The Importance of Informational Interviewing in A Down Economy

It's June 2009. Jobs in most sectors of our economy are scarce. If you are looking for a job, it is likely you've experienced your share of "thank you but no openings" responses. Or what's worse, no response at all. You need a job now. "What is the point of setting up informational interviews," you ask.

In more prosperous times, you might want to set up informational interviews for two reasons: (1) to gain information you need to help in your career choice; and (2) to make connections.

But, in this economy, it's a buyer's market and you are the seller. You want to use the informational interview process as part of your long-term job search strategy. Your goals should be (1) to build relationships for the future, (2) to ask for advice and contacts for your job search, (3) and to leave a positive impression. Here is how you start the process:

• MAKE A LIST OF PEOPLE YOU KNOW THROUGH YOUR OWN CONTACTS, CONTACTS FROM FAMILY, AND CONTACTS FROM FRIENDS, with phone numbers and email addresses (placing the information in chart form with a column for comments/ follow up.
• MAKE A LIST OF PEOPLE YOU WOULD LIKE TO MEET.
• PREPARE A SCRIPT TO TAILOR FOR EACH CONTACT.
• CALL OR EMAIL EACH CONTACT AND LET THEM KNOW: (1) your job status and area of expertise (or that you are a graduating student seeking an entry level position); (2) that you are looking for a position; (3) why you are searching; (4) where appropriate, the name of the person who referred you.
• TELL THEM YOU ARE NOT CONTACTING THEM TO ASK FOR A JOB, BUT RATHER TO ASK FOR 15 OR 20 MINUTES OF HIS OR HER TIME AT HIS/HER OFFICE TO TALK WITH YOU ABOUT THE NATURE OF THE CURRENT MARKET AND JOB SEARCH SUGGESTIONS.
• FOR THOSE CONTACTS YOU REACH BY TELEPHONE, YOU SHOULD HAVE YOUR PRESENTATION AND QUESTIONS PREPARED IN THE EVENT THE CONTACT SUGGESTS THAT YOU TALK AT THAT TIME.

Keep notes of your conversations, follow up, and the contacts recommended. Then, send a thank you note or email. Include something you found helpful during your conversation. Contact each person to whom your contact referred you, going through the same process.

Keep an open mind, cast a wide net, and maintain a positive attitude.

For more information on informational interviewing, contact Randi S. Lewis, Founder, Resume Boutique LLC, at rlewis@resumeboutique.com or 410.602.2500.

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