Informational Interviewing - A Career Management Strategy

Have you ever conducted an informational interview? If not, consider adding it to your career management to-do list. Informational interviewing is a great strategy for expanding your professional network. Whether you’re actively job searching, interested in learning about a new field or company, or just looking to broaden your network, informational interviewing is a strategic tool to help you reach your goal.

The purpose of an informational interview is to gain knowledge and insight directly from professionals in your career field of interest, while making important contacts for your network.  Take advantage of your UK alumni network and reach out to fellow alumni in your target field. LinkedIn’s new alumni tool (www.linkedin.com/alumni) is a good resource to find alumni in your geographic region, industry and/or company of interest. Informational interviewing is not the platform to ask for a job; rather, it’s a chance for you to meet new professionals and gain advice from others in your field. We recommend that you prepare a list of specific questions that you’d like to address prior to the meeting. Think about what you’d really like to take away from the conversation, and customize your questions accordingly.

Dress to impress. First impressions are lasting, and you want to put your best foot forward. Ask for 20-30 minutes of their time, and be sure to send a thank you note after the meeting.

Here’s a list of sample informational interview questions to help you get the ball rolling:

·         How did you get started in this career field?  Describe a typical day at work.

·         What do you like most and least about your career/job?

·         What professional organizations would you recommend for someone in this field?

·         What advice would you give to someone who is considering a career in your field?

·         Where do you see this industry going in the next 3 – 5 years? What trends are emerging?

·         How have career assessments and knowledge of self been helpful in getting into this field?

·         Who/what have been some of your greatest career influences.

·         What role has networking played in your career? How did you build your network?

·         What do you know now that you wish you would have known when you graduated from college?

·         Have you had mentors along the way? Describe what you have learned from them.

·         What is one of the biggest challenges you’ve faced in your career?

·         How do you balance work and family life in your career?

·         Talk about how the connections you made at UK continue to help you in your career.

·         What was your greatest career challenge/mistake and what did you learn from it?

·         In hindsight, what college courses did you miss out on taking that would have been helpful?

·         What are your future career goals?  

·         In this tight economy, what job search advice would you like to share with others?

·         What do you do for professional development and/or what are some things you do to remain competitive in your career?

·         What advice would you give someone interested in breaking into this career field?

·         If someone with my experience were applying for an entry-level position in this field, what suggestions would you have to increase the likelihood of obtaining an interview?

·         Do you know another professional in this field that would be willing to talk to me as well?

15 Things Successful Job Seekers Know & Do

1.)     Do NOT rely solely on job boards. Job boards are less than 5% effective if they are the sole means of one’s job search. Get out of the house and in front of people. Face-to-face meetings are essential. Network constantly, strategically and effectively.

2.)      Be able to clearly articulate how you can help your future employer. What is your value proposition?

3.)      Master your 30 second commercial and use it frequently.

4.)     Use social networking tools (LinkedIn, Twitter, etc.) to connect with and build your professional network.

5.)      Schedule regular informational interviews with new or existing contacts in your target industry or company.

6.)     Seek professional development opportunities.

7.)      Take care of yourself physically, emotionally and intellectually so you can put your best foot forward and project a positive attitude.

8.)      Volunteer in your community to keep your skills fresh or develop new skills. Build your resume.

9.)      Clearly identify your support system.

10.)   Keep your warm contacts updated on your job search.

11.)   Regularly revise and improve your resume, cover letter, professional portfolio, and LinkedIn profile. Have your resume critiqued.

12.)   Monitor your online footprint. Make sure it is easy for employers and recruiters to review your brand, profile, strengths, and skills.

13.)   Practice your interviewing skills. Be ready to confidently answer why you are no longer employed or are looking for a new opportunity with a positive spin.

14.)   Systematically follow up on all applications and leads.

15.)   Remain flexible and look at all opportunities.

A positive attitude and self-confidence are critical in your job search!

The Elements of a Resignation Letter

Congratulations! You have carried out a successful job search and have accepted a new offer.  Now comes the often-uncomfortable situation of informing your current employer.  Quickly schedule a face-to-face meeting with your supervisor, since ideally you will want them to hear the news from you and not through the office rumor mill.  No matter what the situation surrounding your departure, this meeting needs to set the wheels of motion in place for a positive, smooth transition. Prior to the meeting, prepare an official letter of resignation.

The first paragraph of the letter will state that you have accepted another position and list your last day of employment. It is not necessary to disclose your new employer.  A two-week resignation is still considered a minimum courtesy with some employers requesting up to a month.  Keep in mind that in some situations, employers will consider your resignation effective immediately and possibly may require a security escort to the door. Although it is hard not to take this type of treatment personally, it is often simply company or security protocol.

The second paragraph or body of the letter will thank your supervisor. In many situations, this will be easy. In other situations, you will have to stretch, but always find something(s) positive. Examples of things to thank your supervisor for could include: serving as a mentor, giving you leadership, training or skills development opportunities, recommending you for special committees or stretch assignments.  Lastly, reassure them that you will do everything possible to make this a smooth transition offering some specifics. Oftentimes, employers will ask you to train a temporary or replacement, leave explicit notes, or get projects in good standing.

Clients have shared that when they go into the meeting with a resignation in hand, it makes the meeting proceed in a more business-like manner and less emotionally driven. In some cases, the supervisor may beg you to stay, offering more money. Mentally, be prepared if this happens. Remember why you are really leaving. Money is seldom enough to truly rectify a poor fit or unchallenging role. Ideally, if you were unhappy, career management conversations would have already occurred that could have made the job continue to work for you and your career path. The enticement of more money seldom is a cure all.

Before approaching your supervisor with the announcement, here are some additional things to consider: make sure you have contact information of key people that you would like to remain in your network and remove any personal files or materials from your office. If you have your LinkedIn account tied to a work email, change this to a personal email. Work-related email accounts are often turned off at the time of a resignation.

By following these strategies, preparing for your next resignation will be a straightforward process.