The Most Powerful Job Search Strategy is Informational Interviews! 2021

Informational interviews are a key strategy in a successful job search. But what the heck is one, and what on earth do you ask, in this article, I going to explain, what informational interviews are? How to get them? And give you my top questions to ask during an informational interview to help fast-track your success and finding a landing your next job. This article is jam-packed with great content, so ready to take notes.

When you’re looking for your next job opportunity one of the best strategies and teach my clients is to request informational interviews with prospective employers. Informational interviews also called investigative interviews will increase success in finding a job faster as well as ensuring you land a job that you will love and with an employer you want to work for. Because, who wants to be on a job you hate rights? As a job seeker, your goal is to access the hidden job market as quickly and easily as you can.

Today, I’m going to teach you, what is the purpose of an investigational interview? How to arrange them? And what questions to ask to investigate an occupation, uncover an industry, our company culture, and to fish for potential job leads?

Although nowadays, there’s a great deal of information that can be sourced from the Internet, websites, social, and news media. Nothing compares to the insights facts and opportunities gained from meeting with people who actually work in the industry or the position that you’re considering or seeking. And this is where informational interviews come in.

1 The purpose

The purpose of an informational interview is to obtain vital information to help in your decision-making for potential career, job, are industry change, and when considering potential employer or industry targets during a general job search. It’s an important opportunity where you get to be the interviewer. It also provides an avenue to develop a network, build rapport with new contacts, and, potentially your future employer.

2 How to arrange an informational interview

There are several ways to arrange an informational interview, but I’m going to give you three simple steps.

Step 1 Identify the industry professionals

Step one is to identify the industry professionals you’d like to meet with. This starts with researching the industry and companies within your target industry. You want to discover a professional that’s either in the role that you’re interested in or someone senior to that role. Who can provide useful information about the industry, company, or your targeted role? There are several methods to find those target professionals. Such as, LinkedIn, contact the company, gathering information from media, organizational charts, social media, company websites, and asking for referrals from your personal networks such as friends, family, and neighbors, and acquaintances.

Step 2 Send an e-mail, leave a voicemail or call them directly

Once you’ve identified whom to contact step two, is to e-mail them, leave a voicemail or call them directly. Introducing yourself and requesting to meet with them for no more than 30 minutes of their time for an informational interview. If you like tell them you’ll bring them coffees and ask for their favorite coffee or tea drink is.

You do not want to say that you’re looking for work or a job that’s the kiss of death. You need to explain that you’d like to learn more about their industry from a seasoned professional and if it’s appropriate because you’re considering a career change. If you referred to the individual by a friend, neighbor, or someone they know then it’s fitting to open the conversation by saying you referred to them by so-and-so.

Most people will be naturally more open and receptive if they think someone referred them personally or specifically. Arrange a convenient time that suits them, respect their time, and stick to less than 30 minutes. Unless they offer the top longer and make sure to arrive prepared with appropriate questions.

Never say I’m looking for work it’s the kiss of death and you’ve blown it. Your goal is to seek information and potential opportunities and build a relationship with your new connection. Here are some examples of how to open the conversation to request an informational interview.

Examples # 1

“Hi, I was given the name by (person who referred you) who thought you could put me in touch with someone in the (your field/industry of interest) field who could answer a few questions.”

Examples # 2

“I am an experienced (current job title/occupation) and am I considering a career change into the field of (new desired career). I have a few questions about the industry you are in and would like to seek some advice from a seasoned professional, such as you. Would you be able to meet/speak with me for 15-20 minutes to answer some questions?”

Examples # 3

“Due to recent downsizing, I find myself without work for the first time in 15 years. As I feel a little out of touch I would appreciate 15-20 minutes of your time to answer a few questions I have. (Person who referred you) suggested you’d have the most valuable information that could assist me. Do you have time on Tuesday or Thursday of next week?”

Examples # 4

“I think you may be able to help me. I was given your name by (person who referred you) as I am seeking employment similar to that which I was doing in the (Name your current/most recent industry sector)”

3 What questions to ask?

You want to have approximately 10 to 12 questions prepared for an informational interview. Take notes and ask permission to record the conversation. Ask probing questions; listen for pain points in indicators of trends and insights such as an upcoming company project. You want to uncover what I call tops trends opportunities, problems, and projects.

All right now, let’s get to the good stuff. Here are some questions to ask when approaching a potential employer a person working in the sector or in a specific position to seek information about the industry the company and job prospects. Select questions to ask which are appropriate based on your situation in your target.

Questions to uncover details about a specific job opportunity or investigate an occupation

So, here are some questions to uncover details about a specific job opportunity or investigate an occupation.

• How did you get into this job/occupation?
• What does it take to enter this field of work?
• What particular degrees, schooling, or training is required?
• What characteristics work best for this type of position?
• What skills are key to success in this role?
• Are there any special problems or circumstances a person should be aware of when considering this job/occupation?
• What are the major frustrations or most challenging aspects of this job/occupation? On what advice can you give?
• Is the occupation growing? How would you paint the future outlook?
• How to approach my job hunt?
• Are there any specific companies you know of that are hiring?
• May I contact you if I need further information?
• Do you prefer phone contact, email or should I make an appointment?

Questions to uncover the culture of a company!

Now, let’s move on to some questions to uncover the culture of the company.

• What are the organization’s priorities for the next couple of years?
• How are decisions made (in this organization or department/division)? How are they communicated to the staff?
• What opportunities exist for advancement or changes of jobs within your organization?
• What is the philosophy or major values, and strengths of this organization?
• How would you describe the morale of the people working here?
• Does the organization emphasize working in teams?
• Do you like working here? Do you feel employees are respected for their ideas?
• How people from different departments interact?
• How people get promoted here?
• Do you feel that the company functions in the way its mission statement describes?

Be creative and resourceful and examine the information you collected. Ask yourself, is there a niche or a problem that doesn’t seem to be addressed to present that I can fill our resolve. This can become your golden ticket for getting your foot in the door with this company.

Step 3 Thank you, letter or e-mail message

Now, let’s move on to step three. When people are provided you with information and their time always make a point of following up with a Thank You letter, or e-mail message. Not only does it extend appreciation, it demonstrates the type of employee would make and it also allows for a response from them with added information ideas or contact names. Attach your resume when you feel it’s appropriate to do so.