What does 'informational interview' mean?
Find out what informational interview means. Informational interview is explained by Jo Parfitt and Colleen Reichrath-Smith - authors of Career in Your Suitcase
informational interview
A different kind of interview whereby the job hunter asks an expert for a short interview in which he or she can ask questions about the career field and opportunities. This provides important research, but can also be a good way to practise your interview skills. Sometimes these interviews result in you being offered a job, but that is not the objective.Search result for 'interview' in Career in Your Suitcase
Chapter 10:
Talking to a professional
"...them – in that career consultants work for individual clients while recruiters work for client companies. In a nutshell, career consultants help people to find jobs, while recruiters help companies to fill positions. Recruiters are in a position to recommend qualified candidates to companies, and sometimes conduct preliminary screening interviews. Career consultants work with people on career goals, resumés and cover letters, networking, interviewing and other aspects of the job search to help them market and present themselves as effectively as possible.
..."
"...Management firms vary greatly in quality. Since they charge you up to 30% of your first year’s salary, it is critical to choose wisely. First and foremost, you want to get in writing the services they will offer you. Don’t be satisfied with vague phrases like, “Help you with interview preparation.” That could mean nothing more than giving you a list of ten questions often asked in interviews. Insist on having the services spelled out. Second, you want to be comfortable with the firm’s ambiance. If you feel patronised or condescended to, leave. Third, be sure you know who ..."
108.
"... to get a job in your chosen field.
The generalist will administer and interpret career assessments, write resumés and cover letters, counsel clients on the productive use of the Internet, teach networking skills and train clients for interviewing.
- When to Use a Career Consultant - ..."
"...In working on your job search, you may not need the whole laundry list of services. If it’s just a revised resumé that you need, look for somebody who writes lots of them. Ask to see samples of her work. If interviewing gives you the jitters, find a person who is expert in interview preparation. Ask the consultant how she prepares people for interviewing. Request to see examples of interview preparations sheets.
..."
"...the person? What are her strengths and weaknesses? What is her style and how much does she charge. If you do not know such people, ask the consultant you are considering for two or three former clients you can call. If she balks at this request, be sure to interview others.
..."
"...interviews same approach into selecting a career consultant. interview several (you should not be charged for the initial ‘do we have a fit’ session) with a special eye towards identifying somebody with whom you feel comfortable. When purchasing a new car, most buyers research potential makes and models and then ..."
"...You may talk to three distinguished consultants with graduate degrees but select an educationally undistinguished person because you sense that she’s the one with whom you will be comfortable being entirely honest. As we indicated, you should never engage the services of a career consultant before interviewing the person to assess her expertise, style and your own level of comfort with the person. If any of your candidates resents this, you can cross her name off your list.
..."
"...wanted to have a family portrait painted, it is unthinkable that you would commission the services of an artist whose portraiture you had never laid eyes on. Why should a consultant be any different? Ask to see samples of resumés, cover letters and materials used to prepare people for interviews. Are they well put together, the product of purposeful and careful work? Perhaps the consultant’s materials are excellent, but of a style that is incongruent with the portrait you want to present of yourself.
..."
249.
"... contacts. A career consultant can correct misperceptions about networking and give clients practical advice on how to go about doing it.
- interviewing -
Some people are such consummate networkers that their formal documents – the resumé and cover letter – are of secondary importance. ..."
"...Some people are such consummate networkers that their formal documents – the resumé and cover letter – are of secondary importance. But even skilled and experienced networkers can lose their confidence when faced with a formal job interview. It’s possible to get a job without a resumé or a cover letter, but very rarely without an interview. Career consultants are expert at rigorously preparing their clients for interviewing by:
..."
254.
"... clients for interviewing by:
- Generating a list of questions a client is likely to be asked.
- Teaching the interviewee to identify the primary concerns behind the interviewer’s questions.
- Helping the client to formulate his own questions for the interviewer.
- Crafting answers to ..."
255.
"... be asked.
- Teaching the interviewee to identify the primary concerns behind the interviewer’s questions.
- Helping the client to formulate his own questions for the interviewer.
- Crafting answers to between 10 and 20 representative interview questions.
- Developing brief 30-to-60 ..."
256.
"... the interviewer’s questions.
- Helping the client to formulate his own questions for the interviewer.
- Crafting answers to between 10 and 20 representative interview questions.
- Developing brief 30-to-60 second achievement statements.
- Conducting mock interviews.
- Conducting ..."
258.
"... answers to between 10 and 20 representative interview questions.
- Developing brief 30-to-60 second achievement statements.
- Conducting mock interviews.
- Conducting videotaped pre-interviews, for review.
- Holding a post-interview debriefing.
- Giving tips on salary ..."
259.
"... interview questions.
- Developing brief 30-to-60 second achievement statements.
- Conducting mock interviews.
- Conducting videotaped pre-interviews, for review.
- Holding a post-interview debriefing.
- Giving tips on salary negotiation.
- Use of the Internet -
The ..."
260.
"... 30-to-60 second achievement statements.
- Conducting mock interviews.
- Conducting videotaped pre-interviews, for review.
- Holding a post-interview debriefing.
- Giving tips on salary negotiation.
- Use of the Internet -
The Internet, as we noted, has transformed the ways in ..."
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Chapter 1:
Introduction - setting the scene
"...Fifteen years ago I began to study the phenomenon. I attended conferences, interviewed countless experts and talked with many women, and men, who shared my interest in portable careers. As a journalist, I was able to learn about this at the source and then share what I knew in the best way I knew - by writing about it.
..."
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Chapter 2:
Find Your Passion
481.
"... acceptable to be one who ‘blows their own horn’ and this is exactly why many have difficulty writing their CV
or recounting their strengths effectively in a job interview.
In the process of self-discovery you are now on, you will need to take time to rediscover (if necessary), learn ..."
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Chapter 3:
What Can You Do?
178.
"... inventing
perceiving intuitively performing
visualizing / imagining
Communication Skills
editing explaining interviewing listening mediating persuading public speaking
questioning reading talking writing
Physical Skills
manual dexterity motor coordination ..."
"...A new and growing field of work is ‘the subject matter expert’. Once you have written your book, blogged regularly on your area of expertise, contributed to other blogs and publications, presented at conferences, been interviewed for radio programs on and offline, been quoted in other media and reTweeted so you become a trending topic, you can call yourself a subject matter expert. Blogging on your topic and developing a large number followers means advertisers will pay to have their product on your blog page ..."
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Chapter 4:
Creating Your Career
"...goes on to say that bestselling author Esther Wachs Book, who wrote Why the Best Man for the Job is a Woman, defines ‘new paradigm leaders’ as those who combine many of the managerial talents traditionally attributed to men with many of the stereotypically ‘weaker’ female skills. In detailed interviews with 14 of the top female managers in the USA, Book concluded that new paradigm leaders achieve success for three main reasons:
..."
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Chapter 5:
Networking
464.
"... are you a mentor to others?
What kind of mentor would best be able to support you on your journey at this point?
Information interviews
A more targeted level of networking is arranging information interviews. This is when you organise a meeting with someone, not to ask ..."
"...A more targeted level of networking is arranging information interviews. This is when you organise a meeting with someone, not to ask for a job, but to research information about the company, a field of work or career. This will take the company and occupational research you have already done in Chapter 4 — Creating Your Career to ..."
"...know has the direct information you are looking for, ask if one of them can refer you to someone who can. Use the company search feature on LinkedIn to see how the company is linked to your network. If you are still unable to identify a suitable person to interview, then you can use local business directories and contact information on company websites to find the person you want to interview. A personal connection can really warm up the whole process so first try to find someone via your network. You will be surprised at the people your network ..."
"...An information interview will usually begin with a telephone call to ask a few questions or to arrange a time to meet. Always check you have called at a convenient time for them. If needed you can always call back at a time that works better for them. Your questions in the ..."
"...The information interview itself will usually be half an hour or so and is designed so you can find out more about the area of work or company which interests you. Most of the people you choose to talk to will feel flattered you considered them knowledgeable about their field, and ..."
"...ask about opportunities in general, not necessarily with that specific company, and to see if you can obtain the names of some more people you could contact who may also have additional further information. You should always dress for such a meeting as if you were going to an interview, and take along your CV just in case. You can ask for feedback on your CV or marketing materials, so you are better able to target these when you do start actively searching. You never know, you may be offered a job or contract on the spot, but let ..."
476.
"... actively searching. You never know, you may be offered a job or contract on the spot, but let that be on their initiative.
EIGHT TIPS FOR INFORMATION interviewS
1. Prepare a script for your information interview, including a very brief introduction of yourself. Adapt your elevator ..."
478.
"... be on their initiative.
EIGHT TIPS FOR INFORMATION INTERVIEWS
1. Prepare a script for your information interview, including a very brief introduction of yourself. Adapt your elevator pitch for the purpose of this meeting.
2. Identify the purpose of the meeting and why you have chosen ..."
482.
"... of the meeting and why you have chosen to meet with them. Tell them who referred you to them.
3. Clarify that you have no hidden agenda or want to use this interview to have them offer you work.
4. Let them know what questions you plan to ask so that they see you are prepared and know ..."
488.
"... described earlier in this chapter and share information you have that may be of interest to them.
6. During the course of the interview, provide additional detail about yourself
— your experience, competencies and corroborating examples.
7. Sample questions for an information ..."
491.
"... the interview, provide additional detail about yourself
— your experience, competencies and corroborating examples.
7. Sample questions for an information interview:
a. Please describe your career path for me — your qualifications and experience in this field.
b. What are some of the ..."
500.
"... and how they have helped you. Through these appropriate continued contact points they can become part of your network.
Preparing for your information interviews
What key information would you like to gather from people in the field?
Who do you need to talk to? If you don’t know ..."
506.
"... people you identified as potential mentors in the section on mentoring.
What will you say about yourself? Tailor your elevator pitch (see a few pages further in this chapter) to the purpose of an information interview.
What key relevant points about yourself will you include in your ..."
510.
"... relevant points about yourself will you include in your personal presentation?
What kind of information from your own research and experience to date do you have which may be of interest to people you interview?
Make a list of your potential questions
1.
2.
3.
4.
5. ..."
519.
"... questions
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
What are some of the ways you feel comfortable to follow up after the interview? Make sure you have what you need on hand so you can send it within a day or two of the information interview.
Use this information interview sheet to prepare ..."
521.
"... have what you need on hand so you can send it within a day or two of the information interview.
Use this information interview sheet to prepare for specific interviews and record the results.
Information Interview Record Sheet
Information Interview with: Date and time: Location: ..."
523.
"... the information interview.
Use this information interview sheet to prepare for specific interviews and record the results.
Information interview Record Sheet
Information Interview with: Date and time: Location:
1. Introduction
2. Reason for meeting:
3. Set ..."
525.
"... interview sheet to prepare for specific interviews and record the results.
Information Interview Record Sheet
Information interview with: Date and time: Location:
1. Introduction
2. Reason for meeting:
3. Set tone
4. Agenda:
5. Personal Presentation (key points ..."
534.
"... Date and time: Location:
1. Introduction
2. Reason for meeting:
3. Set tone
4. Agenda:
5. Personal Presentation (key points for this particular interview)
a. b. c.
6. Questions
a. b. c. d. e. f.
7. Referral (write down the referrals ..."
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Chapter 6:
Marketing Your Skills
"...applying for a short term contract, a one day training job, and part time work over an extended period, or persuading a client to buy our work, many of the same principles apply. We need to make a proposal face to face and/or on paper. We need to be interviewed as well, though this can be a formal or informal process. Additionally, because we also offer consultancy services, opportunities arise regularly when we find ourselves in a position to promote ourselves. Running our own businesses means it is vital we are always positive about our work, that ..."
"...prepare a summary of your skills, accomplishments and qualifications, otherwise known as a CV or resume. You will need to write a cover letter or email to accompany and introduce a CV or proposal. Few jobs and contracts are offered until at least one, often face-to-face, interview has taken place. Even if you are offered a position through your networking efforts, you will probably still need to supply the required documentation to meet some procedural requirements. The society in which we now look for work is more competitive, complicated and confusing than ..."
"...Conducting a focused work search requires a method of organising the information you’re collecting, and of recording the concrete steps — such as information interviews and sending out CVs — that you have taken. Getting and staying organised has several advantages over just trying to remember what you’ve learned and done. Unless your search is short, or you are blessed with an extraordinary memory, you won’t remember everything.
..."
"...Mike Dooley’s positive and humorous Note from the Universe available for free at TUT’s Adventurer’s Club, www.tut.com. Their slogan is ‘Thoughts become things. Choose the good ones’ and the Notes definitely help me to do this. Reward yourself along the way for successes, such as getting an interview, and for achieving goals you have established for yourself. This is essential for maintaining your energy and pacing yourself well.
..."
"...looking to work for them. Look for the names of companies operating in your area and visit their websites to research what kinds of positions are currently available. Even if the kind of work you want is not currently advertised, you can contact them for a networking or information interview or submit an open application, in person if possible, so you are already in their database if that position does become available.
..."
"...Don’t expect an immediate job offer to result. With good preparation beforehand, a career fair can be enjoyable and interesting. Bring your networking CV, your business cards (ones you have made up specifically for your work search) and a notepad and pen. Dress as if you were attending an interview. Research in advance the websites of the companies who will be hosting a booth. You can use some of the same questions you prepared for your information interviews in Chapter 5 — Networking to help you gather information. Be prepared to tell people about yourself and prepare in advance ..."
"...‘I found a job listing, applied with my CV, was asked for an interview and secured the job. I have secured four jobs this way. Having worked in career and professional development for many years, I probably have more knowledge than most about how to create strong career marketing materials and present a compelling case in the interview. However, as a career ..."
"...work search. You feel you are busy and you spend as much time as you can searching through many opportunities and sending applications out. But you don’t necessarily get back what you put in. Most applications are never responded to or acknowledged unless you get invited for an interview. This makes this type of work search a very one-sided experience that can drain your energy. Richard Bolles, author of What Color is Your Parachute, rates Internet work search as the number one worst way to find work! The top five ways to find work according to Bolles all ..."
"...writers, photographers, models and designers have used portfolios of their work to market their talents in their constant search for freelance work. The benefits of a portfolio have now been recognised by other professionals. A targeted portfolio can be used to prepare examples to talk about during an interview; to literally show examples of the quality of work you are capable of performing and to substantiate the claims of the CV. It can also be used as a tool to support career and life transitions.
..."
"...A formal work search generally means preparing a CV (curriculum vitae) and cover letter as well as going through an interview process whereby the employer or contract- provider selects the successful candidate. It is possible that through networking you have already ‘got the job’ but you need to provide the required documentation to formalise it. Here we provide an overview of the tools needed for this process and tips to ..."
"...it describes past experiences it is also a forward-looking document aimed at achieving your future goals. The CV will summarise your experience and highlight the most relevant points for the work you are wanting. The purpose of the CV is not to get the job but to obtain an interview. When submitting a proposal, the CV is often attached to detail the credentials and experience of the individual or team submitting the proposal.
..."
"...it is essential you customise each CV to highlight the skills required for the position in that company. You do not need to include every task that was part of your responsibilities in a particular position. A CV is a marketing document and summary aimed at getting you an interview for the work you want.
..."
498.
"... A ‘professional profile’ or ‘summary of qualifications’ or ‘highlights of qualifications section’ allows the reader to quickly find the most relevant points which demonstrate you are a candidate with a CV to read more closely and invite for the interview.
Your ..."
"...regularly, what magazine you subscribe to, what kind of travel you enjoy or you have done and whether you are a member of a club. Make sure if you do list these elements of your private life, they will not decrease your chances to be invited for the interview. In other words, be cautious or eliminate mentioning associations with, for example, a political or religious connection.
..."
555.
"... during that difficult period of waiting after you submit an application. Visit www.careerinyoursuitcase.com for a sample cover letter.
The interview
Once you are over the first hurdle of preparing your marketing documents, the next hurdle usually presents itself. We say usually, because ..."
"...Once you are over the first hurdle of preparing your marketing documents, the next hurdle usually presents itself. We say usually, because through networking you may already have secured the job and later simply need to supply the documentation to make it official. The interview is a natural part of the process of discovering opportunities and determining if they are for you (and you for them).
..."
"...In order to prepare successfully for an interview, you need to be able to understand the way potential employers think and what their selection criteria are. Galen Tinder of REA suggests you think of any additional skills not specified in the job description that will strengthen your chances. This will also demonstrate you have prepared well ..."
"...your skills match their needs. In this way you will find work opportunities to use your strengths to their greatest advantage without having to fit your square peg into a company’s round hole. Understand the cultural norms where you are applying for work and the cultural backgrounds of the interview panel. Discussions regarding salary in western culture are generally reserved for the second interview or negotiation stage. What North Americans consider to be taboo in an interview may be perfectly acceptable where you currently are. Also, be aware of local practices regarding shaking hands, making eye contact, showing the ..."
568.
"... references
Research the position using occupational profiles online (if you haven’t already) Develop a visual image of how it would be to work in that position at that company and how it would feel for you. Keep this vision in mind and check its accuracy during the interview
Prepare ..."
573.
"... range to be able to state a ballpark figure you would be willing to accept
Understand the interview process and the common questions asked during an interview (see the tutorial available at www.quintcareers.com)
Understand the principles of establishing rapport (see Chapter 5 — ..."
"...Understand the principles of establishing rapport (see Chapter 5 — Networking) and use them with everyone you meet at the company and during the interview Select your clothing in advance of the interview day and ensure it is ready. Visit the company in advance (or review their online pictures) to see what is generally worn and wear clothing one degree more formal or conservative than that
..."
576.
"... like them to elaborate on
Conduct a practice interview with one of your Blue Sky Team members or supporters and record it using your mobile phone, digital camera or video camera. Review this, recognise what you did well and look for ways to strengthen your performance
INTERVIEW DO’S
• ..."
580.
"... what you did well and look for ways to strengthen your performance
INTERVIEW DO’S
• Be confident in your abilities and open to asking questions for clarification during the interview
• Sum up your responses with how they relate to the position
• Practice active listening ..."
583.
"... question to indicate you understood it and then give your answer while making eye contact with all panel members
• Find as many ways to agree with the interviewers as possible
• Enjoy meeting new people and expanding your network
• Follow-up with a thank you email
• Use the ..."
586.
"... your network
• Follow-up with a thank you email
• Use the interview record form at the end of this chapter and online at www.careerinyoursuitcase.com to record your experience and insights following an interview
References
Interviewers will request your references ..."
"...interviewers will request your references if they are interested in following up on you as a candidate. In general, this may happen at the end of the interview or following their review of interviewed candidates. Some employers may choose to check references before the interview, so check to see when they would like references submitted if you are unsure.
..."
"...Your reference list should include two to three names and contact information of individuals who the interviewer may contact for information about your performance in previous work situations. If you do not have professional references, choose the people who will best be able to speak to the skills needed for the position.
..."
"...Prepare your references in advance by informing them of your work search, asking permission to use them as a reference and requesting they focus their comments on the specific skills and accomplishments most relevant to the position you are interviewing for. You may need to refresh their memory of the accomplishments you wish them to speak about. In this way you ensure your referee shares the information most relevant to the interviewer’s needs. You are not telling them what to say, but supporting them to do their best as ..."
"...It is important to follow-up an interview with a thank you note. In today’s instant world, an email is seen as even more effective than a hand written note. Jessica Liebman, managing editor of Business Insider, considers it an essential element in convincing the potential employer of your interest and enthusiasm for the position. According ..."
605.
"... According to Jessica, the three elements to include in the thank you are:
• The words ‘thank you’.
• Confirming your interest in the position following the interview.
• A reminder of why you are the one for the job.
The e-mail note has the advantage of being received the ..."
608.
"... of why you are the one for the job.
The e-mail note has the advantage of being received the same day as the interview, getting your name in the person’s inbox to allow for searches, and opening the door for an easy reply and a potential conversation.
The same applies to a Tweet or text ..."
"...The same applies to a Tweet or text message. My (Colleen’s) friend Linda Tweeted with an interviewer one week after being told she was the number two candidate for a position. She stressed what a positive interview it had been and invited him meet to explore the feasibility of her desire to work in this sector. She was inspired to do this after seeing a Tweet ..."
612.
"... qualities and values she was able to exude an authentic confidence in the interview.
Also send a thank you after information interviews and when people in your network share information and tips with you.
INTERVIEW RECORD SHEET
What is your first impression of the employer? Which of your ..."
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Chapter 7:
Working for Yourself
"...interviewften a good option for entrepreneurs who don’t want to go through the hassles and procedures involved in starting a business from scratch. With this option, however, it’s important to research and identify exactly what you’re buying. You must carefully assess the financial health of the business (often ..."
239.
"... speaking expats there to the locals.
The market was easy to target back then too. With only two newspapers and one English radio station, we only needed to make three phone calls in order to ensure the local media interviewed us and ran our story.
Next, we had t-shirts printed with the ..."
"...A word of advice: advertisements cost money, particularly if they are large and glossy. Classified ads are much cheaper. Online classifieds may be cheaper still. If you can get to write an article or be interviewed, chances are you may get a whole page devoted to you free of charge. If you want to find out how to write these articles you might like to consider Jo’s workbook Definite Articles.
..."
"...‘In the beginning it was very difficult to find paid work when I first arrived to Saudi Arabia. I am fortunate to have had diverse experiences and skills, which are in demand so receiving calls and being asked for interviews was not a problem. However it is fairly typical in Saudi Arabia to request a prospective employee to first work on a trial basis to better allow the employer to gauge the skills, expertise and “fit” of the candidate into the organisation. This seems to be especially true when ..."
"...Posting video on your website is very simple. You record your video on a host like YouTube or Vimeo and copy and paste the URL into your website updating page. Coach Stephanie Ward posts short two minute interviews with key authors and experts in the field of marketing as well as her own tips on very relevant topics. It allows you to feel as if you know her, profiles her knowledge and expertise, and increases the likelihood you will contact her when you need the services ..."
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Chapter 8:
For the Journey
"...the beginning of this section. Others work specifically with people to guide them through one or more of the various elements of career development: learning more about yourself, conducting career assessments, understanding the labour market, making choices, setting career goals, writing CVs and cover letters, learning networking and interviewing skills, negotiating a salary and other aspects of career development and work search. Some consultants are also trained coaches or certified psychologists.
..."
"...help them with self-assessment. There is a distinct difference between them - career coaches, counsellors and consultants work for individual clients while recruiters work for client companies. Recruiters help companies to fill positions; they are in a position to recommend qualified candidates to companies, and sometimes conduct preliminary screening interviews. Recruiters are sometimes referred to as ‘head-hunters’ and are most interested in managerial and professional people who can command a salary of at least $50,000. In general, the higher your salary, the greater the chance of attracting recruiter interest. In addition, recruiters are often more interested in people who ..."
