Informational Interview Etiquette: Make the Most of your Meeting

Informational interviews are an invaluable resource for uncovering job opportunities.

You are not restricted to only speaking to potential hiring managers when they’re hiring. You can build your network, learn about potential employers, and position yourself as a potential employee by reaching out to peers, managers and other professionals in your industry to ask for an informational interview.

In an informational interview, rather than you answering questions about your qualifications for a job, you’re typically asking questions about the other party’s company, experience and perspective.

Remember this: anyone who agrees to an informational interview is doing you a favor.  Your job: show grace and gratitude.

Yes, you’re worth their time.  And, they’re giving that time to you because you asked.  Nicely, I’m sure.  Don’t forget your manners after they agree.

1. Be on time. Just like an official interview, timeliness in an informational interview is a part of your professional image.
2. Be prepared. Have questions that you want to ask ready — about the industry, their company, their professional background, etc.
3. Respect their time. If you asked for 15 minutes, anticipate a 15 minute meeting.  It may go longer, and if so great, but keep your expectations in check.  As the end time is nearing, you can ask, “I think that we’re getting close to the time you agreed to spend with me.  Am I right?”  Your “interviewer” will either agree, giving you enough time to wrap up the conversation, or will say they have an additional 10-15 minutes, etc.
4. You make the call. If you can’t get a face-to-face meeting and are meeting by phone, offer to call them and ask which phone number they prefer that you call.  They may choose to call you, and that’s fine, but it’s good form to relieve them of the responsibility of finding your number and watching the clock.
5. Send a thank you. After your informational interview, send a thank you note just as you would with an interview for an open position.  Email is generally okay, but a handwritten note is better.  Personalize it, and spend some time expressing your genuine thanks.

Ultimately, you want someone to be pleased that they took the time to help you out, so that they leave the meeting with a good feeling and are more likely to think of other ways to help you — including potentially giving you a job.  Networking is always about building relationships.  What better way than when you have someone face to face?

photo credit: marfis75

Related posts:

1. Interview Question of the Week: Tell me about a time that you facilitated a meeting
2. Interview Question of the Week: What would your last supervisor say about you?
3. Your personal “best”: Authenticity and your job search
4. Where’s the love?: Five ways to show enthusiasm and land the job
5. Interview Question of the Week: Are you considering other opportunities?

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