Informational Interviewing

Networking

Discover who you are, what your skills and abilities are, and then find a career that fits you

Informational Interviewing

It is very important to prepare for each telephone networking call. Prepare a script, using the steps below, and practice it a few times prior to your actual phone call. This will ease your anxiety and increase your comfort level in talking to a variety of people.

STEP 1: Make the phone call. Stand up so your voice will carry stronger. Let the person know immediately who referred you to him/her. Use positive statements, such as “I hope this is a good time,” not negative ones, such as “Is this a bad time? Are you too busy?”

STEP 2: Prepare a one-minute commercial about yourself. It should contain the following highlights:

Your name, who you are
Your career goal, the occupational area you are interested in pursuing
Your current situation, whether you are seeking employment, are a recent graduate (if so, state the program or certification)
Your strengths, qualifications, and special skills—e.g., “I am very good with details (or customer service, etc.).”

Example: Mr. Turner, my name is __________________. Jim Johnson with Federal Bank & Trust suggested that I call you. I hope I am reaching you at a good time. I have recently finished training and updating my skills in accounting through ___________________ Community College. I am looking for a full-time job and could use some advice in my job search.

STEP 3: Ask for an appointment. More will be gained if you can get a face-to-face interview.

Example: May I have about 20 minutes of your time later this week at your convenience? I would really appreciate it.

STEP 4: At the interview, be sure you have prepared questions for the person. Be able to state your skills and abilities, and ask for names of people or companies that could use a person like you. Ask if he/she knows of any new business/industry or an existing business/industry that is expanding and needing additional workers. Show the person your resumé and ask his/her advice on it.

STEP 5: Thank the person at the end of the interview and also send a written thank you note. Keep the person informed about any new possibilities and prospects in your job search.

Contacting a person without a referral from someone else may go something like this:

Example: Hello, Mr. Rudolph. My name is Ed Smith. I noticed your promotion to regional manager for technical services mentioned in last week’s paper. Congratulations. I thought you would be an excellent person to give me some advice. I just recently graduated with an Associate Degree in Electronic Engineering, and I’m in the process of doing some research regarding the type of work I’d like to do. Would it be possible to have 15 minutes of your time so that I could ask you a few questions?

Informational interviews can be arranged at your contact’s place of work, during lunch, morning coffee, or after work. If your contact seems hesitant to meet face to face, ask if they could spend a few minutes talking with you on the phone.