Don't mix informational interviewing
with job seeking. Employers will grant informational interviews when they
firmly trust that you will not hit them up for a job. The minute you begin
trying to get a job, the employer will feel misled. If you discover a job
that you do want to apply for during the interview, wait until the informational
interview is over. The next day, call the employer and tell your contact
that the informational interview not only confirmed your interest in the
field, but also made you aware of a position that you would like to formally
apply for.
Sometimes the interviewee may
offer you an internship or job. It's happened on numerous occasions.
Many people have conducted informational interviews and have done nothing
but ask questions and yet have been offered employment. What do you do
if they offer you an internship or job? If it sounds good, take it! Suddenly
your life changes in an instant!
The typical job searcher is going
around asking for a job instead of asking questions to find out more about
the job and the employer. A job searcher needs to know the basics about
the employer and what the company is about. The fact that you are seeking
only information will help set you apart from the hundreds of others who
are walking in asking for jobs and being told no. Approach the employer
with the attitude that you are seeking career advice. It is, therefore,
usually a good idea to set up an informational interview with a resource
person before there is an actual job opening in your area of interest.
Most managers and supervisors feel uneasy or uncomfortable talking with
a potential candidate when the organization is actively recruiting to fill
the position. However, you may find it helpful for future reference to
find out the name of the manager or the person who does the hiring. (Be
sure the information you get is accurate!)
