Happy Monday! Today we have another guest post from my career partner, Miriam Salpeter. With over 10 years of experience, Miriam's mission is to encourage, enlighten and empower job seekers for success. Don't launch your search without her toolbox of up-to-date tips and support. Miriam's clients gain confidence, clarity and job search know-how! Visit her site to learn more.
By Miriam Salpeter, M.A.
Career Action Coach
I am a huge fan of informational
interviews. What is that, you ask? An informational interview is a fancy
way of saying that you’re requesting a meeting with someone who may be able to
share insights or information with you that could help in your job search.
(Click HERE
to read more about info interviews and HERE
for specifics on getting started.) In fact, I’ve even advocated for job seekers
to talk
to people you DON’T think can help you.
Talking to people about their
jobs and companies is a great way to (1) learn about people and organizations
and (2) introduce yourself, your skills and accomplishments to people who will
(hopefully) like you and want to help you with your plans.
Every time I talk to clients
about informational interviews, I always emphasize the importance of
approaching contacts NOT as a job seeker, but as someone who is simply
gathering information. If you can convince yourself AND the person you
want to meet that you don’t expect the meeting to result in a job, you are much
more likely to be successful securing appointments.
Let’s face it, if you approach as
a job seeker, (”I am looking for an opportunity working in _____, and I would
like to talk to you about positions at your organization.”), your contact will
not want to speak to you unless he or she actually has an opportunity in mind.
No one wants to disappoint another person, so if your target contact has no job
in sight, he or she is likely to suggest that you send your resume to HR.
That tact will not help you get
your foot in the door, and does not connect you one-on-one to a potential ally.
So, be polite, but persistent. Insist that you are gathering
information, “not expecting a specific opportunity as a result of our meeting,”
and push to talk to contacts in person. If your targeted contact is not
interested, ask for a referral. (”I appreciate that you are too busy to meet.
Is there someone else in your department who might be able to speak with me?)
The fact is, most people love to
talk about themselves, and few of us have a willing audience for our stories!
Ask yourself, if someone called you and requested that you share your
story and information about your organization (assuming you weren’t working
with classified information), what would you say? I would bet that most of you
would be willing to help.
So, take the plunge. Find
some contacts and land some informational interviews!
Have a great week!
Click here to get an idea of the inspiring, informative articles, tips and tools we publish in the Creating Your Career Path newsletter!
Hallie Crawford
Career Transitions Coach
