Informational Interviewing - Indiana University Maurer
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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!