Most job seekers are well aware that the best way to obtain a job is through networking. Sitting around and waiting for a job posting to appear is not an effective job search strategy. For this reason, the best and most effective way to look for a job is by reaching out and conducting informational interviews with professionals working in your industry (more information can be found on informational interview in one of my previous blog posts).
When conducting an informational interview there are some key mistakes that you want to avoid in order to ensure your success.
Here are 8 things you don’t want to do in an informational interview:
1. Arrive early
Don’t come more than five minutes before your appointment. The person you’re meeting has other obligations and you don’t want to put any pressure on them. If you arrive early, do yourself a favour and go grab a coffee or go for a walk before entering the business.
2. Forget your resume
It is a good idea to bring a copy of your resume so that you can ask for advice and/or feedback on how to improve it. Even if your resume was constructed by a professional resume writer, the best people to obtain resume writing advice from are individuals working in your specific industry. Even better yet, if you can get advice and tips from a person in HR or a recruiter who regularly review resumes in your industry then they can tell you how to best layout your resume for success.
3. Failing to do company research
There’s no excuse for not reading the company website and/or LinkedIn profile of the person you are interviewing. This homework will certainly pay off and will give you the information you need to make the most of the conversation.
4. Walk in without a goal
Every informational interview must have a purpose. Your exact goal depends on your needs but you should be clear about what you want before you walk through the door. Always keep this in mind and be sure to ask questions to clarify you goals.
5. Ask for a job
Never ask for a job in an informational interview. You’re there to network, not to apply for a position.
6. Assume you have unlimited time
Your time is your most valuable asset. The same is true for the person you’re meeting. Don’t ask for more than 30 minutes. Be respectful in the time they have given you and bring the meeting to a close on schedule.
7. Forget your business cards
Every professional, including people looking for work, needs business cards. Exchange cards when the appointment ends and use the information to stay in touch with your contact on LinkedIn.
8. Neglect to send a thank-you note
You should always follow up with the person you interviewed and let them know that you are grateful for their time and advice. Whether you send a handwritten note or an email, be sure to send a thank-you note within 24 hours. Your efforts will go a long way.
Informational interviewing is such a great way to connect with other professional working in your industry. In order to ensure that you are successful in your meeting, be sure to avoid the above 8 informational interview mistakes.
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