The Value of the Informational Interview

The Value of the Informational Interview

While there are several ways to learn something, they basically come down to two broad categories. You can research through the written word. One can read books, trade journals, look up information on the internet, etc. to learn more about a topic or situation. The other way to learn is by direct experience in actually doing it or learning about it by talking to others who may have done it already. One of the tools that I stress in working with those of my clients in job search is the value of the “Informational Interview,” or as I have sometimes presented it to them “The Information Gathering Session.” It is a powerful tool to learn more about either a job area or industry in which they may have an interest.

So why use an Informational Interview or Information Gathering process? There are two reasons to do so. The first is to GATHER INFORMATION. One can learn what skills are needed to perform the task at hand. If what one is seeking involves a job or an opportunity to be hired as a consultant, they may learn of positions which may be opening up, and to determine where they may be able to fit in or help. It is the “alternative” to talking to people and doing so only because “they might know of something for me.” While asking about hiring opportunities may occasionally work, often others become defensive about it, when they know they cannot directly tell you about or give you a job.

The second reason to use an Information Gathering process is to Build Lifelong Relationships. It allows for you to get to know the people in a particular field or discipline and for them to get to know you. By first establishing the relationship, people you have met hear of things or may have needs themselves. If you develop the relationship, AND keep in touch, they will think of you and tell you when something happens. It is a long term process but an effective one. If people get to know you and like you and happen to know of an opportunity that is appropriate for you, they will tell you about it – you will not have to ask.

What should one do when considering an Informational Interview process? The following six steps should provide a solid foundation.

Determine Your Purpose – Decide what information you want to learn and which contacts you want to add to your network. When talking to peers, you are not trying to get something, but looking to establish relationships on which you can build. As time moves on, meet with more senior people (in terms of their place in an organization or in the activity you are pursuing) to you. They are people who are in a position to hire you someday. (NOTE: The Information-Gathering process is still about gaining information and building relationships. It is not about asking if they have a job for you).

Make a List of People You Know – This step includes a list of the people you already know (relatives, former bosses and coworkers, former classmates, those you do recreational activities with, etc.). Don’t discard anyone! You may not know fully what they do know, and specifically who else they may know that could help you. To help your contacts, have a list of organizations and specific individuals you are looking to speak. This helps to drive this step of the process. Additionally, it may consist of people you may not know but would like to meet and to whom you would desire to talk.

Contact the People You Want to Meet – Chances are, you will simply call as opposed to write to people you already know. Practice with people you know well early on so as to build confidence and improve as you go along. As you progress in your search, and the information gathering process, most of the people should not be people you know well. However, these individuals are usually closer to the type of role you are seeking. Those you don’t well, you will probably want to write first personally, and then follow up with continually. When contacting them in writing look to stress:

• Why you are interested in speaking to them.
• A brief summary and a couple of examples of achievements you have done that are of interest to them.
• Follow Up after initial contact to set-up the meeting.

Set up the Appointment – Call and remind them of your initial contact, why you wrote and why you want to meet with them. Look to meet with them in person (or virtually during this time of pandemic). Adapt to their schedule. If they indicate they do not have a role for you, indicate that is OK, that all you are looking for is information or advice about the profession, industry, etc. Look to get the interview face to face unless that is impossible, because you are trying to build a relationship. If you don’t make contact a first time, expect that you may have to make multiple follow-up attempts before a meeting may be arranged.

Prepare for the Meeting – Plan for the information gathering meeting as thoroughly as you would for any other business meeting. Remember: It is your meeting. You are the one running it. Before the meeting:

• Set goals for yourself (information and contacts)
• Jot down the questions you would like answered.
• Find out all you can about the person, the responsibilities, areas of operation, etc.
• Rehearse your pitch and accomplishments.

Develop your questions for the information you need and seek. Make sure what you ask is appropriate for the person with whom you are meeting. Decide what information you want or what contacts you want to build. Your questions should be tailored to the individual, and will change over time as you become more knowledgeable. Also, if you have information to give back, by all means share it. It makes you seen more as someone who is a part of that profession or particular cause.

Conduct the Meeting – Continually look to do better each session you have. Don’t just go through the motions. Get the information you need. Interview with a seriousness of mind. Let those who are more senior to whom you are talking see that you are desirous to work in that industry, organization or for that cause. Let the person you are speaking to sense your seriousness and react accordingly.

While it takes work on your part, and at times can seem intimidating, the Informational Gathering or Interview process keeps things in your control. It is far better than blindly applying on a computer, or putting one’s fate into the hands of someone else (such as a recruiter), and hope they will call you, so you are able to show them what you can do.