Information Interview Evaluation Form
Person interviewed:
Title:
Name of company:
Address:
Phone number:
Secretary's name:
John Hirsch
VP of Marketing
Global Information Systems
663 Burlington Drive
Chicago, IL 60605
312-287-2242
Heather McCracken
Name of person who can hire: John Hirsch
Date of interview:
July 26, 199X
General Feeling about the Interview
John was very accommodating. He took me on a tour of Global's recently expanded offices and suggested we get together again Tuesday. The people at Global seem to enjoy themselves. I heard occasional laughter and lots of spirited discussion in a variety of languages. The atmosphere was upbeat and full of enthusiasm. I felt comfortable there.
How Did the Interviewee Respond to Questions about Himself?
John was very candid about his transition from a large multinational company to a smaller one. He said the cultures and perks were very different, so it took him awhile to adjust. However, he also mentioned that his connections in the Pacific Rim and his understanding of how to negotiate with Asians have served him well, even though he is marketing a different line of products. He seemed very open to answering questions about his company's past and future and musing over the explosive growth that NAFTA will generate in information services throughout the Western Hemisphere.
How Do I Feel about the Company and Its Policies?
Global is a very entrepreneurial company. The success of the individual is predicated on his ability and willingness to adapt to global demands and cultural idiosyncrasies while providing a benchmark quality product and a high level of customer service. I like that. Individual ideas are encouraged. Teamwork and empowerment are not just clichés.
While Global prefers to promote from within, its fast and steady growth necessitates hiring people from other companies as well. The company looks for individuals who genuinely believe in serving the customer, even if it means sacrificing the immediate bottom line. Previous industry experience isn't as important as personality, transferable skills and a passion for taking Global's products and services worldwide.
How Do My Skills, Personality Traits and Experience Mesh with This Company Needs and Wants?
Obviously I have the commitment to customer service and the desire to serve the client even if my quota suffers for it this quarter. I like the fact that Global doesn't require specific industry experience, because I consider myself to be more of an international sales generalist than a specialist in a particular product. It seems my constant "ideaphoria" will serve me well here, where it has caused me problems in the past. I particularly enjoy working with international businesses, which are a major target market for Global.
Can I Fit into the Current Structure? Can I Create a New Job for Myself? Does This Company Have Opportunities That Meet My Requirements?
Much to my pleasant surprise, John wants to hire two experienced sales pros as soon as possible to concentrate on Latin America. Given what I've seen of the company so far, I think this job would suit my skills, personality and goals. While John won't be leaving his job anytime in the foreseeable future, he says there will be opportunities to expand sales territories or become a regional sales manager as the company continues to stretch across the globe. I speak Spanish and the chance to live in a foreign country is very appealing.
What Should I Do to Follow Up on This Information Interview?
Of course, I will send a thank-you note and resume immediately confirming our employment interview appointment, and telling John why I am especially enthusiastic about the company and thinking I could help expand its information technology worldwide.
Thank-You Note/Cover-Letter Example
Using the information gleaned from John Hirsch at Global Information Systems, you could develop a combination cover-letter/thank-you-for-the-appointment note much like the following one.
July 28, 199X
Mr. John Hirsch
Vice President of Marketing
Global Information Systems
663 Burlington Drive
Chicago, IL 60605
Dear John,
Thank you for talking with me about your perspective on the global opportunities in information technologies, and especially about your goals and plans at Global. It's exciting to hear about how the field is exploding with growth and how your company is cultivating its own important niche (or would lane be a better word?) on the worldwide information highway. It was also wonderful to talk with a business pro who honestly believes that exceptional customer service and a creative, flexible approach to developing new markets will always generate greater sales in the long run, even if the immediate bottom line isn't as good this quarter.
I was particularly gratified to hear that my international business background and my desire to be a part of the communications revolution are key attributes for moving into your organization. And, based on our discussion, my understanding of business mores in other countries, enthusiasm for information technology, and proven ability to sell sophisticated products and services should be beneficial to any international organization in the high-tech arena.
Discovering that you have a sales position open in Mexico was a most fortuitous surprise and an opportunity I want to explore more thoroughly. I look forward to seeing you again on Tuesday to discuss the job more specifically and how I might be of benefit to Global should you hire me for your new "south of the border" venture. Enclosed is a resume that will give you some relevant information on my background in light of the role I would be playing in Latin America.
Sincerely yours,
Joseph Lopez
