Tutorial 6: Term 2 - informational interview/ coffee chats
- 1. COMM 202: Career Fundamentals T36 & T37 with Natiqa Babar Tutorial 6: Informational Interviews/ Coffee Chats
- 2. OUR AGENDA FOR TODAY 1. Course Timeline 2. How to Nail the Informational Interview 3. Interview Stream 4. Action Items
- 3. WEEK 10 WEEK 11 WEEK 12 • Tutorial: Informational Interview & Interview Stream • Due: Resume and cover letter due March 12th at 11:59pm on Turnitin • Networking event: March 13th from 6-8pm in CPA hall • Lecture: Interviews & Emotional Intelligence • Due: Networking reflections due March 21st at 11:59pm on Turnitin • Last tutorial: Employment interview questions • Due (optional for bonus mark): Interview stream by April 2nd at 11:59pm
- 5. WHAT’S THE POINT OF INFORMATIONAL INTERVIEWS? • Not sure what to option in? Considering a double option? • Want to know how to get into a certain field? • Want to learn what it's ACTUALLY like to work in a certain field? Informational interviews are an excellent way to explore different career paths, jobs, options and industries
- 6. WHAT CAN AN INFORMATIONAL INTERVIEW LOOK LIKE? 1. In person at a coffee shop or the professional’s office 2. Over Skype, Google Hangouts 3. Over the phone
- 7. WHAT CAN AN INFORMATIONAL INTERVIEW LOOK LIKE? 1. In person at a coffee shop or the professional’s office ← This course 2. Over Skype, Google Hangouts 3. Over the phone
- 8. STORYTIME! AN INFORMATIONAL INTERVIEW EXPERIENCE
- 9. HOW TO NAIL YOUR INFORMATIONAL INTERVIEW
- 10. THINGS TO INCLUDE IN THE EMAIL • You’re a student • How you heard about them or know them • What you are looking to learn (their career progression, advice on how to best leverage time at Sauder, etc.) • 20 minutes of their time • Close by suggesting two times you are available to meet • Tell them you’re willing to meet them at a location most convenient for them (near their work, etc.)
- 11. HOW TO REACH OUT?
- 12. THEIR RESPONSE
- 13. BEFORE THE MEETING: DO YOUR RESEARCH WHAT TO LOOK FOR WHERE TO FIND INFO • Their company • Know their major skill sets • Work history • Accomplishments • Associations • Common interests • Internet search • LinkedIn, Twitter, Instagram(?) • Their personal website • Ask mutual contacts
- 14. BEFORE THE MEETING: PREPARE QUESTIONS Examples: • How did you get into the industry? • What do you like most about your job and/or field? • What is one challenge you’re currently facing at work? • What do you need to do to become successful in this industry? • What should I be reading? • What advice do you have for someone starting out?
- 15. DURING THE MEETING 1. Thank them for their time 2. Take charge – you’re the one who called the meeting. Remind them why they are here 3. Bring a notebook, ask if it’s ok if you take notes, take notes 4. Ask questions and listen to their responses fully – don’t feel like you need to ask only the questions you prepared for. The best conversations are those where questions flow naturally 5. 15 mins in, ask if they are okay to continue
- 16. DURING THE MEETING: REMINDERS • Eye contact, smile, handshake, thank you • Dress the part • Pay attention to body language • Bring a notebook and take notes • Offer your opinions • Be curious • Respect their time • Who pays?
- 17. DURING THE MEETING: EMOTIONAL INTELLIGENCE • Watch out for signals – have they closed their book or checked their phone? This means they may need to head back to work and you should ask them if they are okay to continue • Acknowledge that they’re busy and you really appreciate them taking time out of their day for you • Active listening – essential for having a natural conversation. This looks like: o Maintaining eye contact; not looking elsewhere while they’re talking o Asking relevant follow up questions to what they say
- 18. TELL YOUR STORY • What you would love to do for companies • What problem have you identified that makes you want to work in the industry • Why you feel it’s important to talk to experts in the field • Use phrases like: ‘I like to…’, ‘I believe...’ • Keep it short, positive and focused • ‘Now that you know a little more about me, do you know anyone I can connect with for advice about XYZ?’
- 19. MAGIC ‘I OWE YOU’ Offer them help in some way, and they will be more likely to want to help you.
- 20. FOLLOWING UP • Send a thank you email • Thank them for their time • Mention something you talked about • Mention when you will follow up with them next
- 21. SAMPLE FOLLOW UP
- 22. Interview Stream
- 23. OPTIONAL ASSIGNMENT & PRACTICE TOOL: INTERVIEW STREAM • Practice answering interview questions • Go back and review your recording to see what was good and where to improve • 5 general questions will pop up on the screen and then your webcam will record your answer • Will NOT be graded and no one will see your videos. But you can receive 1 bonus mark if used before April 2nd ! Optional assignment due April 2nd for 1 bonus mark
- 24. ACTION ITEMS 1. LECTURE - Next week 2. Set up informational interview (if not done already) 3. Try Interview Stream for practise 4. Networking Reflection due March 21st on Turnitin
- 25. Any questions?