Informational Interview

[mikeman]

Next week I have an informational interview at an advertising agency. I'm looking to getting in to the account side of things.
Anyhow, I have never had an information interview. What I have gathered is that I basically kind of just talk to them about the company and where I might fit in. Is that correct?

Any pointers or things that would help me be prepared would be fantastic. Thanks.

 

[Pennglock]

Treat it like a real interview.

 

[VinnyMac]

It's a chance for you to find out if you'd fit with the company and where. Ask questions about what types of positions are available for different functions. Talk to them about your goals and skills. Find out if it's a good fit.

 

[mikeman]

Thanks guys. Do I really need to be prepared with lots of questions, or will they kind of do most of the question asking? I'm just hearing different things on different sites.

 

[VinnyMac]

Thanks guys. Do I really need to be prepared with lots of questions, or will they kind of do most of the question asking? I'm just hearing different things on different sites.

It's called an "information interview." You go there to get information. It's tough to get much information from an interview if you don't ask questions. There may be some type of presentation to start things off, but the bulk of it will probably be question and answer. That's been my experience.

Be the person who actually shows up prepared....unless you don't care about the company/job. In that case, just stay home and watch tv.

 

[mikeman]

Alright. So I basically just want to make sure I know the company and show up with a list of questions. Cool.

 

[AmeliaSltr]

Please do a good home work about the individuals, company and industry. Because you will get just one chance to network with the people you're targeting and you can't afford to waste these precious minutes.

telephone and broadband packages

 

[Joffrey]

I have an informational interview scheduled for tomorrow. Actually, that's an overstatement. I'm meeting a junior employee at a company I'd really like to work for for a few beers (he's an acquaintance of a friend). I've done these things before but it's been a while plus I'm a little conflicted about how to approach this. I'm a bit older than him (2-3 years) but have many more years work experience. So really, the reason why I'm meeting with him is to simply find out more about the company - how it actually functions, atmosphere/culture. In the back of my mind of course is how do I get my resume looked at - I submitted it about a week and a half ago. but not sure if he'll have any pull at the place. Any thoughts?

 

[ter1413]



I have an informational interview scheduled for tomorrow. Actually, that's an overstatement. I'm meeting a junior employee at a company I'd really like to work for for a few beers (he's an acquaintance of a friend). I've done these things before but it's been a while plus I'm a little conflicted about how to approach this. I'm a bit older than him (2-3 years) but have many more years work experience. So really, the reason why I'm meeting with him is to simply find out more about the company - how it actually functions, atmosphere/culture. In the back of my mind of course is how do I get my resume looked at - I submitted it about a week and a half ago. but not sure if he'll have any pull at the place. Any thoughts?

Some businesses have a process re resumes. A specific HR rep could handle specific departments(larger companies.) You may have to be patient. The 1 time that I pushed a resume for someone I know, I knew the HR rep(not well, but I knew her) and she said that she would take care of it.That week, she left the company. My friend's resume got lost in the mix and I don't believe she was ever called in for an interview.

The good thing is that you can pick his brain: Is a week+ a long time to not hear anything? What is the culture like(don't necessarily expect a 100% honest answer)? Does he see himself staying with the company for a while? Compensation? Hours? Etc.

Use it as an info gathering session without having the dude feel like he is out for drinks and ONLY talking about his company. Mix in some regular conversation.

Do ask him if he feels that you should reach out for someone or if he feels that the "delay" is normal....