The crème de la crème of networking opportunities

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The crème de la crème of networking opportunities

Posted by Rob on April 2, 2013

Want to take your job search to the next level? Well, I’m going to let you in on a little insider secret. When I say “insider,” I mean that in the sense that I’ve done this before and it’s worked out wonderfully for me. It can work for you!

I’m talking about information interviews. At their core, information interviews are simply no-obligation opportunities for you to meet with a prospective employer and find out about their job, their organization and how you can end up there one day! No job application required!

In my opinion, they’re the crème de la crème of networking opportunities! Information interviews can be intimidating. In one sense you’re essentially cold-calling a prospective employer and asking to chat with them about their job and their organization, while marketing yourself at the same time. If you’re not one for cold-calling, this would be a great opportunity to tap into your existing network for a referral!

Step 1: Identify your targets

This is pretty self-explanatory. Make a list of prospective employers or companies you’d be interested in working for. Don’t aim for the top of the corporate hierarchy (i.e. president, general manager, CEO, etc). Instead, focus on the people who are working at a similar level to where you’d like to be. Generally, the higher your go up the hierarchy, the less time they have for something like this.

Step 2: Determine the best approach (cold call, or personal referral)

Cross-reference your targets with anyone in your existing network of former/current colleagues or friends. If a friend or former colleague has worked in one of your target organizations or you know would be or could be well-connected. Send an email or contact them in-person to see if they’d be willing to introduce you. This will help you bypass the dreaded cold-call and go straight to the source via a personal referral. Personal referrals are always best!

Step 3: Book the appointment (phone call, coffee date, or meeting)

Work around their availability, offering to visit them at their location at a time that works best for them. At this stage, it’s important to demonstrate your professionalism by reiterating your appreciation. Remind them that you value their opinion.

Step 4: Remind yourself that this is an interview!

So there may not be a job offer involved here, but you must treat this as an actual interview! Dress to impress, come prepared with questions, comments and speaking points. Do your research about their company and figure out where you could be of some assistance. Most of your time should be spent on getting to know them and their business. Do not go to this information interview under the pretence that there is a job offer waiting. This is an exercise in networking. Do not, under any circumstances, ask for a job.

Step 5: Follow-up

As with every job interview you do, you must express your gratitude for the opportunity. So send a card! If you’re one of those people who still send holiday cards (Confession: I do) then make sure you include them on your list. Now that you’ve established this connection, you must work hard to keep the relationship going. If a job opportunity comes up, they will remember you during the application process or may even contact you to fill a position!

Now after all this, I’m not saying that every information interview will lead to a connection. You may realize when all is said and done that you don’t really want to work for that kind of company/person. That’s fair too, but you should still follow-up and be grateful for the opportunity. You never know who they will speak to and if your name may come up. No amount of networking is wasteful.

Do you have any networking success stories? Share them in the comments.

Good luck my friends,