The tricks to doing an informational interview

By Peter Kamuri

Most people are familiar with interviews.

Job interviews are the type that everyone knows, but people are also familiar with screening interviews, group behavioral interviews, and others.

But many people may not know about the informational interview.

This interview is crucial for every jobseeker or a person who wants to make important career decision.

But very few people utilise the opportunities this type of interview affords.

And informational interview is conducted to collect information about a career, a job, a company or an institution.

It is often initiated by the jobseeker or a person who wants to make an important career decision.

This type of interview is helpful for those who want to explore new careers or want to join the world of work, but are unsure of what a position entails.

So they have to make arrangements to meet people who are working in the area they are interested to get this information.

The major difference between a normal job interview and an informational interview is that the latter is less taxing to both the interviewer and interviewee.

Both parties are at ease and information is provided without restraint.

Reach out

So how do you conduct an informational interview? A good starting point is to identify the career, job or company you are interested in.

Then do some background research so that you can have a general idea of what the work in entails.

Next, devise the most effective ways to reach out to the people whom you will interview.

For this you can use the Internet, company profiles or visit the company in question.

After establishing your contacts, be clear to them on what you want from the onset.

Let them know that your only interested in getting advice, and learning more about the job or industry so that you can make important career decisions.

During the interview, be professional and carry it out with dignity. Prepare well, be focused and be polite.

Ensure you stick to the scheduled time, and do not forget to follow the purpose and objectives of the interview.

In order to get the most information out of your interviewees, structure the session to be formal. Dress formally so that the person you are interviewing will take the session seriously.

After an interview, send a ‘thank you’ note to your interviewees. Alternately, you can call back to express your gratitude.

Do not take it for granted that the interviewee found time to grant you an interview.