want to have approximately 10 to 12 questions<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> prepared for your informational interview, and to take notes, or ask permission to record the conversation. Ask the industry professional probing questions, listen for pain points, indicators of trends, and insights (such as upcoming company projects).\u00a0 You want to uncover what I call <\/span>TOPP<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> issues (<\/span><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Trends, Opportunities, Problems, and Projects<\/span><\/i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">).\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-1475 size-large\" src=\"https:\/\/www.virtualjobsearchcoach.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/Depositphotos_12766957_xl-2015-1024x680.jpg\" alt=\"Business team hiding their faces behind question mark signs at office\" width=\"1024\" height=\"680\" \/><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Here are some questions to ask when approaching a potential employer, a person working in the sector, or in a specific position to seek information about the indus<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">try, the company, job prospects, etc. These are sele<\/span>ct questions to ask which are appropriate based on your situation and your target to investigate the specific job opportunity or company culture. <b>Questions to Uncover Details about a S<\/b><b>pecific Job Opportunity or Investigate an Occupation:<\/b><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">How did you get into this job\/occupation?<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">What does it take to enter this field of work?<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">What particular degrees, schooling or training is required?<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">What characteristics work best for this type of position?<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">What skills are key to success in this role?\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Are there any special problems or circumstances a person should be aware of when considering this job\/occupation?<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">What are the major frustrations or most challenging aspect in this job\/occupation?\u00a0 What advice can you give?<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Is the occupation growing?\u00a0 How would you paint the future outlook?<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">How should I approach my job hunt? Are there any specific companies you know of that are hiring?\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">May I contact you if I need further information? Do you prefer phone contact, email or should I make an appointment?<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><b>Questions to Uncover the Culture of a Company:<\/b><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">What are the organization\u2019s priorities for the next couple of years?<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">How are decisions made (in this organization, or department\/division)? How are they communicated to the staff?<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignright wp-image-1472\" src=\"https:\/\/www.virtualjobsearchcoach.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/Depositphotos_78381356_xl-2015-300x253.jpg\" alt=\"White and blue puzzle pieces reading: beliefs, values, priorities, language, culture\" width=\"207\" height=\"175\" \/><\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">What opportunities exist for advancement or change of jobs within your organization?<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">What is the philosophy or the major values, and strengths of this organization?<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">How would you describe the morale of the people working here?<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Does the organization emphasize working in teams?<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Do you like working here?\u00a0 Do you feel employees are respected for their ideas?<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">How do people from different departments interact?<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">How do people get promoted here?<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Do you feel that the company functions in the way its mission statement describes?<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Be creative and resourceful and examine the information you have collec<\/span>ted\u2026. ask yourself \u201cIs there a niche or problem that doesn\u2019t seem to be addressed at present? (that I could fill\/resolve)\u201d \u2013 this can become your golden ticket for getting your foot in the door with this company.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignright wp-image-1473\" src=\"https:\/\/www.virtualjobsearchcoach.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/Depositphotos_12250077_xl-2015-296x300.jpg\" alt=\"Blue sticky note that reads &quot;Thank You&quot;\" width=\"179\" height=\"181\" \/><b>3) Follow Up With <\/b><b>a \u201cThank-You\u201d Letter or Email <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u2013<\/span> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">When<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> people have provided you with information, and their time always<\/span><b>\u00a0<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">f<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">ollow up with a \u201cthank-you\u201d letter or email message. Not only does this extend appreciation, it demonstrates the type of employee you would make, and allows for a response from them with <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">added inf<\/span>ormation, ideas, or contact names. Only attach your resume when you feel it is appropriate to do so.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>What you\u2019ve learned here is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to job search strategies, career development, and interview tips. To learn more, check out my YouTube channel (<a href=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/c\/VirtualJobSearchCoach\">VirtualJobSearchCoach<\/a>), where I post new content every week to help job seekers like you, determine, pursue, and land their dream job!<\/p>\n<p>If you would like one-to-one coaching to equip you with the confidence, necessary tools, critical knowledge, and strategies to find and land your ideal job\u00a0 \u2013 then let\u2019s talk! You can book a complimentary 15 minute discover call directly in my calendar at <a href=\"https:\/\/calendly.com\/virtualstacey\">https:\/\/calendly.com\/virtualstacey<\/a> and let\u2019s chat about how I can help you fast-track your job search success.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Informational Interviews are a key strategy in a successful job search\u2026. but what are they and what do you ask during one? When you are looking for your next job opportunity, one of the best strategies I teach my clients is to request informational interviews with prospective employers.\u00a0 Informational interviews (also called Investigative interviews) will [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":1488,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_et_pb_use_builder":"","_et_pb_old_content":"","_et_gb_content_width":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[15,119,120,124,137,19,18,16,21],"tags":[31,24,32,29,30,34,23,33],"aioseo_notices":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.virtualjobsearchcoach.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1469"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.virtualjobsearchcoach.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.virtualjobsearchcoach.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.virtualjobsearchcoach.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.virtualjobsearchcoach.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=1469"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.virtualjobsearchcoach.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1469\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.virtualjobsearchcoach.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/1488"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.virtualjobsearchcoach.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=1469"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.virtualjobsearchcoach.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=1469"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.virtualjobsearchcoach.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=1469"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}