Let’s talk about one of the very best ways to figure out what your ideal career is and that is informational interviews.
I almost went into the legal field until I did an informational interview with a lawyer and realized I didn’t want to go into that career. So, I saved myself a lot of time and money.
And I also got job offers after informational interviews. These are key in finding your dream job.
I can’t tell you enough how important these interviews are. In today’s podcast, we are going to talk about how you can use informational interview to get a job or launch your dream career.
Subscribe on your favorite platform below:
How To Use an Informational Interview To Get a Job
The best way to narrow down your options and figure out what your ideal career fit is to get out from
behind your computer and start talking to people. It’s time to fall in love with a strategy called an
informational interview to get information about a field of work from someone who is knowledgeable
and experienced in it.
What are informational interviews?
Basically what they are is you sit down with someone who is in a career that you’re considering, it’s on your top 20 list and you sit down with someone who’s already in that career and you just start asking them questions and you learn more about what that career is like.
Now, not only does this help you prepare for an interview, but it also gives you valuable information about whether this is the right career fit for you.
Other Advantages of an Informational Interview
- It helps you see if it fits to your calling.
- Helps you see if you like the work environment and if this job sounds like it might be interesting to you.
- It can help you set up referrals into the company because people you interview are going to be very impressed with you.
5 Steps to Prepare for an Informational Interview:
1.Research
Make sure you know as much as you can about the company and the person that you are interviewing.
2. Rehearse
Before the scheduled interview, make sure to know their name, directions and title of their position. Be ready to give a fabulous elevator pitch to make a great first impression.
3. Dress
Look your best but don’t be too casually dressed nor overdressed. Simple regular business attire is appropriate.
4. Breathe and Relax
Remember to be enthusiastic and interested in learning. Professionals can tell if you are conducting an informational interview just to complete an assignment or if you are truly interested in what they do.
5. After: Thank and Follow-up
Never forget to follow up with a thank you email or letter! To end an informational interview, always thank your interviewee for their time and help.
It is so much better to learn if you like a certain profession before going into it and informational interviews are a great way to do it.
