Improve your communication skills to get an Informational Interview EMP Workshop 2013

Transcription

1 Improve your communication skills to get an Informational Interview EMP Workshop 2013 Prepared by Ziggy HUI MSc. MSIS, BA (Hon), NLP, CCDP Educator, Trainer, Mentor & Career Practitioner

2 Informational Interviews An informational interview is brief meeting with someone in a profession or an organization you want to explore. (Note that it's NOT an interview in which you seek a job.) Informational interviews can be extremely valuable.

3 An informational interview allows you to do the following: Explore a specific industry, field, organization and/or position. Assess whether it's a good fit for your skills, personality and career goals. If you already know the field or organization is a good fit for you, do an informational interview to network and gather more information about that field. Observe and get a feel for different work environments.

4 An informational interview allows you to do the following: Connect with professionals who may have tips about future job or internship opportunities. Develop the social skills you'll need in professional interactions. Remember that you shouldn't use an informational interviews as a way to apply for a specific job or internship opening. You can ask about overall opportunities in that organization or profession, but don't ask for a job.

5 How to Find People to Interview People are usually very willing to talk to you. The easiest way to begin this process is to start with someone you know, or someone a friend, relative or professor knows. You can also call the main phone number at an organization you're interested in. Ask who you could talk to about your career area. Be prepared to explain your objective to help locate the appropriate person.

6 How to Request an Informational Interview After you've found someone you want to talk to, contact that person to request a brief interview. Your first and last name How you got his or her name A brief summary about yourself The fact that you're contacting the person for an informational interview Your phone number and address

7 IF THE INTERVIEW IS FOR CAREER EXPLORATION: Example: Hello Mr. Obama. My name is Leo and I am a new immigrant with over 10 years of experience in career advising in the training sector. I received your name from Dr. Jones. I'm doing some career research in the field of employment counselling, which I'm thinking about pursuing after landed in Vancouver. I'm hoping you could meet with me for 20 or 30 minutes for an informational interview to discuss the field. If that would be possible, please let me know when that might be convenient for you. My name again is Leo, and I can be reached at or leo@gmail.com

8 IF THE INTERVIEW IS TO NETWORK: Example: Hello Mr. Obama. My name is Leo and I'm a job search facilitator at ABC Company. I am beginning my job search and I'm hoping to conduct informational interviews with professionals in the field of education and training. My goals in meeting with you would be to gain your perspectives about the field, and perhaps referrals to others in your network. If you could meet with me for 20 or 30 minutes, please let me know when that might be convenient for you. My name again is Leo, and I can be reached at or leo@gmail.com

9 Tips for the Interview Be flexible. Work around your contact's busy schedule when arranging a date and time to meet. Research the occupation/organization ahead of time, so you can develop thoughtful questions. Dress professionally. Formal clothes aren't necessary (like suit, tie, dress), but avoid jeans, shorts, etc. Arrive 5 to 10 minutes early.

10 Tips for the Interview Bring a list of questions you want to ask. (Don't forget a notebook and pen to take notes.) Ask for additional names of people you can contact, and ask if you can use this contact as a referral. Before you leave, be sure to ask for the person's business card, so you have accurate name, title and address information. After the interview, send a thank-you note. Do this within 24 to 48 hours of meeting.

11 Tips for the Interview It may be appropriate to bring your resume to the informational interview. This is NOT to apply for a job, but in case you want to request feedback about your resume. You could also ask the person to pass it along to others if appropriate. Another option is to send your resume along with your thank-you note after the interview. (You can say something like, "I've included my resume in case opportunities come up in the future.") Tailor your resume to the specific company as much as possible.

12 What to Ask at the Informational Interview You'll likely have lots of your own questions. Be sure to think this through in advance so you know what to ask. There are four main areas: 1. Questions about the Organization/Company: 2. Questions about the Field or Position: 3. Personal Info 4. Additional Contacts

13 Questions about the Organization/Company: Below are a few sample questions. How would you summarize what your organization does? What does your company look for when recruiting people? What other types of positions in this field are available in your company/organization? How has the company grown and what are its strategies for future growth? How would you characterize the culture of this organization and/or your department? What is turnover like in this organization? (Why do you think people stay or leave?)

14 Questions about the Field or Position: Below are a few sample questions. What background is necessary or helpful for this position? What are the best ways to enter this field? What are the five most important skills for a person going into this field? What are some of the current trends or changes in this field? Can you suggest professional associations related to your field? What do you do in a typical day or week? What is the employment outlook for this field? Is demand increasing or decreasing? What is a typical salary range for this position? What are typical career paths for people in this field?

15 Personal Info Below are a few sample questions. How did you become interested in this field? What are the most and least satisfying aspects of your work? What would you change? What experiences in your background have contributed to your success in this career? What would you have done differently?

16 Additional Contacts Can you suggest other companies where I might want to contact people? Can you suggest other people I might meet with to gain additional perspectives about this career, or about future job or internship opportunities?

17 Thank you Q&A