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Valuable Interview Tips With Infographics,Videos, And Resources


3 Reasons Why Informational Interviews Are So Powerful ForwardThink Careers Job interview jpg (735x1102)

Cover 3 Reasons Why Informational Interviews Are So Powerful ForwardThink Careers Job interview (735x1102)

Table of Contents

  1. What is an Informational Interview?
  2. How to Prepare for an Informational Interview
  3. Questions to Ask During an Informational Interview
  4. How to Follow Up After an Informational Interview
  5. Mistakes to Avoid During an Informational Interview

What is an Informational Interview?

An informational interview is a conversation between a job seeker and a professional in a field of interest. The purpose of an informational interview is to gain insight into the industry, company, or job role from an insider's perspective. It is not a job interview and should not be treated as such. Instead, it is an opportunity to build a professional relationship and learn more about a potential career path.

During an informational interview, the job seeker should prepare a list of questions to ask the professional. The questions should be open-ended and designed to gather information about the professional's career path, daily responsibilities, and industry trends. The job seeker should also be prepared to share their own career goals and ask for advice on how to achieve them.

How to Prepare for an Informational Interview

Before scheduling an informational interview, the job seeker should research the professional and their company. This will help the job seeker ask informed questions and show that they are genuinely interested in the industry. The job seeker should also prepare their resume and be ready to provide it to the professional if requested.

It is important to dress professionally for an informational interview, even though it is not a job interview. The job seeker should also arrive on time and be respectful of the professional's time. It is recommended to bring a notebook and pen to take notes during the conversation.

Questions to Ask During an Informational Interview

The following are some examples of questions to ask during an informational interview:

  • Can you tell me about your career path and how you got to where you are today?
  • What are the daily responsibilities of your job?
  • What are some challenges you face in your industry?
  • What do you see as the future trends in your industry?
  • What advice would you give to someone starting out in your field?

The job seeker should also be prepared to ask follow-up questions and engage in a conversation with the professional.

How to Follow Up After an Informational Interview

After the informational interview, the job seeker should send a thank-you email to the professional. The email should express gratitude for the professional's time and insights and reiterate the job seeker's interest in the industry. The job seeker may also ask if the professional knows of any other professionals in the industry who may be willing to have an informational interview.

If the professional provided any advice or resources during the interview, the job seeker should follow up on them and let the professional know how they were helpful.

Mistakes to Avoid During an Informational Interview

There are several mistakes that job seekers should avoid during an informational interview:

  • Asking for a job or internship. This is not the purpose of an informational interview and can make the professional uncomfortable.
  • Not doing research before the interview. This can show a lack of interest in the industry and waste the professional's time.
  • Not being prepared with questions. This can make the conversation awkward and unproductive.
  • Being too casual or unprofessional. While an informational interview is not a job interview, it is still a professional meeting.

By avoiding these mistakes, job seekers can make a positive impression on the professional and potentially build a valuable relationship.

Conclusion

Informational interviews can be a valuable tool for job seekers to gain insights into a potential career path and build professional relationships. By preparing for the interview, asking informed questions, following up afterward, and avoiding common mistakes, job seekers can make the most of their informational interviews.


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