[nabs-l] Employment - Job Search Tips

[Joe Orozco]

I occasionally get interesting tidbits like the ones below in my inbox and
hope it is of some value to some of you.  Also remember that this list
features working professionals who, I am sure, would be willing to discuss
their jobs with you using the very same information interview approaches
described below.--Joe Orozco

Subject: Employment - Job Search Tips

Informational interviewing happens more frequently than you may realize. 

What Is Informational Interviewing? 
Informational interviewing is meeting, whether formally or informally, with
someone to gather information about an occupation, company, or industry that
can help you as you progress in your education, look for a job, or consider
starting a small business. 

Informational interviewing happens more frequently than you may realize.
Think of the last time someone asked you about your job, what you like or
dislike about it, how it is to work for that company, or what you studied in
school. Whether either of you realized it, you were having an informational
interview. 

Informational Interviews Can Help You: 

Choose or refine a career path. 
Determine what to study at university. 
Learn how to break into a career field, industry, or company. 
Determine which skills you have and which skills you need to obtain. 
Learn from others who own or started small businesses. 
  

Job Searching vs. Informational Interviewing 

Do not mix informational interviewing with job seeking. You can be honest if
you are looking for a job, but make sure the person you are interviewing
knows the interview is for you to learn, not receive a job. During the
interview, if you discover a position you want to apply for, wait until
later to apply. 

Preparation 
Identify Your Target 

Find an occupation, company, or industry to learn more about. 
Decide what information you want to learn. 
Identify who you want to interview and how you can contact that person. 
Research before the interview so you can ask more pertinent and in-depth
questions. 
  

Schedule an Interview 

You may request an interview over the phone, in person, or by letter, or in
some instances your networking contact may make the arrangements. Phone
interviews should be less than 5 minutes. In-person interviews should be 15
to 30 minutes. 

Informal Interviews 

Informational interviews can occur in all settings and occasions. If you
conduct an unplanned interview, even though you may not be wearing interview
attire or have a list of prepared questions, you can still make a good
impression if you act professionally.   

What to Bring 

A small notebook 
A pen 
A résumé or a networking profile. 
You may want to bring both and determine which document you should leave
with the interviewee, depending on how the interview goes. In some cases, if
you bring a résumé, it may appear that you are expecting a job offer. If you
decide to bring your résumé and you feel it would be appropriate for the
situation, you may ask the interviewee to review it and give you
suggestions.   

How to Dress 

Dress for the informational interview as you would for a job interview.
Follow the dress code for the company or dress one step above it. Some
informational interviews turn into job interviews.   

Before the Interview 

A day before the interview, verify the interview date, time, and location
with the interviewee. Make certain you know how to get to the interview
location. 

The Interview 
Make sure to: 

Be 10 minutes early. 
Have a firm handshake. 
Make eye contact. 
Mirror the interviewee?s body language. For example, sit forward in your
chair if he or she is doing so. 
Listen. 
Keep to the time limits that you agreed to when you set the appointment.   

Introduce Yourself 

Briefly tell the interviewee about yourself and find commonalities with him
or her. You may share your ?me in 30 seconds? statement, but keep in mind
that the objective of the meeting is to gather information. 

Ask Questions 

Phrase your questions in a way that is appropriate for the relationship you
have with the interviewee. 

Three Types of Questions You May Consider: 

Find out about an organization?s needs, expectations, and challenges. 
Find out what the organization has to offer you, but do not talk about
compensation, vacations, or benefits. 
Ask for names of other people in the organization who can help you achieve
your goals.   

Examples of Interview Questions: 

What are the positive and negative aspects of this work environment? 
What attributes does a successful person in this field possess? 
What is your typical workday like?   

Build Your Network and Get Referrals 

Invite the interviewee to give you advice. The interviewee may not have a
job for you, but he or she may know of other employers who are hiring. Find
out who else the interviewee suggests you contact. 

Follow Up 
Remember to follow up with the interviewee, but do not over-contact him or
her. 

Assess the Interview 

After the interview, assess how it went. Ask someone, such as an employment
resource center staff member, to give you feedback on your assessment. 

Below are some of the questions you may consider: 

What went well? What did not? 
What do you wish you had said or not said? 
What is your follow-up strategy? 
Interview more than one person in your area of interest. 

Send Thank-You Cards 

Remember to send a thank you note regardless of the outcome of the
interview. Send the letter in a timely manner either through the mail or via
e-mail. It can be handwritten or typed. Keep your letter brief, and make
sure it does not have any errors. Avoid phrases that sound as though you are
asking for a job.