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If you're graduating, you have a lot of interviews to look forward to. Perhaps you've decided on a position or career path and you're uncertain that your chosen path will be everything you're looking for. The best way to find out is to conduct a series of informational interviews.
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An informational interview is a probing conversation with a person who currently works in the field that you've chosen. The primary purpose is to obtain information that will help you in your job search. By talking to someone who works in your field of choice, you are able to get valuable, realistic information about the job.
Informational interviews might seem like a lot of work, but there are many benefits:
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Honing your interviewing skills. There's no such thing as too much interview practice. The more you interview, the more you feel comfortable in those situations. |
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Expanding your network. It's always good to make a new contact in your industry. Informational interviewees often want to keep in touch and track your success. You could be interviewing your next mentor. |
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Discovering job opportunities. Developing a relationship with your interviewee and becoming privy to insider information can give you an advantage over other graduates. And you never know! Although the objective of an informational interview is not to seek employment, it's not impossible for an opportunity to arise.
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We've outlined the following steps to conducting informational interviews:
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Identify the industry or position that you wish to explore. Research target companies and learn the titles of attractive positions. |
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Identify interviewees. Contact everyone in your network of former classmates, colleagues, friends and family. Concurrently explore professional organizations, and alumni associations. Don't be afraid to call target companies and ask for a person by title. |
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Schedule interviews. Make contact with potential interviewees and try to arrange in-person or telephone interviews. Don't be shy! Most people are happy to help and give advice. |
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Prepare a list of questions. Research the role of the interviewee, and prepare yourself by making a comprehensive, intelligent list of questions and topics. Identify your main objectives before the interview. Keep in mind that you can ask questions that are considered taboo in job interviews. This is the time to learn about starting salaries, benefits and perks. |
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Conduct the interviews. If you're having a telephone interview, call promptly from a quiet location. For an in-person interview, arrive on time and professionally dressed. Behave as you would in a formal job interview. Ask your questions within the time allotted for the interview. |
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Follow up. Send a quick thank-you note. If appropriate, ask for other contacts or potential job leads. |
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After the interviews, you will have more knowledge, an increased capability to make informed decisions about the direction of your career path, and an ability to devise a targeted job search strategy. At minimum, you've made a new contact. Who knows what can happen from there?
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