While there are many benefits to conducting Information Interviews most job seekers are not aware of how to present this concept to an employer and instead use it as an attempt to bypass the hiring process and secure a job interview. The following information will help you to effectively request an Information Interview with an employer and help you to succeed in getting the information that you need.
What
Are The Benefits Of An Information Interview?
An
Information Interview conducted correctly can benefit a job seeker in several
of the following areas:
– Increased
knowledge of their target industry / employer
– Increased
exposure to employers
– Exploring a specific industry to see if it is a good fit for you
– Learn
tips to enhance your job search methods
– Developing
a solid networking contact
– Referral
to other employers and networking contacts
– Potential
job offer or prior knowledge of future job opportunities – (accessing the hidden
job market)
What
An Information Interview Is Not
Before we
talk about how to secure an Information Interview it is worth pointing out that
Information Interviews are not about:
– Asking for a job
– Selling
the employer something
– Wasting
everybody’s time
How To Find People To Interview
As an
Information Interview is a way of utilizing and extending a network, the first
place that you should look when attempting to arrange one is the same place you
would look when you started to build your network and that is with your closest
contacts such as:
– Family
– Friends
– Neighbours
– Placement
Supervisors
Moving
outside of this circle the following areas are places where you can find
potential individuals to connect with for an Information Interview as well as
general information regarding specific industries:
– Teachers / Instructors
– Conferences
/ Workshops
– Professional
Associations
– Service
Organizations
– Employment
Resource Centres
– Social
Media Sites (LinkedIn)
Finally you
can contact organizations that you are interested in and ask who you would need
to speak to regarding information on that organization.
How To Request An Interview
The easiest
way to connect with an employer to request an Information Interview is either
directly through email or via a networking site such as LinkedIn. It is
possible to connect with someone over the phone however it may take several
phone calls before you get through to the employer if you even get past the
receptionist. An email is more direct and in terms of how busy an employer may
be will allow them time to get back to you.
When you
create your request you will need to address four specific points
– An
opening statement that mentions how you got their contact information
– A
summary statement of who you are and why you are contacting them
– A
statement requesting an opportunity to meet and what you would like to discuss
with them
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closing statement thanking them for their time
General Tips
The following are some tips to bear in mind when you are creating your
interview request.
– Begin
with a clear subject line (i.e. Request for an Information Interview)
– Keep
your email professional, avoid phrases such as ‘Hi’ and the use of
slang/emoticons
– Pay
attention to spelling and grammar
– Set
a specific time goal so that employers won’t feel like they are wasting their
time
– Do
not include your resume (even though you are tempted)
– Include
your contact details (such as phone number / LinkedIn Profile under the
signature line)
Example Email Requests
Example request with a referral from an individual:
Dear Mr Smith,
Andrew Bassingthwaighte, Employment Consultant at the Employment Resource Centre provided me with your email address. As a student of the ABC College's Community Worker program I am seeking to learn more about careers with the field of Social Services and he thought you might be able to provide me with some useful information.
If you are able to find time, I would like to meet with you in person for 20 minutes to interview you about your career; either at your office or over coffee.
Thank you for considering my request and I look forward to your reply.
Sincerely,
Joe Bloggs
Example request when you don't have a referral:
Dear Mr Smith,
My name is Joe Bloggs and I came across your name through the Canadian Career Information Association group on LinkedIn where we are both members. To give you the
basics
of my situation, I am currently going through a career change in my life where
I am
transitioning from the manufacturing industry to the Social Services
field.
If possible
I would appreciate the opportunity to speak with you for 20 minutes either in
person or on the telephone for an information interview, as I wish to learn to
more about
your organization and to discuss any improvements that I would need
to make to help me
find work in this sector upon graduation.
I look
forward to hearing from you soon.
Sincerely,
Joe Bloggs
Things To Remember
One of the
main things that you want to be aware of is that this is an interview. So no
matter where it is being held, it should be treated with the same amount of
professionalism as a job interview.
– Research the company so you can develop some appropriate questions
– Research the company so you can develop some appropriate questions
– Call
the day before to confirm your appointment
– Dress
professionally (aim for a step above the workplace but be comfortable)
– Arrive
5 – 10 minutes early
– Bring
your list of questions and a notepad/pen to take notes
– Start
the interview with a brief summary of your situation and restating why you are
interviewing them
– Don’t
ambush the employer by asking for a job
– Don’t
monopolize their time, keep the interview to what you stated in the email
– Only
offer a resume if they ask to see it or if you feel they can help you critique
it
– Remember
to ask for the persons business card so you have their accurate contact details
– After
the interview send a Thank You note within 24 hours of meeting them