I’m re-posting a fabulous article by career coach Alexia Vernon, owner of Catalyst in Action, on how to make the most of informational interviewing. A few tidbits:
Informational Interview Step 1: Scoring Face Time
You explain succinctly and dynamically who you are, what results you have achieved, and why this person should give you the time to discuss existing and anticipated opportunities in the field.
Informational Interview Step 2: Breathe and then Bulldoze Forward
You called your prospect when you said you would. And after a few rounds of phone tag, you have converted the person into an informational interviewee. Most likely you have a couple of weeks to prepare.
It’s important to celebrate this victory, and recognize that a little bit of smart work has paid off.
Informational Interview Step 3: Develop Your Self-Marketing Strategy
Personal branding is the rage right now, and there are oodles of articles, blogs, magazines, and books dedicated to the art of developing and pitching one’s self.
[…] Do ask about informational interviews. While your network may not have job leads for you, chances are some have contacts in your desired […]