Comments on: 7 Secrets to Successful Informational Interviews

By: How to Explore Business Careers and Majors

How to Explore Business Careers and Majors — Tue, 13 Oct 2009 07:07:13 +0000

[...] never had an informational interview before, I highly recommend reading this article, “Seven Secrets to Successful Informational Interviews.” Magic MBA’s business reading list Leadership Managing with Power by Jeffrey Pfeffer [...]

By: Thom Pulliam

Thom Pulliam — Thu, 11 Jun 2009 01:07:18 +0000

Any advice on setting this up via Skype or some other service if you want to do an informational interview with someone who's a plane flight away?

By: Why you should NEVER write your own résumé. | CompletE-Résumé

Why you should NEVER write your own résumé. | CompletE-Résumé — Tue, 21 Apr 2009 16:11:53 +0000

[...] friend to take a look at your résumé and help you tweak it. You might also set up one or more informational interviews to gain additional objective perspective and [...]

By: CSPD » Blog Archive

CSPD » Blog Archive — Wed, 15 Apr 2009 18:03:28 +0000

[...] Find the original article here! [...]

By: Job Search Links 04/15/09 | CompletE-Résumé

Job Search Links 04/15/09 | CompletE-Résumé — Wed, 15 Apr 2009 17:20:45 +0000

[...] 7 Secrets to Successful Informational Interviews SAVE [...]

By: Katerina D

Katerina D — Wed, 15 Apr 2009 14:05:18 +0000

Thank you for the post! I was wondering how often to send updates to the managers and the article responded to that question.

I have had a couple of informational interviews with people from the companies of interest, and found them extremely useful. Although the companies were from the same industry, the way they were organized, as well as the kinds of software skills and knowledge necessary to work for them successfully differed significantly. People who I met with provided me with precious advices on what I should point out when applying for a job in those companies, and were also ready to give a referral if a suitable opportunity arises. Therefore, I will definitely continue meeting with people for info interviews as these provide me with a chance to get information that I often wouldn't be able to find by other means.

By: Brad Remillard

Brad Remillard — Tue, 14 Apr 2009 21:38:47 +0000

This is important. Not try to spin an informative interview as a job interview. I get complaints for clients on this. In fact a number have refused to do anymore informative because of this.
Follow these guidelines and it will work.

By: Dan Erwin

Dan Erwin — Tue, 14 Apr 2009 16:13:41 +0000

Terrific post. Spot on! I'd reinforce one issue. Never ask for a job in an informational interview.

We're also learning that explaining things or asking questions through brief stories is a very helpful model.

By: Andrew Hennessy

Andrew Hennessy — Tue, 14 Apr 2009 13:46:21 +0000

Informational Interviews are extremely beneficial to job seekers. If you take the initiative to go out and seek an informational interview prior to applying for the job, you are showing the employer that you are proactive and care about the job. When recruiters are sorting through hundreds of applications and determining who they want for interviews, your name will stand out because you have taken the time to learn about the company from someone who works there.

Its just one of the many little tips that can give you the slight advantage you need to get the job.

Great article!!

By: Scott C Griffin

Scott C Griffin — Tue, 14 Apr 2009 08:34:47 +0000

The “Thank you” letter is one of the most important part as far as I am concerned. You took time out of their day that they didn't have to share with you. Besides, it is always good to say “thank you” – how can you argue about that?!?

One other thing that I would suggest – leave a business card behind. The ones I have are professional looking but most important is that it has a mini-resume on the back. It is far more professional and not as blantant to hand to someone than your resume that screams “Give Me A Job!!!” It also give the interviewer a means of contacting you IF a position were to open.