Whether you already know your market or it’s all new to you, once you start researching the companies out there you will probably find a few that will become your Goal Companies. These companies are in the industry you want to work in, whose goals and ethics align with yours, whose goals are aligned with yours or whose political view align with yours. They may not be hiring, so here is where our new networking skills meets the ‘informational interview.’
The informational interview is another tool in your networking tool box. When you have a company, industry or sector that you want to work in, then that is where you are going to focus all your energy in your job search.
Steps Before the ‘Interview’
Research. Research the company/industry/sector front and back, know your stuff! Then, use your networks (professional and online) to get an introduction to the right person within the organization. Want to get the ‘in’ with the marketing department, finance, management? Usually it’d be best to talk to whoever your boss would be if you got your dream job there. Once you know who this person is, research them through the internet, your contacts and online networks. See if you have anything in common so you can have a relationship builder. Did you go to the same school, grow up in the same area, members with the same organization or volunteer with the same non-profit?
Asking for the ‘Interview’
Best to get introduced through someone, but a lot of professionals are really great replying to emails requesting advice from younger professionals. Whatever the introduction, use your communications skills to explain to your contact at the goal company to explain your current job searching state and your goal of working at a company ‘like’ theirs and would greatly appreciate their advice. If they are willing to offer some advice ask them to coffee or lunch, whatever makes more sense for their situation.
Prepping for the ‘Interview’
Once the time and place are set, it is time to do some research. Just as you would for a job interview, research the company, it’s clients, it’s work, it’s philosophy, etc. because you need to go to this informational interview with plenty of knowledge. You don’t want to waste the other persons time by asking them trivial questions that you could have easily found on their Web site, so you need to know what the appropriate questions are to ask. Your research should help you prepare 4-6 questions that will give you insight into your contact, their company and their future. At the same time these questions should prove to your contact that you’ve done your homework, you are interested in this industry/organization, you want to learn and you are not wasting their time. Your questions should lead into deeper conversation that will sustain your meeting.
And your contact will have questions for you so make sure you are ready for those as well. As with any interview you may want to bring some articles to share or allow your contact to take with them, such as your resume, relevant portfolio pieces, etc.
The ‘Interview’
Be on time, if not early. Dress professionally, even if it is an early morning coffee or a Friday happy hour. Be attentive, conversational and relaxed. Do not be too pushy about areas you are curious about. Do not seem desperate for a job with them, which will make your contact uncomfortable and want to not give you helpful advice. Do not get too personal. As a rule I try to leave religion, politics and family situations out of most professional conversations.
Remember, the object is to introduce yourself and leave a great first impression, one of a professional they should consider for a position with their company in the future.
And if you get some great advice for job searching in the meantime, then it’s an added bonus.
Follow up Post-’Interview’
A personalized email thanking them, letting them know how much you appreciated it and furthering the discussion you had in person makes a great follow up & thank you note. See the advice I gave for post-networking event emails in my last post. If you promised them more info send this at the same time. And if you used any of their advice already, let them know what you thought or if you have had any great results yet. Sending this email will hopefully continue to build a relationship between you and keep you top of mind if the day comes he can offer you more help (like a job).
Great suggestions. Too few people are well-prepared for interviews I have found…