Transcript Informational Interviewing - Indiana University Maurer

A key networking tool.
What is the informational
interview?
 Talking with people currently working in a field to gain
a better understanding of an occupation or industry.
 A great way to build relationships in an organization.
 Provides an opportunity to see a job and an
organization from the inside.
Statistics – Career Builder 2008
 One out of every 500 resumes results in a job offer.
 One out of every 12 informational interviews results in
a job offer.
 Not an exact science but confirms the reality that
people hire who they know and trust.
Ultimate Networking Technique
 The purpose of Informational Interviewing is NOT to
get a job but it can be a wonderful side benefit.
 Goal is to get information – in-person research.
 A helpful tool in choosing or refining a career path.
 Talking with people in-the-know builds your
NETWORK!
Benefits
 Expand your network.
 Build confidence for actual job interviews.
 Access up-to-date career information in specific
organizations and career fields.
 Helps you identify how your strengths and weaknesses
factor into a specific job.
 Learn the nuances of a job that you cannot glean from
a job description.
Process
 Assess your own VIPS – Values, Interests, Personality
and Skills.
 Identify an occupation/legal field: firm, public
interest, government, etc. that matches your VIPS.
 Research organizations or people (alumni, family,
faculty, etc.) that match your VIPS.
 Request a brief Informational Interview.
The Ask
 Try a phone call FIRST – too many people rely on
email.
 Leave an articulate, well prepared voice mail
requesting an appointment.
 Talk about Legal Professions exercise (if applicable);
you are a student doing research.
 May I have 20 minutes of your time? In-person is best
if feasible.
Etiquette
 Do your preliminary research about the person and the
company.
 Have your list of questions prepared in advance.
 DO NOT ask for a job! Respect the request for an
informational interview.
 Take Notes.
 Thank you interviewer; keep in touch and ask for
referrals.
Be Ready
 PDF of sample questions on OCPD website.
 Have your resume at the ready but don’t force it on the
interviewer.
 Consider a follow-up meeting or a job shadow with
that person or someone else in the organization.
 Ask for their career wisdom and advice.
 Ask for additional referrals for Informational
Interviews with colleagues in the same field.
Don’t Forget
 First impressions are lasting:
 Dress professionally
 Behave professionally
 Arrive on time; respect the interviewer’s schedule
 Send a thank you note
 Steward your network!