A job search can be very intimidating, especially if you are either new to the workforce or changing careers. You can, of course, simply email resume after resume, hoping that somebody will reply. However, even if you are successful in getting a position with that company, that does not mean you will be happy with the job you find. So what is the best solution to finding both the career path and the job you want? The answer is by performing information interviews. In order to discuss this topic in greater detail I spoke with Lise Stransky, the Career Education Program’s career advisor at the University of Calgary.

How does it work?

When a job seeker is about to start incorporating an information interview into their job search, it is crucial to first understand what it is and how it works so that you can use them appropriately. Stransky feels that an information interview is “an exchange of information between two people. One person who is an industry representative and the other who is seeking more information about an industry, a specific job or the skills required for a particular position.” When deciding to do an information interview, the first thing to do is to find people to speak with in the specific industry or position you want information about. You have to call to see if somebody would be willing to either meet with you or have a phone conversation. Then, ensure that you are prepared with a set of questions you want to ask that will get the answers you are searching for.

Understanding the basics of an information interview is important but the key is in figuring out how to perform one successfully. Stransky believes that you have to be prepared, persistent and respectful. “In terms of being prepared, you want to do your homework before you call somebody. It is a good idea to have a pitch ready for yourself. Explain specifically what information you are looking for and that you are not looking for a job.” It is also important to give a good impression if meeting face to face. Therefore a job seeker should be appropriately dressed and have a personal business card with your name and contact information. Stransky feels there is one rule to remember. “You are not going in and asking for a job; you are only asking for information about their job and their industry.”

What to ask?

There are an unlimited number of questions you could ask but only a limited time frame to do so. As a result, you should have a list of about seven to ten questions in hand. Some questions can be asked of any person while others will be more specific to the job or industry. As such, research will be necessary in order to focus on what you want to accomplish. Some common questions that Stransky suggests are:

• How did you get your job?
• What education do you need for your position?
• What skills are important for this position?
• What is the outlook for the industry?
• Do you like your job?
• What are the downfalls of your job?
• Do you work with others or by yourself?

 

A good final question is asking if they know anybody else that you can speak with in this industry.” This will help assist in networking. One final thing to remember is that as the interviewer, you should be listening more than you are talking.

The other perspective

A job seeker’s focus is on their own personal job search. However, understanding the employer’s viewpoint and what they feel they can receive from the exchange of an information interview is just as important as it is another way to gain knowledge. Stransky believes that there are three main benefits for the employer: soliciting new talent; educating people; and marketing. “Instead of having to go through hundreds of resumes when you post a job, if you are meeting with somebody in an information interview and a job posting emerges, you may have the inside track on the position.” There is also a great opportunity to network for both the job seeker as well as the employer. As well, if an employer is meeting with young people, such as a university or college student, it is a great way to see where a different generation is at.”

As information interviews are a form of education, the employer can educate people about their line of work. As Stransky states, “If there is misinformation or negative connotations surrounding a particular career, the employer has the opportunity to clarify them for people.” The employer can also use this as a marketing tool. “Career fairs are a great opportunity for students to gain information on a company or industry but it is also a great way for an employer to promote their brand and market the organization.”

Why bother?

Many job seekers will wonder why an information interview is even worth their time. They can simply spend that time sending out their resume. However, the benefits far exceed the time spent. One major benefit Stransky sees is that information interviews are an easy way to begin building your network. “Networking can be very intimidating for college or university students. They often think that they do not know people that they can network with. Spending time talking to people in the industry is a great way to get more practice and it eventually will help to clarify their career goals.” Networking can definitely be intimidating but the one thing to remember is that people love to talk about themselves and their careers. As a result, most people will be receptive to an informational phone call.

Another major benefit that Stransky observes is that the person who spends more time doing information interviews and networking is more likely to find a job faster than somebody who spends all of their time sending out resumes. According to her “you can spend 100% of your time online submitting resumes and never hear anything back. It is easy to do that, especially if you are intimidated by networking, but it is nowhere near as productive. Approximately 60% of your time should be spent incorporating information interviews and networking into your job search plan and 40% should be just sending out resumes.” Stransky thinks that many people, especially students, fall into the mindset that job search equals sending out my resume and they forget about that hidden job market.

When thinking about all of the positive things that can come from an information interview, Stransky feels that it should definitely tell you one thing. “You want to find out if a position is the best fit for your personality, skills, and what you want out of your job before you go out and apply. You do this because, at the end of the day, the idea of an information interview is to see what best fits you in your career.”

Karl Noseworthy is a freelance writer from Newfoundland who currently resides in Kitchener, Ontario. He can be reached at karlnoseworthy@hotmail.com.