How Informational Interviews Can Help You Find Your Dream Job

HOW INFORMATIONAL INTERVIEWS CAN
HELP YOU FIND YOUR DREAM JOB

Create Your Career Path
HallieCrawford.com, LLC
www.halliecrawford.com
Copyright 2012

W H AT IS AN I N F O R M AT I O N A L I N T E RV I E W ?

An informational interview is not like a typical
interview. It's a method of getting your name out
there while learning more about careers in your
industry.

An informational interview is setting up a time
to speak to someone in your chosen field. This
is an opportunity to learn what it is really like to
work in that field, learn about possible career
opportunities, and to get your name out there.

© 2002-20112 www.HallieCrawford.com

H O W T O G E T A N I N F O R M AT I O N A L I N T E RV I E W ?

There are many ways to "land" an informational interview. You might begin by
speaking to someone in your social circle who already has a foot in the door.

You could scan online for companies that appeal to you, and then ask if you can
schedule an informational interview with someone in their office.

You could even suggest scheduling one with a family member who works in a
position or with a company that appeals to you.


W H Y S H O U L D Y O U D O I N F O R M AT I O N A L
I NTERVIEWS?

Reason #1: Informational interviews allow you to test the waters.

They’re a great way to find out what your possible ideal career path will be
like, before you actually make a change. Talk to someone who knows, who’s been
there. Find out if it’s really a fit before you jump in. If you’re just starting out in a
field (recent college grad or someone in career transition) you’ll find that the
informational interview offers you the inside perspective you’ve always wanted.


I NTERVIEWS?

Reason #2: Informational interviews present a great networking opportunity.

It’s important to get out there and be noticed for your talent. Sure, there may not
be an opening right now, but if you make a good impression today, someone might
think of you for a position that opens up in the future. Right now, you’re just feeling
around for information…but a future job offer would be a nice bonus! And this can
happen from an informational interview.


I NTERVIEWS?

Reason #3: Informational interviews make for a good "practice run."

They’re not a "real" interview and you’re not here to land a job – so the pressure’s
off! And, they’re an excellent way to get some practice in for the real thing. This is
your chance to ask questions about the company and the industry, so fire away!
And of course, be sure to share your experience and training so they know to
keep you in mind for the future


H A N D L E E V E R Y T H I N G P R O F E S S I O N A L LY

Be honest! Explain to the potential interviewer what you’re looking for up
front so they know your expectations. They’ll respect you for being direct
about what you’re looking for.

Be respectful of their time. Set a time to speak with them and ask how much
time they have. If this is a friend or family member, try to keep the
conversation on course with professional matters – you’ll be taken more
seriously.


PHONE OR IN-PERSON?

You can conduct your interview over the phone or
in person. Ask the person what they prefer. A
phone interview is less formal and saves time. It
can create a more comfortable interviewing
process.

The in-person interview can help you make a
lasting impression. You can share work
experience, portfolio pieces, etc.

Do what works best for your contact.


P R E PA R E F O R Y O U R I N T E R V I E W

Have specific questions in mind that you’ve always been curious about. Some
good ones to ask are:

• What does a typical day on the job consist of?

• What do you like best and least about what you do?

• What qualifications and experience does someone need to have to get a job in this field?

• What is an entry level position in this field?

• What are best places to look for jobs in this field?

• How did you get started?

• Do you know anyone else who it would be beneficial for me to talk to?


SEND A THANK YOU NOTE

Thank everyone who may have led you to the informational
interview. Keep them posted on your progress. Don’t
bombard them with information but make sure they know
you appreciate their time and effort.

Get the mailing address of the person you’re
interviewing with. Send them a hand-written thank you
card for their time and help.


GET OUT THERE!

An informational interview could result in you knowing a few things about an industry
that you didn’t know before! You might be surprised at what you discover.

If you like what you hear, this could be the motivating force for a terrific new job in
the near future.

If you don’t like what you hear, it could prevent you from making a career move
that doesn’t suit who you are.

It’s important to get out there to ask questions and learn from people. Your future
dream career is worth the extra effort!


NEED HELP??

Schedule a complimentary consultation with one of our coaches today.

http://tinyurl.com/7emdrcj

We have been working with career seekers for more than 9 years to empower them
to find their career direction, navigate their transition, and identify and succeed in
their ideal career.

Services include:

• Ideal Career Group Coaching

• Individual Career Coaching

• Resume/Job Search Coaching

• Career Assessments


A B O U T C R E AT E Y O U R C A R E E R PAT H
Create Your Career Path was founded by certified career coach, speaker and
author Hallie Crawford. Crawford has served on the Board of the Georgia Coach
Association, and is regularly featured as a career expert on CNN, Fox Business News
Forbes.com, The Wall Street Journal, Yahoo HotJobs and Entrepreneur Magazine.

Create Your Career Path is a boutique career coaching firm known for their personal
attention, commitment to clients and a blend of dreaming and being practical in
achieving career goals. Collectively in the past 10 years, they’ve helped hundreds of
clients all over the world find and succeed in their dream job.

Each of their coaches are certified coaches with specific career coaching experience
and training. They cater to professional men and women, management level and
higher, in mid-career transition. Their success rate is 97%, measured by the number of
people who have gotten what they wanted out of coaching. The coaches use a
specific tried and tested process and tools developed by Hallie Crawford over the
years.

©2002-20112 www.HallieCrawford.com

How Informational Interviews Can Help You Find Your Dream Job

Recommandé

Recommandé

Contenu connexe

Dernier

Dernier (20)

En vedette

En vedette (20)

How Informational Interviews Can Help You Find Your Dream Job