Dear Experts,

I just graduated college and am trying to get a job or “jobternship” locally to gain experience. I’m hoping to use informational interviews to get my foot in the door. Currently, I am working to set up informational interviews with area firms through a mutual contact. My question is, how do I use this opportunity to not only learn about the interviewer, the firm, and the industry, but also sell myself and seek out opportunities? I’m very eager to learn and don’t want to have it seem like I’m just there to hit them up for a job.

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Here is how our T.A.P. experts answered this question:

@sweetcareers Q#182 Be ready to talk abt knowledge of field & relevant exprience. Have related examples, and lots of them.

@gradversity Q#182 If the interview’s going well, pose some questions about future opportunities. Use their response to gauge their interest.

@dawnbugni Q#182 Purpose of an information interview NOT to seek opps. It’s research. Don’t mix. http://is.gd/1i9n1

@louise_fletcher Q#182 Agree with @askamanager. You shouldn’t sell yourself at an informational interview. Listen, be interested and learn.

@askamanager Q#182 Informational interviews ARE not for getting a job and you will irk them if you try. See http://tinyurl.com/ncrc57

@ValueIntoWords Q#182 I’ll add 2 @beneaubank‘s great tip: “Be intelligent/interesting,” by also saying, “Be interested” in “them.”

@DebraWheatman Q#182 Discuss ur strengths and willingness to contribute in dynamic environment. Hand write t/y note. Follow-up regularly.

@jtodonnell Q#182 No worries! Your actions (professionalism, enthusiasm, knowledge) will sell for you. http://ow.ly/g4es

@kgrantcareers Q#182 U R selling self already by scheduling an inf int. Learn what hiring mgrs want 1st, keep in touch, then ask about job.

@ValueIntoWords Q#182 Agree w/@GLHoffman; plus, “informational” intrviews r what name implies: info-gathering (not selling) sessions.

@beneubanks Q#182 Don’t shoot for job in info interview. Ask for more contacts. Be intelligent/interesting, & THAT will sell.

@GLHoffman Q#182 Don’t think “sell yourself,” instead focus on how you can help them. Be specific AFTER you have researched them.

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