Just as its name implies, an information interview is a technique used by some job hunters that will get them in front of a person who is of interest to them, either due to the position he holds, or the company for whom he works.
By nature, most of us WANT to help others, and if it’s possible to do so with a minimum of time and energy expended, so much the better. However, because the word ‘interview’ can make people nervous, a better strategy is to simply call/e mail your contact and ask your contact to meet you for coffee/drinks/tennis or any other non-threatening event.
If you are able to say that a mutual friend or acquaintance suggested that you call, you have just increased your chances that the person will actually agree to meet with you. But remember: your objective is to get INFORMATION: not a job! You will want to engage in a conversation, not about YOU but about them. Don’t forget that your ‘interviewer’ is not an interviewer in the strictest sense of the word, but an imparter of information.
Once you settle in with your chosen contact, ask her how she landed her job or what her most favorite part of the position is. Follow up with a question on educational back-ground—“Gee, Ms. Dun-a-lott, how did you decide that this field was of interest to you? “Or, “What was the job that led you to this one? Or even: “What do you enjoy most in your position?’ Another great question would be “If you could change anything about the operation of your company, what might that be?”
The conversation needs to be just that--a conversation. At an appropriate moment, you can certainly talk about yourself: your background, abilities, hopes, desires and interest in the industry. But, DON’T ask your interlocutor for a job as that is the surest way to terminate what might otherwise have been a pleasant 30 minute chat.
Word to the wise: don’t overstay your welcome! The person you are meeting with has been amply generous with you by granting you some of his time when he probably has a bajillion other things to do. When your meeting is over, shake hands and say something like “I’ve really enjoyed the time we spent together, and it its OK with you, I’d like to let you know about my career progress in the future.”
Likely as not, your interviewer will be flattered and you might just reap the benefits of his generosity later on. Assuming your conversations went well, he may think of you subsequently when talking with one of his professional associates who is looking for a person to fill a position. Having just had such a positive experience with you, you could just be that lucky person!
Finally—and this is SO-O-O important: don’t forget to send your contact a note of thanks—handwritten preferably—in which you sincerely express your appreciation. This in and of itself, will set you apart from other job seekers who don’t bother with this social nicety.
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