Spring is the most active job cycle of the year when you stand the best chance to find and land a new opportunity or that all-important first internship, according to recruiters and job boards. But competition also is greater this time of year, so you must find ways to stand out against the hordes of others who are entering the job market and/or graduating soon.
Informational interviews can help jump start your search, increase your network and provide essential interview experience. But planning for a successful informational interview is important so never go in cold.
Starting with the request for the informational interview to your research of the person generously talking with you to the critical follow up, you must prepare just like you’re facing an actual job interview. Often, informational interviews lead to future jobs and they almost always result in creating an advocate that can point you towards current opportunities.
The following tips and tools may help you form your informational interview action plan:
If you haven’t already done an informational interview, this short video does a great job of describing the process.
Unless a family member or friend has already opened the door, you generally have to introduce yourself and your request via email. After identifying the individuals who might be willing to share advice and contacts with you, write a request that clearly states why you are reaching out. The following elements should be included in your email, according to LiveCareer.com:
Writing an Informational Interview Email Request
The best informational interview request emails have two things: a clear message about why you’re reaching out and an easy-to-understand request. When asking for an informational interview, be sure to include these components:
- Ask for help. Phrases like “I’d love your help with” or “I hope you’ll be able to help me out with…”
- Be clear and concise. Be specific and make it easy for them to say yes. “I’d love to hear more about how you got your start” is alright, but this approach is better: “I’d love to take you out to coffee to learn about how you got your start in marketing and what it’s like to work at [your company]; I’m actually going to be in your area next week and would be happy to meet whenever is most convenient for you.”
- Provide a hook. Demonstrate why you really want to meet with this person. Maybe you admire their career path or see some similarities between their education and yours? Perhaps you have a shared connection? Whatever it is, be sure to state it in the email.
- Be extremely considerate. Remember, this person is putting their job on hold for you, so acknowledge how busy they must be and say that even 15-20 minutes would be appreciated.
- Don’t make it seem like you’re looking for a job. Make it clear you just want to talk to them about their perspective on their job and experience in the industry.
3 Informational Interview Action Steps
Once you land the interview, organize your thoughts and approach to the one-on-one session. TheMuse.com offers three basic steps to remember as you go into the interview.
- Warm Up (insightful small talk)
- Get What You Want (advice)
- Tap Into Their Networks (get to additional contacts)
Before embarking on your first informational interview, please read “Forget ‘Can I Pick Your Brain?’ Ask for Advice” in The New York Times. This article provides a treasure trove of sound advice.
Prompt Thank You and Periodic Updates
Prompt follow up is absolutely essential. And not just a generic thank-you note. (Email is okay, but a handwritten note makes you memorable). Cite a particular piece of advice that you found most helpful. This shows you were listening.
As your search progresses, drop your contacts periodic updates—especially if they provided contacts who you met. And let them know when you landed a job. Don’t let those you found helpful in your search learn about your new job through LinkedIn or social media.