Ask-A-Recruiter: Informational Interviews

Contributed by Caroline Ceniza-Levine of SixFigureStart

I’ve heard that nobody agrees to informational interviews anymore because they know that people are just fishing for jobs. Should I spend my job search time on getting some or is the info interview passé?

An informational interview is a meeting to get information about a specific career, job, or industry. For example, an aspiring entrepreneur might interview established business owners. A career changer might interview people in the new target career. It is distinct from a job interview because you the candidate initiate the meeting and the interviewee does not necessarily have a current open position.

While I agree that more people know about the benefit of informational interviews, I do not agree that the strategy is past its prime. In fact, in a slow market, good informational interviews are more important than ever. Good informational interviews increase your knowledge, foster new contacts, and give you insights from people who have done what you are attempting. You need every insight available to differentiate yourself during a tough market.

That said, a bad informational interview like bad networking is a major turnoff, so use these tips for informational interview success:

Do not ask for a job. Informational interviews can lead to job offers or leads, but this is a bonus. The goal is to learn something.

Be prepared to talk right away. If you have a mailing address, email, and phone, you can ask for an informational interview using any of these channels. However, with mail and email, you leave it with the interviewee to get back to you or not. The phone is immediate. It is great for getting a response. But your target might want to give the interview right away. Be prepared whenever you call (e.g., with a list of questions in hand) even if your intent is just to schedule a future meeting.

Do research before the interview. Do not ask questions that can be answered by reading trade journals or researching the Internet. Take the time to understand the basics of your target career/ job/ industry. Show that you are using the target’s time wisely by getting further insights, not just getting up to speed.

Remember to say thank you. Follow up with a thank you letter, preferably by mail. This gives you another reason to contact the interviewee (and yet another opportunity to network).

Don’t have the job or career that you want? Work with former recruiters who know what employers want, with personalized, 1:1 coaching from SixFigureStart. Contact Caroline Ceniza-Levine at 212-501-2234 or caroline@sixfigurestart.com for a complimentary coaching consultation.