    |
     |
| |
| Articles |
|
| Why Informational Interviews
Have Gotten Such a Bad Rap
The value of informational interviews has been misunderstood. When used with the wrong intent, it is likely to be cut short and ineffective.
Too many job seekers believe that the purpose of an informational interview is to sell him/herself. If selling is the objective of the job seeker (rather than gaining information), it will be perceived as such. When the job seeker does not exhibit a true desire or honest interest in gaining knowledge from the professional they have requested time with, the exchange may end up being very one-sided. A typical response from most professionals to that type of interaction is to shut down or end the session.
How many professionals have received the following type of phone call:
"I am not sure what I would like to do, but I would like to find out more about being a "____________". Would you meet me for coffee to talk about how I could transfer my skills?"
This approach is typically a very thinly veiled attempt by the job seeker to have someone else provide a magic answer or reward them with a position. Often the caller is vague, unfocused and rambles on about what they "want" or what they "have done", with little support for why they have chosen this professional in particular as a valid resource.
It is reasonable to want more information about a specific position or profession. A better approach would be to have specific questions prepared, when answered, would truly shed some light on what choices the job seeker may then need to make. By taking the time to tell the professional all about their desires or background, unless specifically asked, precious time is wasted that could have been used to gather pertinent information. Without that valuable information first, the conversation becomes a one-sided sales pitch that ultimately falls on disinterested ears. The professional experiences more of a "bait and switch" when it becomes apparent that the caller is more interested in talking about him/herself, than finding out new information.
By gathering more information specific to a position or industry, an individual can then prepare a strategy for pursuing a particular position at a later date. They can then craft an intelligent response as to why he/she might be a good match for his/her area of interest when coming face to face with their targeted employer.
Informational:
-
Identify a specific contact that will be able to provide information about your field, industry or desired position.
-
Research that person's career history when possible. Research their industry.
-
Prepare specific questions pertaining to them, their background, their interests, and their needs, then move on to questions about their company.
-
Show interest in the speaker. Listen. Ask relevant questions.
-
Follow-up with a written thank you card.
|
|
|
© 2001-2008 Sherri Edwards
Permission is granted to reprint the above article in its entirety, provided the following conditions are met:
no reprints are sent in conjunction with unsolicited bulk email,
no fee or other value is exchanged,
no changes are made to the article,
and the following byline is included with the article:
© 2001-2008 Sherri Edwards, Resource Maximizer, Seattle WA
http://www.resourcemaximizer.com
|
|
|
| Learn how Sherri Edwards can help you maximize your job search efforts:
|
|
|
sherri@resourcemaximizer.com
 
|
| |
|
