Shirfei Tay: Preparing for Informal Interviews
Imagine this scenario: Following days of persistent cold calling and emailing, you receive a long-awaited response from a professional holding the precise position you're interested in. Excitedly, you arrange an informational interview (coffee chat) with this professional, scheduled for next Monday. As you prepare for this opportunity, you recognize the importance of leaving a lasting impression during the informational interview. The question now is, how can you guarantee that you make an impression?
An informational interview is usually a casual meeting between a job seeker and a professional in a particular field or industry. For college students, informational interviews are not only great ways to network but also to explore specific industries and roles. Below, I will outline the preparation and work I do before an informational interview to ensure that it is productive and memorable.
Research, research, research! Prior to meeting with a professional for an informational interview, it is important to do your homework. Explore the professional’s LinkedIn profile for their career journey and interests! Make sure to also research about the companies they’ve worked for to better prepare yourself for questions to ask (on industry). Finally, while doing research, look for any commonalities between the two of you that are appropriate to discuss during the 1:1.
It is incredibly important to be prepared ahead for informational interviews as it provides context for a more meaningful conversation. It shows that you are genuinely interested and that you respect their time and expertise. And most importantly, it allows you to tailor questions based on their background.
Questions: An informational interview is basically an opportunity for you to ask questions. And so, it is important to have sincere questions. In addition to tailoring questions, it is important to develop thoughtful questions that also showcases your own knowledge of their work and industry. Make sure that the questions align with your career goals and you are able to gain insight that can help you. By tailoring questions both for the professional and for yourself, it will encourage a more engaging and personalized conversation. Furthermore, it will help you communicate your interests.
Adaptability: Of course, despite preparing for informational interviews, it may not go as planned. This is why being adaptable while conversing is crucial. It is important to pay attention to what the professional is saying and adjust your questions accordingly (if needed). If the conversation goes in a different direction, be open to exploring new topics. Conversations are dynamic and there is no way one can plan it out so remember to adapt to the natural flow of the conversation.
Following up: Finally, follow up with the professional after the conversation. Make sure to send a personalized thank-you email expressing gratitude for their time and most importantly, reference specific points from the conversation to show attentiveness. Finally, express your interest in staying connected and potentially continuing the conversation in the future! And if appropriate, connect with them on professional platforms such as LinkedIn.
By combining thorough research, tailored communication, adaptability, and a thoughtful follow-up, you can significantly enhance your chances of making a lasting impression during an informational interview.