Networking for the Informational Interview

Networking For Informational Interviews

In my recent article I wrote about doing Informational Interviews. Before you conduct them, you need people to conduct them with. So, where do you find them? Start by writing down the four or so companies of interest. Brainstorm and try to think if there is anyone you can think of in any department who works for these companies. If you can think of someone, call them up and tell them you are interested in learning more about the company they work for and the department you are interested in possibly working in. Let them know you are in the initial phase of your job search and that at this point you are merely gathering information and determining if this is a company you would like to target. Ask the person if there is someone they would be willing to connect you with in the department you are interested in. From there, thank them and call the person in the department.

If you do not know anyone in the company, it is time to get creative! This is not for the faint of heart, but then, you are determined to find a great job that you will love! Go out on the internet and look for contacts within the company that you could call. You may find contacts in a variety of places. Try some of the options listed below.

• Job boards – Look for the company you are interested in and see if they have any contacts listed with their information.
• Association websites – Look for the association of your profession in your geographic area and search for any contacts associated with the company. If this does not work, try looking in other geographic areas and see if you can find contacts who can help you connect with someone in your area.
• cold calling in to the company for a contact name in a department
• Using Linked-In or another on-line networking tool – contact people in your list to see if they know anyone they would be willing to connect you with.
• Send out letters to friends and let them know you are in the initial phase of your job search and you are specifically interested in meeting some people from Company X, Company Y and Company Z. Ask if they know anyone they would offer to connect you with.
• Google the company and also list the word resume. See if someone comes up who works in the company and try calling them.

Remember to send a thank you to anyone who helps you and offers you a contact. Thank you’s are a great method of making a great impression with others.