How to Prepare for an Informational Interview
Preparation is key to doing well on an informational interview. While it's not a formal interview, an informational interview is an important part of networking to get that next job. Whether it's a phone informational interview or an in-person meeting, take these steps to get prepared and ace your informational interview.
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Instructions
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Research the company. Visit the firm's website and read the "About" section along with the recent news and information about the different departments. Note any questions you have.
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2
Review your resume and practice your "elevator pitch, a concise summary of what you have to offer. Draft what you will say about your background and how it relates to your current job interests.
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Find out more about the interviewer. Depending on who you are speaking with, you may be able to research her background on the company website, on Google or at LinkedIn. It may be appropriate to mention that you are aware of her background and have questions about it, if it's relevant to the career path you are pursuing.
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Prepare your questions. From what you have learned in the above steps, develop a list of 15 to 20 questions. You may have questions about the company, career path, industry or your qualifications relative to the position you are seeking.
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Prepare a thank you note or have the materials handy so you can send it immediately after the informational interview. Remember to ask the interviewer if you can keep in touch, and if there are other people she can refer to you.
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Tips & Warnings
Send a thank you note immediately by email and follow up with a thank you card within the week if possible. Keep in touch with the interviewer every few weeks and you may be referred to a job opportunity if one comes up.
Do not ask for a job--an informational interview is for conversational networking. But you may ask them to keep you in mind for job leads.
