What should I do with my life? It’s the question we keep coming back to. We all want to feel fulfilled and happy with the direction of our lives. Yet, often we don’t know where to start answering this important question. Po Bronson writes about this journey and debunks many of the myths that stop us from moving forward. Click on the image to follow the link to the article.

Credit: Fast Company, Po Bronson

How to do an ………. INFORMATION INTERVIEW!

The best way to FIND OUT IF YOU LIKE a certain job, industry, employer, or profession is to ASK SOMEONE WHO IS ALREADY working in the field & doing the job!

It is helpful to find more about:

– the professional’s career path & advice for success

     – occupational information about that field of work

– industry information for targeted work search in specific industries

– employer information to find out what the employer is looking for & what it’s like to work for the organization

How do you arrange & conduct an “Information Interview”?

• Decide what information (concerns/inquiries) you are seeking and WHO would be best to talk to.
• Write a script to prompt you so that you can be calm and introduce yourself, while asking to be connected.
• Make contact with the person (usually by phone), introduce yourself, & say who referred you (if applicable).
• Briefly explain the kind of information you’re looking for. Ask if they have 15-30 minutes to speak with you.

– offer to arrange a meeting if possible – as ‘in person’ meetings will always be your best self-marketing            opportunity & will allow you to see their work space, office interaction & possibly be introduced around).

• Keep calls & e-mails brief/to the point.
• DEMO SCRIPT: “Hello…my name is _____ & I’m a student (recent graduate) of the _______ program at the University of Lethbridge. I’m doing career research about this field and I’m wondering if you’d have

            30-60 minutes to give me some advice on how to become a ______?”.

Be prepared for 3 answers:

–   “Yes, certainly.” In this case, try to arrange a face-to-face meeting; an in-person contact makes a more lasting impression than a phone call. If that’s not possible, ask to conduct the interview by phone or Email.

OR…..———————————

–    “No, I’m sorry.” Accept graciously & if appropriate, ask if they can recommend someone else for you to talk to.

OR….———————————

–    “Let’s talk over the phone right now.” Always have your questions ready when you make your calls.

TIPS for SUCCESS @ INFO INTERVIEW MEETINGS – remember to:

Prepare a ‘blank form’ with fill in spaces for you to record: name, job title, email, phone # & date of meeting.

• Write each question down & leave room underneath each to take detailed notes as you go along
• Photocopy several BLANK copies of the fill in form to use in other interviews – to reduce prep. time

Prepare your questions ahead of time! Do your RESEARCH! Decide what your questions/curiosities are & what you really want to learn from them & make questions for these! (see below for ideas)

• Check out the company’s website and published materials so you don’t waste time on these matters.

Prepare a Record of Contacts List to keep all interviews listed with contact info on each to follow-up on.

• Ask for names of the people you talk to, including receptionists.
• Record their names & use them in conversation & in call-backs. Always be POLITE.

After arranging a meeting/telephone conference, arrive or call on time.

Take only as much time as you’ve requested – 15 – 30 minutes should be enough, although 45-60 may occur.

Have a copy of your resume & cover letter to refer to if needed – can hand out if they ask for a copy.

Dress appropriately even when you make contact by phone. How you sound is impacted by how you feel –       when you dress professionally, you’ll sound and act professional.

Speak slowly, clearly and relax. Be confident & think of them as a ‘HELPING PERSON”!

Thank the person at the end of the meeting or the phone call.

Always follow up with a “thank-you” card in writing or e-mail. It will leave a good impression.       Some of the people you talk to may be in positions to influence future hiring decisions.

Information Interviews – QUESTIONS TO ASK:

Career PATH / CAREER ADVICE specific information

• What is your specific role/job in this organization?
• How did you get into this field of work/profession – is it what you planned to do when you started out?
• What is your educational background – what training/education do you recommend for this type of position/employer?
• How did you find your first job – any advice for me in job searching?
• How did you find your current job – what is it, what do you like best, what do you like least?
• Who else do you recommend I talk to about this field of work?
• What advice do you have for students &/or new graduates?

Employer Specific information

• What qualifications are required for someone to work in this position in this organization?
• What do you like most and least about you job with this organization?
• What are some of the key challenges in your position?
• What advice would you give someone who wants to work for this organization?
• Who else would you recommend I talk to about working for this organization?

Occupational information

• What does this position/occupation involve on a day-to-day basis?
• What skills, education, &/or additional training does it require?
• How do people enter this field – both the usual and unusual approaches?
• What do you like and dislike about this occupation?
• Would it be possible for me to job shadow you to learn more?

Industry Specific information

• What kinds of people are attracted to positions in this industry? What are their values/motivations?
• What changes & challenges are facing the industry?
• What are the cyclical patterns of this industry?
• What are the unspoken expectations for people who work in this industry?
• What credentials or training programs are most respected within the industry?
• What industry organizations or associations would you recommend?
• What publications would be helpful to someone interested in this industry?

**MAKE YOU OWN QUESTIONS & ADD THEM IN – be spontaneous & respond to your curiosity!

WHO TO CONTACT???

Anyone you know – who:

• Already works for your target employer
• Knows about your target employer
• Can refer you to someone who works for your target employer

Anyone you don’t know …like:

• HR depts, managers, people with hiring authority
• People who are in the position similar to the one you seek – be brave & ask to speak with them, even if you don’t know who they are at the time of calling. You’ll be surprised how helpful they may be!
• You may be referred to business or contact people who are new to you but who know the

information you seek. They might even be complimented by the fact you wanted their advice!

**- You might end up speaking to or being linked to an employer who is seeking to fill a position through their professional network – your timing might be great!

2 steps to Cold Call success

COLD CALLS are a way of contacting employers in person to ask recruitment questions &/or introduce yourself to employers without having a job posting!

• Best success is by ‘in person’ contact where you are showing your interpersonal interaction skills, confidence and rapport by talking to (networking with) hiring people in person to discuss their company, positions they hire for, your skill sets/experience & possible opportunities in the future.
• Phone contact is also possible but will be ‘less effective’ as it will lack the strength of your in-person charisma and interactional skills – so if possible, always create ways to meet people in person!
• Review your most relevant strengths & create a “30 second elevator brief” of your strengths and interest in the field to tell employers you meet in casual settings or when the opportunity comes up.
• Consider leaving the employer a “calling card” with your name, contact information, education
• & a few major points of your skills, experience & relevant qualities – as a reminder of your meeting!

STEP #1 – Speak to the Receptionist & ask to be ‘connected’

Introduce yourself & WHY you are calling:

• Hello…my name is _______________. I’m hoping to speak with the manager in the ____________ department. Do you know his/her name? What is their direct number? Can you please connect me?

STEP #2: Once connected, RE-INTRODUCE yourself & WHY you’re calling:

• “Hello Mr/Ms. ____________. My name is __________ and I’m a student (recent graduate) from the University of Lethbridge (mention program if desired). I’m very interested in learning more about your organization and your _________department. My previous experience includes work as a __________ and __________________. I’m wondering if (choose):

1. …it’s possible to arrange a short meeting to provide you with further information on my background in case openings arise with your company in the future?

OR…

2. …your company hires new graduates and if so, would it be possible to arrange a meeting to discuss my skill set and drop off my resume? Is there a ‘NEW GRADUATE’ or ‘INTERNSHIP’ program in your company?

OR…

3. …your company is hiring at this time? Would it be possible to arrange a short meeting to discuss my skill set in case opportunities arise in the future? Or… Would it be alright if I contacted you in 2 or 3 weeks in case openings become available?

if YES – get time, date & directions to the meeting; offer thanks. Follow tips for success (above).

if NO – be considerate yet re-phrase it to emphasize your focus on company information

“That’s fine. Even if you don’t have any openings at this time, I’d still like to meet with you to learn                    more about your organization/business. Is it possible to meet or ask you a few questions now?”

“Do you know of other companies who may be hiring?”

“Do you know of any other managers who may be hiring for similar positions?”

“Do you see any opportunities for expansion in your company? When might this happen?” “What managers would you suggest I talk to?”

“Are you familiar with any one in the business community who may be good to talk – or who may have leads in these areas?”

“Do you know of any colleagues in the industry who might be good to talk to? Do you have any  information on fast growing companies in this area?”

“Would it be ok if I contacted you in the future regarding potential job openings?”