Worksheet

WHAT IS AN INFORMATIONAL INTERVIEW? An informational interview is a one-on-one networking meeting with someone that is in an industry, company, or job you’re interested in learning more about. The only expectation with an informational interview is for you to leave with insight and feedback around a job, company, or industry. Informational interviews are NOT opportunities to ask for a job at the person’s company. Informational interviews can be conducted at any stage in your career and can be conducted with people in or outside your network.

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HOW TO ASK FOR ONE Use the email template below to reach out to a warm contact (some you know or was referred to you) or a cold contact (someone you don’t have a connection to already). You can use the template via email or using LinkedIn’s messaging, InMail. Hi NAME, I hope this email finds you well! My name is [NAME] and I'm currently [YOUR CURRENT STATUS]. I've been exploring new career opportunities and I'm particularly focused on learning more about a career in [INDUSTRY]. I found your information through [INSERT HOW YOU KNOW THEM] and I 'd be grateful for the opportunity to spend 20 minutes with you to discuss your role as [JOB TITLE] and your work at [COMPANY]. I'd be especially interested in learning how you transitioned from [SOME CHANGE YOU KNOW ABOUT]. Do you have time in the coming weeks to connect in person? I am available anytime after 4:00 p.m. PST Monday through Friday. Looking forward to your response! Best regards, {YOUR NAME} {PHONE} {LINKEDIN URL}

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HOW TO PREPARE:

1. KNOW YOUR PITCH

Who are you?

What do you do?

You specialize in… (5-6 words on your unique expertise and skills):

2. HAVE A LEARNING GOAL

What types of jobs, companies, or industries are you interested in? How can this informational interview help you achieve your goals What do you hope to gain from your informational interview?

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3. RESEARCH THE COMPANY AND PERSON Before your informational interview, research the person and the company. This will allow you to have a more focused and meaningful conversation. WHAT TO RESEARCH

ADDITIONAL DETAILS

Company

• • • • • • •

Mission History Leadership team Revenue streams Products/ services/ customer Company size Locations

Interviewer

• • • •

Current job Previous jobs Education Any commonalities between you two

Recent Press

• Recent mentions in the news • Company blog • Employee reviews (www.glassdoor.com)

Job Openings

• Are they hiring • Why are you interested in the job • Best way to apply

YOUR NOTES

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4. PREPARE THOUGHTFUL QUESTIONS You will be the person leading the conversation so it is important to prepare some thoughtful questions ahead of time. You will want to ask questions that help you get answers to your learning goals. You will also want to ask specific questions and questions where you can’t easily find the answers online. Use the following table to help you organize what’s important to you. QUESTION TYPE

EXAMPLE QUESTIONS

Company

• Why did you pursue a job at this company? • How did you land your job here? • What’s your favorite thing about working here?

Industry

• How did you break into this industry? • What opportunities are available in this industry? • Are there any industry websites I should follow?

Interviewer

• What’s a typical day like in your job? • What skills, technology, etc. do use in your job? • How would you recommend I break into this type of role?

Job Openings

• What’s the hiring process like here? • What’s the best way for me to express in an open job?

Additional

• What other questions would you like information about?

YOUR QUESTIONS

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USE AN INFORMATIONAL INTERVIEW TRACKER Track who you meet with, what you talk about, and follow-up plans so you don’t miss anything. A tracker is also a great reference tool for the future. Person You’re Meeting With:

Company/job Title:

How We Met:

Date Meeting Is Scheduled For:

What You Discussed During The Meeting:

Follow-up Plan:

Person You’re Meeting With:

Company/job Title:

How We Met:

Date Meeting Is Scheduled For:

What You Discussed During The Meeting:

Follow-up Plan:

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Person You’re Meeting With:

Company/job Title:

How We Met:

Date Meeting Is Scheduled For:

What You Discussed During The Meeting:

Follow-up Plan:

Person You’re Meeting With:

Company/job Title:

How We Met:

Date Meeting Is Scheduled For:

What You Discussed During The Meeting:

Follow-up Plan:

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HOW TO FOLLOW- UP AFTER AN INFORMATIONAL INTERVIEW 1. ADD THEM AS A CONNECTION LINKEDIN 2. SEND A THANK YOU Make sure you send a thank you note to your informational interviewer within 24 hrs. In addition to thanking them for their time, mention something specific from your meeting to personalize your thank you note. Dear Mary,

I so appreciate the time you took to speak with me earlier this week. Hearing about your experience—including the challenges you faced as an {INSERT JOB}—was extremely valuable.

I also really appreciate you connecting me with {CONTACT NAME}; I am talking to her next week. I hope you don’t mind if I’m in touch periodically about my progress. Thank you again!

All the best,

{YOUR NAME} {PHONE}

{LINKEDIN} 3. PERIODICALLY REVIEW THE COMPANY’S SITE FOR OPEN ROLES

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ADDITIONAL RESOURCES: 1. The Fine Art of Thank You Notes http://www.careercontessa.com/conversations/fine-art-thank-you-notes/ 2. Informational Interviews 101 http://www.careercontessa.com/conversations/informational-interview-101/ 3. How to Write a Great Post-Interview Thank You http://www.careercontessa.com/conversations/post-interview-thank-you-note/

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