By now we have all heard that networking is the key to a successful job search – “it is not what you know but who you know.” Informational interviewing is a powerful (and underutilized) networking tool that can jump-start your career. Review the 5 W’s and the How of informational interviewing and schedule your own informational interview today!
What?
An informational interview is an interview in which the goal is to gather facts and opinions from someone with expertise and experience in a specific field or position. It is important to remember that an informational interview is NOT a job interview. They are investigative opportunities for you to derive information about a job, company, industry, career space or person. They are led by you as the interviewer.
Why?
An informational interview allows you to:
- Explore your career options and clarify your goals
- Learn more about an organization, their needs and the requirements for a particular job
- Network with decision-makers and expand your professional network
- Generate job leads
- Build confidence in yourself, your job search process and your interview skills
- Demonstrate professionalism, initiative and motivation to a prospective employer by taking control of your job search by interviewing an employer before you even apply a job!
Who?
Identify with whom you want to interview or what industry, company, or specific position you are interested in learning more about. Once you have an idea of with whom you want to talk to ask family, friends, coworkers, students, alumni, and others in your immediate network if they know of anyone they can put you in touch with. Don’t forget to connect with people on LinkedIn, Facebook, Google+ and other social networking sites. Also, by choosing WGU, you are now part of an international network of WGU students and alumni. Make sure to join the Western Governors University Student and Alumni group on LinkedIn, and you can also use the LinkedIn Student/Alumni Tool to search for fellow WGU students and graduates.
When?
Meeting at the interviewee’s work place is more convenient for your interviewee and can also give you a better feel for the job and organization. However, over the phone or via video conference are other methods to consider, especially if you are conducting the informational interview long distance.
Where?
Meeting at the interviewee’s work place is more convenient for your interviewee and can also give you a better feel for the job and organization. However, over the phone or via video conference are other methods to consider, especially if you are conducting the informational interview long distance.
Meeting at the interviewee’s work place is more convenient for your interviewee and can also give you a better feel for the job and organization. However, over the phone or via video conference are other methods to consider, especially if you are conducting the informational interview long distance.
How?
Send a brief email to the person you want to interview explaining your background, career goals, interests and what you hope to gain from the interview. Make sure you state clearly that you are just seeking information – not a job. Request a 20-30 minute appointment .
Prepare for your informational interview as you would for a job interview. Research the person you will be interviewing, their profession and their company. This advanced research shows the interviewee that you are professional and that you respect their time. It also allows you to focus on acquiring information that is not readily available through websites and company brochures.
Prepare questions to ask ahead of time and consider bringing a current copy of your resume with you. However, only share your resume if the person you are interviewing has expressed interest in seeing your resume!
Show up to your appointment professionally dressed and on time. End the interview by thanking the interviewee for their time and asking if there are other people they suggest you talk to. This is a great way to grow your professional network.
Send a thank you note within 24 hours of your interview thanking the person for their time and briefly describing what you learned from the interview. See if your interviewee is on LinkedIn and invite them to join your network. In addition, send periodic updates on your career progress and be sure to let them know if you apply for a position with their company.
Visit the WGU Career & Professional Development website for more information on informational interviews or contact us for individual assistance.
