This One Tip Will Advance Your Career.
Today, I will be discussing informational interviews.
Informational interviews are essential to helping you find out more about the type of industry, company, or role you’re interested in,” says Dorie Clark, author of Stand Out Networking.
“You may think you already know all about a certain position, but speaking to someone directly allows you to test your assumptions.” John Lees, a UK-based career strategist and author of The Success Code, agrees.
Informational interviews “give you exposure — a way to get yourself known in the hidden job market,” he says. “The visibility may put you straight onto a shortlist, even if a job isn’t advertised.”
https://hbr.org/2016/02/how-to-get-the-most-out-of-an-informational-interview
An informational interview can help you build relationships with individuals in your field of interest.
During the interview make sure, your interviewee does most of the talking.
The interview is an opportunity for you to test your hypothesis about your dream career.
Questions to ask:
How do you get into this line of work?
What do you enjoy about it?
What’s not so great about it?
What’s changing in the sector?
What kinds of people do well in this industry?
Don’t make PERMANENT decisions based on your conversation with one person. Try your best to interview at least three individuals.
E-mail template to request an informational interview
Hello, Mr./Ms./Dr.
My name is Malik Taylor, and I'm a junior majoring in Media Studies at UC Berkeley. Is this a good time for you to talk briefly? I heard you speak at an event sponsored by the Undergraduate Marketing Association last semester. Although I am not currently looking for a job, I have become very interested in public relations and would like to learn more about the field. Would it be possible to schedule 20 to 30 minutes with you at your convenience to ask a few questions and get your advice on how best to prepare to enter the field?"
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