RSS
Home
Just because a company isn’t hiring doesn’t mean you can’t land an interview
Print
Email
RSS
Subscribe
Informational interviews are one of the most powerful tools in your job hunting arsenal, yet it was recently brought to my attention that some college students are unaware of this tactic. Basically, an informational interview is just that – an interview that allows you to better understand an organization’s culture and the possibility of future openings.
Unlike the formal interview, you are usually the one asking the questions. Informational interviews typically take place when you’ve identified an organization at which you would like to work, but they currently do not have an opening that fits your qualifications.
Hint: School breaks (Thanksgiving, winter/holiday, spring) serve as an excellent time to arrange informational (or formal) interviews.
Your Approach
Some organizations offer “tours” in which students can visit the organization in groups in order to find out what it’s like to work there. Smaller organizations are typically open to a more one-on-one style. Either way, all you have to do is ask.
If you don't have an inside contact, I recommend calling the organization and asking the receptionist who typically conducts informational interviews and the best way to put in your request (whether via phone or e-mail). It’s that simple.
If you've made networking connections within the organization, submit a cover letter of sorts via e-mail reminding him or her who you are and what you're seeking. I can't say I've ever heard of an organization turning down someone looking for an informational interview – the only commitment is a little bit of time. It might not happen immediately, but these things can typically be arranged a few weeks out because they don't last as long as formal interviews.
If the organization is not located in your area, explain to the potential employer you are interested in relocating once you graduate, but you do not have the capacity to travel at this time. Most often, they will be willing to set up a time to talk with you over the phone.
What to Ask
Unlike a formal interview, you are exploring the organization’s fit for you, not the other way around (although they will likely form judgments about you). So, this is your opportunity to ask questions you normally wouldn’t.
- How would you describe the work-life balance at [insert organization]?
- Can you please describe the benefits package you offer new employees?
- What do you enjoy the most and the least about working at [insert organization]?
- If you were currently hiring at my level, how would you describe the profile of the perfect candidate?
- How could I bolster my résumé for when you do have an opening?
- What would someone at my level make at [insert organization]?
- Do you know anyone else in [insert field] who’s currently hiring at my level?
As with formal interviews, dress appropriately and don’t forget to send a thank you note – the same rules apply.
Related Articles:
Add a Comment
Too many people wait to renovate their résumé until the last minute – internship deadlines or graduation are approaching. In such …
Starting salary offers to Class of 2010 new college graduates are down, compared to those offered a year ago, according to a new study published by …
- AfterCollege
- CampusCareerCenter.com
- CBcampus.com
- CollegeGrad.com
- CollegeJobBank.com
- CollegeRecruiter.com
- Experience, Inc.
- iHipo
- InternshipIN.com
- InternshipPrograms.com
- InternWeb.com
- InternZoo.com
- MonsterTRAK
- One Day, One Internship
- One Day, One Job
- Quarterlife
- ROCS College Student Staffing
- Think Intern
- YouIntern.com
- 150 Best Recession-Proof Jobs
- 200 Best Jobs for College Graduates
- 201 Knockout Answers to Tough Interview Questions
- 301 Smart Answers to Tough Interview Questions
- Bad Bosses, Crazy Coworkers & Other Office Idiots
- Bulletproof Your Job
- Campus Calm University
- Can I Wear My Nose Ring to the Interview?
- Career Boot Camp
- Career Building
- CAREEREALISM
- Claim That Job
- College Students: DO THIS! GET HIRED!
- Cover Letter Magic
- Dig Your Job
- First-Job Survival Guide
- From Graduation to Corporation
- Gen Y Meets the Workforce
- Get The Job You Want, Even When No One's Hiring
- Getting from College to Career
- Grad to Great
- Grindhopping
- Happy About My Resume
- Highly Effective Networking
- How'd You Score that Gig?
- Job Search Bloopers
- Launch!...Get That First Paycheck In 90 Days
- Me 2.0
- Millennials Into Leadership
- Monster Boss
- Navigating Newbie-ism
- New Job, New You
- No More Ramen
- Plugged In
- Ramen Noodles, Rent and Résumés
- Reality Check
- Smart Networking
- Start Your Own Business and Hire Yourself
- Tell Me About Yourself
- Ten Minutes to the Job Interview
- The Career Coward's Guide to Career Advancement
- The Career Coward's Guide to Interviewing
- The Career Coward's Guide to Job Searching
- The Career Coward's Guide to Resumes
- The College to Career Road Map
- The High Achiever's Secret Codebook
- The Job Coach for Young Professionals
- The Nonprofit Career Guide
- They Don't Teach Corporate in College
- When Reality Hits
- Work With Me
- Working for You Isn't Working for Me
- You're Hired
- Your Dream Job Game Plan
