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What is informational interviewing? It's an activity that allows you to (1) clarify your thoughts about your career plans while you (2) learn more about different professions or areas of the same profession, and (3) most importantly, get inside organizations and talk directly to those individuals who could hire you.Why should I do it? Because if it's done well, it yields a non-threatening dialogue between you and potential employers in which you can obtain useful information that will lead to job offers. It's a comfortable way to start your job searching.
I'm not interested in talking. . . I want a job! Although this activity seems off-the-track of your goal of obtaining a job, it is usually the best approach for eventually securing employment.
Will managers take time to talk with me? If surveyed they would probably indicate that they do not have the time for such an activity. In practice, however, they usually enjoy discussing themselves, their profession, and their organization with others who indicate an interest in such things. It also gives them a chance to reflect upon their constantly changing needs and circumstances.
How do I arrange a meeting? Call the head of the department or the manager in the area of your interest who has the authority to hire you. Ask for some time for the purpose of investigating a field of work, the industry, or their particular company or department. Remember, that person initially does not know who is on the other end of the telephone ... you may be a friend or relative of the president of the company, or perhaps the next largest customer the company will have. You'll typically be given the benefit of the doubt.
What do I talk about? Either on the telephone or in a meet-ing, if possible, you should have questions prepared about the industry, its future, who the competition is, how markets are developed, product and service distribution methods and areas of growth. Avoid directly mentioning that you are looking for a job early in the conversation. Instead, try to learn about the company and the industry.
Then what? Once you've met the person, express interest in all you see and hear. Ask for a tour. Learn as much as possible about your field of interest and options available to you. Try to make a friend. Don't ask for a job. This is one of the few occasions in your life when you can randomly talk with individuals about things that interest you. Enjoy it.
How do I change the subject to employment considerations? There should be a natural shift in the conversation after you have many of your questions answered, so that you will have a chance to talk about yourself and your future. Explain that you are interested in the profession and hope to enter it soon. Ask about upcoming opportunities within the department. Don't be anxious to say that you are currently looking for a position. If you have made a favorable impression employers will often suggest that you consider their company for employment. At the very least, you will have learned from each question that was answered, and will thus become a more informed prospect.
I feel awkward bringing up the topic of employment Then don't. If it seems as though you might misrepresent your intentions in meeting with the individual, do not mention the topic. Instead, call the individual back three to four weeks later and say that after extensive thought you are now committed to the profession that was discussed, are impressed with that particular company, and ask if he or she is aware of any opportunities within the firm.
Isn't this a lot of effort for one job? Yes, but very little for one career, a potential lifetime of contacts, and a better knowledge of the pros and cons of a field in which you have not yet worked.
