3 Questions You Will Get Asked In Your Next Informational Interview
I have been in the job hunt for a little bit longer than a month now. During that time I’ve had the opportunity to connect with other professionals in careers or companies that I am hoping to work at. The calls and video chats have been great opportunities for me to hear more intricate details about the roles I am looking into and to get an insider's perspective about the benefits and sometimes hardships of the organizations I am investigating. In networking this way I have noticed a pattern in some of the questions I have been asked. Because I have done a lot of these calls and am planning to continue networking, I have been able to craft my narrative when I answer.
So, here is my list of the top three questions I have been asked in almost all of my calls and video chats.
Tell me about yourself.
I always start with, “My name is Randa Hinton and….” Why is this important? If you have a tricky name people can often mispronounce it or say it wrong in their heads. It’s a very subtle and gracious way to correct someone. This is also a great time to throw in a few things unrelated to work and education to give them a glimpse of your personality and the person outside of the job. Keep this part simple.
What are you looking to get into?
Be specific. If you are looking to get into a certain type of role, don’t be afraid to say it. While you may not start there, it’s okay to say what you are hoping for and also what your longterm career goal is. You can be specific and also be open at the same time.
How can I help you?
It’s important to have realistic and actionable requests. Don’t just say, “It would be great if you could recommend me for this job.” You should have low maintenance asks attached to an action. Every person you connect with won’t be able to help you but the odds are they know someone who does. It’s okay to ask to be connected to other people in their circle, or for any tips/resources they may have that you may be unaware of, or ways you can improve in your networking or even your resume.
While informational interviews are not technical job interviews, they do help prepare you once you get your foot in the door. Use these connection points to help prepare you for your future!
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To my job-seeking friends, don’t forget to just take the first step. Reach out to that person that you think may not respond. Update your resume for the one-millionth time. Write the cover letter. Care about your portfolio, post new pictures of your work and projects. Keep networking.
I am in this with you, struggling alongside you. When this is over, I am hopeful that we will all come out on the other side employed, with the jobs of our dreams.
Keep hoping friends! We can do this!
If you missed my first article, “How the LinkedIn Community Brings Hope to COVID-19 Job Seekers” check it out here!