Networking strategy - Part9

CONDUCTING AN INFORMATIONAL INTERVIEW #2

The aim

Remember that your goal is to get a feeling of what working at a particular company or in a specific industry is like, an inside scoop or a distinctive tip to make your application stand out. 
And even if you are tempted to, resist asking for a job.

The outcome

Moreover, you can fall on great surprise: this person may appear as far from the decision process and in fact, be closely related to the hiring manager (on a private level for example). 

The outcome may result in a way you can not anticipate.

What is different?

Even if it is considered as to be a lower stakes conversation with a non decision maker, it is still a professional interview. And the same rules apply: be on time, dressed appropriately, choose a nice location etc and obviously, prepare this interview. 

The only difference is that you will be more likely to lead the interview and get to ask the questions. Being prepared with questions, don't mean that you are ready to fire off.

You have to turn it to a relaxed, fresh conversation and round smartly, with draped questions, the topics you want to cover by keeping a framework in your mind.

Be smart

Start on a positive note. Break the ice by asking your info source how he came to this job or company, or what makes him happy with this current role.

Example of draped questions:

-          Is the industry in a state of growth or decay

-          How long has he been in this position for? Has he evolved within the company?

-          What parts of the job does he enjoy the most? What change in the job or industry are to be anticipated?

-          What are the trends to follow? And how the company adapts to innovation? And what about the training of the employees?

-          What should be improved? What are the main struggles the company is facing and how?

-          What are the priorities? The projects on going or in preparation?

-          Who would be the next person to talk to and why? Ask a description of this person and what, according to him, will interest this new person?

Please share your thoughts in the comment section below.

Author - Kevin Simonnet