Informational Interviewing Ii Non Wctc No Anim

Presented by L. Susan Fischer, MCJ, CFC And Workforce Specialist

Fact finding meetings to research a potential job/career (not a job interview) Helps you gain insight about what skills and qualifications are needed Gives you an idea about job opportunities and market trends Allows you to speak one on one with someone who is working in your career choice

Not to get a job, but find out about, and choose between, potential jobs/careers Gain information on how to prepare for the job/career Expand your professional network To narrow your focus on career goals To build your confidence in interviews To become aware of employers needs and realities of employment Identify your strengths and weaknesses To get in front of a body!!

One out of every 200 resumes results in a job offer One out of every 12 informational interviews result in a job offer Informational interviewing is the most effective form of networking The best way to learn about a career is to talk to someone already working in that career field

Select the career/occupation Decide whom to interview

Identify one or more career/occupations you’d like to investigate Evaluate your skills, interests and abilities Research as much as possible before the interview Take an assessment if needed http://wiscareers.wisc.edu/Default.asp Quintcareers.com also has them

Ask friends, family, teachers, and acquaintances Ask co-workers, former co-workers, supervisors, neighbors Research phone books, internet sites, trade publications, alumni sites, career services Make a list of contacts Check LinkedIn Then, research all of them!

The whole process is started with contact; either by phone or letter By phone- Tell your contact that you would like to speak with them briefly about their career Be clear that you are looking for information not a job

Hello, my name is__________. I am in the process of conducting a career search in you area of expertise. I was wondering if we could schedule an informational interview, which would only take about 20-30 minutes of your time. Being able to talk to someone in the _______would be invaluable to me in my search. It is your advice and opinion I am looking for. Not a job. For additional samples go to: http://www.quintcareers.com/information_phone.html

Getting past the gate-keeper Sometimes you can’t, so consider asking them if they have time to answer your questions Treat the gate-keeper as the goldmine they are! Be nice to them. Be respectful. Be friendly. Ask questions about the person you are trying to see. Are they busy? Are they protecting that person? Will they get a message out to them for you? Receptionists and other support staff know much more about their company than we often realize. They know how it works, the names of key people, job requirements, etc. It is important that they understand what you want. If you ask them something that they feel could be more fully answered by someone else, they will usually give you a referral.

By letter- Send a letter to your contact requesting an interview. The letter should include: An introduction An explanation as to why you are writing A short description of why you are interested in the person’s field and any experience you have Tell them why you would like to meet them; for career information/advice The final paragraph should let them know how and when you will contact them to set an appointment Be sure to follow up as you say you will!!

Be specific as to when you will call and be SURE to follow through Give short background and explanation

Try to schedule the meeting at that person’s place of business Research the organization/company Web sites Literature Library reference material Annual reports Trade magazines Create a list of questions Confirm the appt the day before Be ready on the day of

There are a few topics you want to be sure to cover Your interviewee’s career field About the job How to go about preparing for the career Ask about your interviewee’s company Seek advice For a list of possible questions visit: http://www.quintcareers.com/informational_interview_questions.html

A well written resume shows professionalism It gives the interviewer insight to your background You may ask the person to critique it

Share some information about yourself, but do not talk too much about yourself Arrive 10-15 minutes early. DO NOT BE LATE! Dress professionally; as you would for a job interview You initiate conversation and flow Start by thanking the host Recap why you are there

Ask questions Be sure to keep within agreed upon time restraints (usually 20-30 minutes). Take notes; be sure to be a good listener, be enthusiastic and interested Ask for referrals DO NOT ASK FOR A JOB

Remember, you are on a fact-finding mission. Don’t lose the person’s trust – keep your focus If you discover there is a job there for you, wait until the informational interview is over before you apply. Contact that employer the next day. If you are offered a job during the interview, consider taking it!

Thank the interviewee and ask for their business card. Always follow up with a thank you note Send within one to three days after interview Let them know that their time and information was helpful Quote something the person said word for word back to them, if you can Ask them to keep you in mind should they have more helpful information for you Be sure to include your contact info under you signature Stay in touch!

You should conduct multiple interviews Each person you interview is now in your network Consider asking this person to join you on LinkedIn Be sure to record, analyze and evaluate your interview Keep a list of all the people you have interviewed Review your notes and record thoughts and conclusions

What did I learn from the interview? (be sure to include negatives and positives) Were any new concerns or advice uncovered? What advice did I receive? Did you maybe uncover a different occupation? How do my interest, goals, and skills fit into the job? How was the work environment? What don’t I know? Do I think I would be happy in this type of job or organization?

Informational Interviewing is one of your best job search tools Remember to conduct multiple interviews to broaden your information Don’t expect information from one to give you a fair view Be sure to network everywhere, not just at formal interviews-you can talk casually to people anywhere

www.quintcareers.com Occupational Outlook Quarterly - Summer 2002-Informational Interviewing by Olivia Crosby Wikipedia-Informational Interviews About.com Professional Career Solutions

Quintessential Careers: Online Networking Resources On-line Informational Interviews : This site is focused on professionals in the computer industry, where the professionals are interviewed by email and job-seekers read the results of the interview online. Informational Interviewing : A concise look at the steps in the informational interviewing process . Offers 20 sample questions to ask at the interview. From the Wisconsin Job Service and Job Center. How to Explore Careers Through Informational Interviewing : A general overview of the informational interviewing procress, from JobTrak. Information Interviews Guide : A concise review of informational interviewing from Florida State University's Career Center. Interviewing Techniques for Federal Government Jobs : This site contains information on employment interviews as well as on information interviews -- with the key focus on the process with government jobs . Informational Interviewing: Get the Inside Scoop on Careers : A pdf of a 2002 article from the U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Outlook Quarterly that provides a nice overview of informational interviewing.

THANK YOU AND GOOD LUCK L. Susan Fischer [email_address] www.linkedin/in/lsusanfischer

Informational Interviewing Ii Non Wctc No Anim

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