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Informational Interviewing

Informational Interviewing. A key networking tool. What is the informational interview? . Talking with people currently working in a field to gain a better understanding of an occupation or industry. A great way to build relationships in an organization.

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Informational Interviewing

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  1. Informational Interviewing A key networking tool.

  2. What is the informational interview? • Talking with people currently working in a field to gain a better understanding of an occupation or industry. • A great way to build relationships in an organization. • Provides an opportunity to see a job and an organization from the inside.

  3. Statistics – Career Builder 2008 • One out of every 500 resumes results in a job offer. • One out of every 12 informational interviews results in a job offer. • Not an exact science but confirms the reality that people hire who they know and trust.

  4. Ultimate Networking Technique • The purpose of Informational Interviewing is NOT to get a job but it can be a wonderful side benefit. • Goal is to get information – in-person research. • A helpful tool in choosing or refining a career path. • Talking with people in-the-know builds your NETWORK!

  5. Benefits • Expand your network. • Build confidence for actual job interviews. • Access up-to-date career information in specific organizations and career fields. • Helps you identify how your strengths and weaknesses factor into a specific job. • Learn the nuances of a job that you cannot glean from a job description.

  6. Process • Assess your own VIPS – Values, Interests, Personality and Skills. • Identify an occupation/legal field: firm, public interest, government, etc. that matches your VIPS. • Research organizations or people (alumni, family, faculty, etc.) that match your VIPS. • Request a brief Informational Interview.

  7. The Ask • Try a phone call FIRST – too many people rely on email. • Leave an articulate, well prepared voice mail requesting an appointment. • Talk about Legal Professions exercise (if applicable); you are a student doing research. • May I have 20 minutes of your time? In-person is best if feasible.

  8. Etiquette • Do your preliminary research about the person and the company. • Have your list of questions prepared in advance. • DO NOT ask for a job! Respect the request for an informational interview. • Take Notes. • Thank you interviewer; keep in touch and ask for referrals.

  9. Be Ready • PDF of sample questions on OCPD website. • Have your resume at the ready but don’t force it on the interviewer. • Consider a follow-up meeting or a job shadow with that person or someone else in the organization. • Ask for their career wisdom and advice. • Ask for additional referrals for Informational Interviews with colleagues in the same field.

  10. Don’t Forget • First impressions are lasting: • Dress professionally • Behave professionally • Arrive on time; respect the interviewer’s schedule • Send a thank you note • Steward your network!

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