Informational Interviews -- the most effective and yet often neglected job search tool

Let me first clarify what Informational interviews is not:
NOT about networking your way to find a job per-se
NOT about contacting people and handing your CV
NOT about asking for job leads inside companies

The objective of informational interviews is to help you
1) identify / confirm what really interests you
2) be very / more knowledgeable about your target marketplace
3) identify the various channels that can land you the target job
4) idenfify job opportunities in the hidden market (where the job is not advertised)

To do so,
a) IDENTIFY -- Use your network (school, groups, personal) to identify people that are knowledgeable about your target marketplace, including but not only people currently working there.
b) CONNECT -- Present yourself in one-paragraph or 20-second. Highlight things that you might have in common with the interviewee. Ask them to schedule a time to share with you their insights about the marketplace. Important -- Do not send your CV, even if they ask for it. You would get a lot more by getting their insights / connecting with them.
c) LEARN -- Ask your questions and learn. Trends, who is doing what, pluses and minuses of the job, etc.
d) EXTEND -- Ask for 2-3 people you could contact for further information. Again, do not ask for job leads.
e) THANK your interviewee with a follow-up note. Later on, let them know how the discussions with the contacts they gave you went.

If you do the above, you will really know what is going on in the marketplace: Who, what, where, with whom, when, what it takes to succeed, the alternative entry points, etc.

You will also develop a network on the way -- another plus for your new job.

Comments / feedback most welcome.


Bilal Ojjeh

Posted in: All,Recruiters,Schools