Tip No. 180
Q. I have finally succeeded in getting an informational interview scheduled with an individual who works for a company where I’d eventually like to be employed. I’d like to make a good impression on him, even though he has stated that he does not “know of any openings at the moment.” What should I be asking him?
A. Often companies will keep an eye open for good employees, even if a specific job opening does not exist “at the moment.” Keep in mind, however, that the foundation of an informational interview is not to get a job, but rather to gather information and be referred to others that this person knows within the company. Thus, you must impress the “interviewer” with your expertise, knowledge of the company at hand and build rapport. So, dress and act as if this were a potential job interview, and think about some of the following topics to discuss over lunch: • What types of projects are you involved with at the moment? What types of problems are surfacing? (Listen long enough to be able to gather enough information to figure out a couple of possible solutions to offer him before the lunch is over.) • Tell me about the general direction of the company’s goals at this point in time. • How is the company staying current (in your specific industry)? (Or you could ask this individual how he stays current in his profession.) • What do you think is important for me to know about your company? • In what ways do you see the company expanding? • Tell me about the progression of your career with this company. • What kinds of people work in this organization? • Who else do I need to speak with in your company to find out about its needs?
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