Have You Considered Setting Up an Exploratory Interview?

If the thought of attending formal job interviews stresses you out, consider asking for an informational interview with one of the contacts in your network. Instead of applying for jobs and waiting for a response, you can ask for informational interviews even if there are no open positions matching your professional profile. This type of interview gives you an opportunity to learn more about your industry without the pressure of competing with other applicants.

An informational interview, also called an exploratory interview, has one main purpose: to gather information from one of your contacts. You might want to know how to succeed in your industry, what courses you should take to improve your chances of getting a job or what you can expect if you pursue a particular career. All of this information can help you make informed decisions when accepting a new job, enrolling in a degree program or deciding which professional certification to pursue.

Participating in an informational interview has several benefits. The most important is that it is a stress-free way to polish your interviewing skills. You don't have to worry about outshining other applicants or demonstrating how your qualifications fit a particular job opening. Instead, you can concentrate on learning more about a particular company or job profile. In some cases, participating in an exploratory interview can even help you get a job, especially if you do a good job of explaining your qualifications.

After you set up an informational interview, it's important to prepare for it just like you would a traditional job interview. Write down any questions you have for the interviewer, plan a professional outfit and do some research on the interviewer's company ahead of time. If the interviewer told you there is going to be a time limit for the interview, create an agenda to keep you on track. The agenda should include your most important questions, along with a list of items you'd like to share about your qualifications.

Be sure to behave professionally from the time the interviewer greets you until you have left the interview location. How you treat the interviewer's receptionist or administrative assistant says a lot about you, so do your best to make a good impression. When your informational interview starts, show interest in the company and demonstrate your enthusiasm for your industry. Be prepared to answer questions about your education, professional experience and skill profile. Follow up with a thank-you note or a telephone call to thank the interviewer for his time.

The informational interview has many benefits, but only if you approach it in a professional manner. To make this tactic work for you, be sure to pick an interviewer who can help you advance your career. Just because it is an informational interview does not mean you can dress down or ignore the standard rules of interview etiquette. If you behave professionally, you might even end up with a job offer.

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