horrible informational interview

[Milpool]

I had a talk with someone in my industry. Basically trying to find a position that is a better fit for me.

I was told that I need to get it out of my head that my experience and education and accomplishments are of value. I will be stuck hating life for as long as it takes for the more senior people to die, because with the economy the way it is, none of them are retiring any time soon.

I guess at least he was honest.

 

[gdl203]

He's probably right. Everyone is replaceable and most managers don't give a flying s#!t about their employees / team.

 

[Milpool]

It is rather depressing to think about.

 

[Concordia]

Can you warn us away from where the guy works?

 

[gdl203]

Originally Posted by Milpool

It is rather depressing to think about.

Nah it's fine. Just think of it as "work"

 

[Dakota rube]

Originally Posted by Milpool

It is rather depressing to think about.

Booze can help this.
Weed too, but you might forget where you parked your car.

 

[Blackhood]

He has a point; 5 Men start with degrees, in 5 years time they all have 5 years experience and education. Who gets the job?

What sets you apart are you skills and personality. Go after industry awards, write articles for your industry magazines (As long as you're not utterly marsupialed most publications welcome free copy), make a difference, and then start telling people you're different.

Until you stand out, you're just another ant walking in line with the rest of us.

 

[JoelF]

Originally Posted by gdl203

Nah it's fine. Just think of it as "work"

Yep. If it was fun, interesting or fulfilling it would have some other name.

 

[Milpool]

Originally Posted by Blackhood

He has a point; 5 Men start with degrees, in 5 years time they all have 5 years experience and education. Who gets the job?

What sets you apart are you skills and personality. Go after industry awards, write articles for your industry magazines (As long as you're not utterly marsupialed most publications welcome free copy), make a difference, and then start telling people you're different.

Until you stand out, you're just another ant walking in line with the rest of us.

His point was that there is just no room for the folks on my level to move up or progress. Doesn't matter one bit what I've done to set myself apart from everyone else with xyz qualifications.

 

[Milpool]

Originally Posted by JoelF

Yep. If it was fun, interesting or fulfilling it would have some other name.

I really don't see how either comment is applicable.

 

[Eason]

Good news, Milpool, the bailouts have saved our economy from depression!

 

[dragon8]

Originally Posted by Dakota rube

Booze can help this.
Weed too, but you might forget where you parked your car.

It does wonders.

 

[HRoi]

What industry is this? Unless it's something like zero gravity toilet bowls or king's eunuchs, most industries are not so small or specialized that it would take the deaths of a few people in the world for you to ever grow.

 

[binge]

Originally Posted by Milpool

I was told that I need to get it out of my head that my experience and education and accomplishments are of value. I will be stuck hating life for as long as it takes for the more senior people to die, because with the economy the way it is, none of them are retiring any time soon.

Sounds like you had lunch with StyleForum.

 

[highball]

Sounds like you just met with the wrong guy. I had an informational interview last week with a guy who basically told me the exact opposite. Based solely on the education and experience on my resume he wants to hire me down the road if and when he has more deals that pencil.

My advice for informational interviews: seek out people with backgrounds as similar as possible to your own who are working in the field you are interested in. These people are much more likely to be impressed by your background and to be your advocate when they hear about opportunities that might fit you. Particularly if you are a career changer like me.