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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. In a slow market, the ability to conduct good informational interviews is 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).
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