{"id":436,"date":"2016-04-07T17:47:34","date_gmt":"2016-04-07T17:47:34","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/sites.ulethbridge.ca\/ces\/?p=436"},"modified":"2016-08-10T17:08:40","modified_gmt":"2016-08-10T17:08:40","slug":"information-interviews","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/sites.ulethbridge.ca\/ces\/2016\/04\/07\/information-interviews\/","title":{"rendered":"Information Interviews: Talk to a professional"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><strong>How to do an<\/strong><strong> \u2026\u2026\u2026. INFORMATION INTERVIEW!<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong>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 &amp; doing the job!<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong><u>It is helpful to find more about:<\/u><\/strong><\/p>\n<p>&#8211; <strong>the professional\u2019s career path &amp; advice for success<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong>\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 &#8211; occupational information<\/strong> about that field of work<\/p>\n<p>&#8211; <strong>industry information<\/strong> for targeted work search in specific industries<\/p>\n<p>&#8211; <strong>employer information<\/strong> to find out what the employer is looking for &amp; what it\u2019s like to work for the organization<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><strong><u>How do you arrange &amp; conduct an \u201cInformation Interview\u201d?<\/u><\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Decide <strong><em>what information (concerns\/inquiries) you are seeking<\/em><\/strong> and <strong><em>WHO would be best to talk to.<\/em><\/strong><\/li>\n<li><strong><em>Write a script to prompt you<\/em><\/strong> so that you can be calm and introduce yourself, while asking to be connected.<\/li>\n<li><strong><em>Make contact<\/em><\/strong><strong><em> with the person<\/em><\/strong> (usually by phone), introduce yourself, &amp; say who referred you (if applicable).<\/li>\n<li><strong><em>Briefly explain the kind of information you\u2019re looking for<\/em><\/strong>. Ask if they have 15-30 minutes to speak with you.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>&#8211; <strong><em><u>offer to arrange a meeting<\/u><\/em> if possible<\/strong> \u2013 as \u2018in person\u2019 meetings will always be your best self-marketing \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0opportunity &amp; will allow you to see their work space, office interaction &amp; possibly be introduced around).<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong><em>Keep calls &amp; e-mails brief\/to the point<\/em><\/strong><u>.<\/u><\/li>\n<li><strong><em><u>DEMO SCRIPT<\/u><\/em><\/strong>: <strong>\u201cHello\u2026my name is _____ &amp; I\u2019m a student (recent graduate) of the _______ program at the University of Lethbridge. I\u2019m doing career research about this field and I\u2019m wondering if you\u2019d have<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 30-60 minutes to give me some advice on how to become a ______?\u201d.<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><strong><u>Be prepared for 3 answers<\/u><\/strong><strong>:<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>&#8211; \u00a0 <strong><em>\u201cYes, certainly.\u201d<\/em><\/strong> In this case, <u>try to arrange a face-to-face meeting<\/u>; an in-person contact makes a more lasting impression than a phone call. If that\u2019s not possible, ask to conduct the interview by phone or Email.<\/p>\n<p><strong>OR<\/strong>\u2026..&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;<\/p>\n<p>&#8211; \u00a0\u00a0 <strong><em>\u201cNo, I\u2019m sorry.\u201d<\/em><\/strong> Accept graciously &amp; if appropriate, ask if they can recommend someone else for you to talk to.<\/p>\n<p><strong>OR<\/strong>\u2026.&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;<\/p>\n<p>&#8211; \u00a0\u00a0 <strong><em>\u201cLet\u2019s talk over the phone right now.\u201d<\/em><\/strong> Always have your questions ready when you make your calls.<\/p>\n<p><strong><u>TIPS for SUCCESS @ INFO INTERVIEW MEETINGS \u2013 remember to:<\/u><\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong><em><u>Prepare a \u2018blank form\u2019 with fill in spaces for you to record<\/u><\/em><\/strong>: name, job title, email, phone # &amp; date of meeting.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><em><u>Write each question down &amp; leave room underneath<\/u><\/em><u> each<\/u> to take detailed notes as you go along<\/li>\n<li><em><u>Photocopy several BLANK copies<\/u><\/em> of the fill in form to use in other interviews \u2013 to reduce prep. time<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong><em><u>Prepare your questions ahead of time<\/u><\/em><\/strong>! Do your RESEARCH! Decide what your questions\/curiosities are &amp; what you really want to learn from them &amp; make questions for these! (<strong><em><u>see below for ideas<\/u><\/em><\/strong>)<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Check out the company\u2019s website and published materials so you don\u2019t waste time on these matters.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong><em>Prepare a <u>Record of Contacts<\/u> List<\/em><\/strong> to keep all interviews listed with contact info on each to follow-up on.<em><u><br \/>\n<\/u><\/em><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Ask for names of the people you talk to, including receptionists.<\/li>\n<li>Record their names &amp; use them in conversation &amp; in call-backs. Always be POLITE.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>After arranging a meeting\/telephone conference, <strong><em><u>arrive or call on time.<\/u><\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong><em><u>Take only as much time as you\u2019ve requested<\/u><\/em><\/strong> \u2013 15 &#8211; 30 minutes should be enough, although 45-60 may occur.<\/p>\n<p>Have a <strong><em><u>copy of your resume &amp; cover letter to refer to if needed<\/u><\/em><\/strong> \u2013 can <u>hand out if they ask for a copy<\/u>.<\/p>\n<p><strong><em><u>Dress appropriately<\/u><\/em><\/strong> even when you make contact by phone. How you sound is impacted by how you feel \u2013 \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 when you dress professionally, you\u2019ll sound and act professional.<\/p>\n<p><u>Speak slowly, clearly and relax<\/u>. <strong><em>Be confident<\/em><\/strong> &amp; think of them as a \u2018HELPING PERSON\u201d!<\/p>\n<p><strong><em>Thank the person<\/em><\/strong> at the end of the meeting or the phone call.<\/p>\n<p>Always <strong><em>follow up <\/em>with a<\/strong> <strong><u>\u201cthank-you\u201d card in writing or e-mail<\/u><\/strong>. It will leave a good impression. \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Some of the people you talk to may be in positions to influence future hiring decisions.<\/p>\n<p><strong><u>Information Interviews &#8211; QUESTIONS TO ASK:<\/u><\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong><em><u>Career PATH \/ CAREER ADVICE specific information<\/u><\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>What is your <strong><em>specific role\/job<\/em><\/strong> in this organization?<\/li>\n<li><strong><em>How did you get into this <u>field of work\/profession<\/u><\/em><\/strong> \u2013 is it what you planned to do when you started out?<\/li>\n<li><strong><em>What is your educational background<\/em><\/strong> \u2013 what training\/education do you <u>recommend<\/u> for this type of position\/employer?<\/li>\n<li><strong><em>How did you find your first job<\/em><\/strong> \u2013 any <u>advice<\/u> for me in job searching?<\/li>\n<li><strong><em>How did you find your current job<\/em><\/strong> \u2013 what is it, what do you like best, what do you like least?<\/li>\n<li><strong><em>Who else do you recommend I talk to<\/em><\/strong> about this field of work?<\/li>\n<li><strong><em>What advice<\/em><\/strong> do you have for students &amp;\/or new graduates?<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong><em><u>Employer Specific information<\/u><\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>What <strong><em>qualifications<\/em><\/strong> are required for someone to work in this position in this organization?<\/li>\n<li><strong><em>What do you like most and least<\/em><\/strong> <strong><em><u>about you job<\/u><\/em><\/strong> with this organization?<\/li>\n<li>What are some of the <strong><em>key challenges in your position<\/em><\/strong>?<\/li>\n<li>What <strong><em>advice<\/em><\/strong> would you give someone who wants to <strong><em>work for this organization<\/em><\/strong>?<\/li>\n<li><strong><em>Who else would you recommend I talk to<\/em><\/strong> about working for this organization?<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong><em><u>Occupational information<\/u><\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>What does this <strong><em>position\/occupation involve on a day-to-day basis<\/em><\/strong>?<\/li>\n<li>What <strong><em>skills, education, &amp;\/or additional training<\/em><\/strong> does it require?<\/li>\n<li><strong><em>How do people enter this field<\/em><\/strong> \u2013 both the usual and unusual approaches?<\/li>\n<li>What do you <strong><em>like and dislike <u>about this occupation<\/u><\/em><\/strong>?<\/li>\n<li>Would it be <strong><em>possible for me to job shadow you<\/em><\/strong> to learn more?<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong><em><u>Industry Specific information<\/u><\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>What <strong><em>kinds of people are attracted to positions<\/em><\/strong> in this industry? What are their <strong><em>values\/motivations<\/em><\/strong>?<\/li>\n<li>What <strong><em>changes &amp; challenges are facing the industry<\/em><\/strong>?<\/li>\n<li>What are the <strong><em>cyclical patterns of this industry<\/em><\/strong>?<\/li>\n<li>What are the <strong><em>unspoken expectations<\/em><\/strong> for people who work in this industry?<\/li>\n<li>What <strong><em><u>credentials or training programs are most respected<\/u><\/em><\/strong> within the industry?<\/li>\n<li>What <strong><em>industry <u>organizations or associations<\/u> would you recommend<\/em><\/strong>?<\/li>\n<li>What <strong><em>publications<\/em><\/strong> would be helpful to someone interested in this industry?<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>**MAKE YOU OWN QUESTIONS &amp; ADD THEM IN \u2013 be spontaneous &amp; respond to your curiosity!<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong><u>WHO TO CONTACT???<\/u><\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong><em><u>Anyone you know \u2013 who<\/u><\/em><\/strong><strong><em>:<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong><em>Already works for your target employer<\/em><\/strong><\/li>\n<li><strong><em>Knows about your target employer <\/em><\/strong><\/li>\n<li><u>Can refer you<\/u> to <strong><em>someone who works for your target employer<\/em><\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><strong><em><u>Anyone you don\u2019t know \u2026like:<\/u><\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong><em>HR depts, managers, people with hiring authority<\/em><\/strong><\/li>\n<li><strong><em>People who are in the position similar to the one you seek<\/em><\/strong> &#8211; <u>be brave &amp; ask to speak with them<\/u>, even if you don\u2019t know who they are at the time of calling. <em>You\u2019ll be surprised how helpful they may be!<\/em><\/li>\n<li>You may be referred to <strong><em>business or contact people who are <u>new to you<\/u><\/em><\/strong> <em>but<\/em> <u>who know the<\/u><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><u>information you seek.<\/u> They might even be complimented by the fact you wanted their advice!<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>**- You might end up speaking to or being linked to an employer who is seeking to fill a position through their professional network &#8211; <u>your timing might be great<\/u>!<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><strong><u>2 steps to Cold Call success<\/u><\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong><u>COLD CALLS<\/u><\/strong> are a way of <strong>contacting employers in person<\/strong> to ask recruitment questions &amp;\/or introduce yourself to employers without having a job posting!<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong><em><u>Best success is by \u2018in person\u2019 contact<\/u><\/em><\/strong> 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 &amp; possible opportunities in the future.<\/li>\n<li><strong><em>Phone contact is also possible but will be \u2018less effective\u2019 <\/em><\/strong>as it will lack the strength of your in-person charisma and interactional skills \u2013 so if possible, <strong><u>always create ways to meet people in person<\/u><\/strong><u>!<\/u><\/li>\n<li><u>Review your most relevant strengths<\/u> &amp; create a <u>\u201c<strong><em>30 second elevator brief<\/em><\/strong>\u201d <\/u>of your strengths and interest in the field to tell employers you meet in casual settings or when the opportunity comes up.<\/li>\n<li>Consider <strong><em><u>leaving the employer a<\/u><\/em><\/strong><u> <strong><em>\u201ccalling card\u201d<\/em><\/strong><\/u> with your name, contact information, education<\/li>\n<li>&amp; a few major points of your skills, experience &amp; relevant qualities \u2013 as a reminder of your meeting!<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><strong>STEP #1 \u2013 <\/strong><strong>Speak to the Receptionist &amp; ask to be \u2018connected\u2019<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong><u>Introduce yourself<\/u><\/strong><strong><u> &amp; WHY you are calling:<\/u><\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Hello\u2026my name is _______________. I\u2019m hoping to speak with the manager in the ____________ department. Do you know his\/her name? What is their direct number? <strong>Can you please connect me?<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><strong>STEP #2: <u>O<\/u><\/strong><strong><u>nce connected, RE-INTRODUCE yourself &amp; WHY you\u2019re calling:<\/u><\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>\u201cHello Mr\/Ms. ____________. My name is __________ and I\u2019m a student (recent graduate) from the University of Lethbridge (<em>mention program if desired<\/em>). I\u2019m very interested in learning more about your organization and your _________department. My previous experience includes work as a __________ and __________________. I\u2019m wondering if (<em>choose<\/em>):<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ol>\n<li>\u2026<strong><em>it\u2019s possible to arrange a short meeting<\/em><\/strong> to provide you with further information on my background in case openings arise with your company in the future?<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p><strong>OR\u2026<\/strong><\/p>\n<ol start=\"2\">\n<li>\u2026<strong><em>your company hires new graduates and if so, would it be possible to arrange a meeting<\/em><\/strong> to discuss my skill set and drop off my resume? <u>Is there a \u2018NEW GRADUATE\u2019 or \u2018INTERNSHIP\u2019 program in your company?<\/u><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p><strong>OR\u2026<\/strong><\/p>\n<ol start=\"3\">\n<li>\u2026<strong><em>your company is hiring at this time<\/em><\/strong>? Would it be possible to arrange a short meeting to discuss my skill set in case opportunities arise in the future? <strong><em>Or\u2026 Would it be alright if I contacted you in 2 or 3 weeks in case openings become available?<\/em><\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p><strong><u>if YES<\/u><\/strong> &#8211; get time, date &amp; directions to the meeting; offer thanks. <u>Follow tips for success (above).<\/u><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><strong><u>if NO<\/u><\/strong> \u2013 be considerate yet <u>re-phrase<\/u> it to emphasize your focus on company information<\/p>\n<p>\u201cThat\u2019s fine. Even if you don\u2019t have any openings at this time, I\u2019d still like to meet with you to learn \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 more about your organization\/business. Is it possible to meet or ask you a few questions now?\u201d<\/p>\n<p>\u201cDo you know of other companies who may be hiring?\u201d<\/p>\n<p>\u201cDo you know of any other managers who may be hiring for similar positions?\u201d<\/p>\n<p>\u201cDo you see any opportunities for expansion in your company? When might this happen?\u201d \u201cWhat managers would you suggest I talk to?\u201d<\/p>\n<p>\u201cAre you familiar with any one in the business community who may be good to talk \u2013 or who may have leads in these areas?\u201d<\/p>\n<p>\u201cDo you know of any colleagues in the industry who might be good to talk to? Do you have any\u00a0 information on fast growing companies in this area?\u201d<\/p>\n<p>\u201cWould it be ok if I contacted you in the future regarding potential job openings?\u201d<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>How to do an \u2026\u2026\u2026. 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 &amp; doing the job! It is helpful to find more about: &#8211; the professional\u2019s career path &amp; advice for success \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 &hellip; <a href=\"https:\/\/sites.ulethbridge.ca\/ces\/2016\/04\/07\/information-interviews\/\" class=\"more-link\">Continue reading <span class=\"screen-reader-text\">Information Interviews: Talk to a professional<\/span> <span class=\"meta-nav\">&rarr;<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":139,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":"","_links_to":"","_links_to_target":""},"categories":[8],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-436","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-courage"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/sites.ulethbridge.ca\/ces\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/436","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/sites.ulethbridge.ca\/ces\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/sites.ulethbridge.ca\/ces\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sites.ulethbridge.ca\/ces\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/139"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sites.ulethbridge.ca\/ces\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=436"}],"version-history":[{"count":2,"href":"https:\/\/sites.ulethbridge.ca\/ces\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/436\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":438,"href":"https:\/\/sites.ulethbridge.ca\/ces\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/436\/revisions\/438"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/sites.ulethbridge.ca\/ces\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=436"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sites.ulethbridge.ca\/ces\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=436"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sites.ulethbridge.ca\/ces\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=436"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}