Take the Fear Out of Informational Interviews: Part One
Maret McCoy
How to Find People to Interview
For long-term career success, live by this rule: Start looking for your next job the day you start your new job.
One of the most effective ways to scout out promising job leads and stay current on the issues in your field is to conduct informational interviews.
As you know, many people land great jobs through the connections
they make in informational interviews.
This month, I share four specific tips on how to conduct informational interviews:
- How to Find People to Interview
- How to Request a Meeting
- Questions to Ask during the Interview
- How to Conduct the Meeting
Tip #1: How to Find People to Interview
- Ask colleagues, friends and acquaintances for contacts
- Consult your college alumni directory
- Attend professional association meetings
- Read industry trade journals
- Conduct internet research on your career field
Use the informational interview as a way to build your network and orchestrate your next career move. Even if you’re not planning to change jobs anytime soon, it is imperative to
continually broaden as well as deepen your personal connections.
Next week, I’ll cover tip #2: How to Request a Meeting
For assistance with developing and implementing your networking strategy, email me at Maret@MaretMcCoy.com. We can schedule an initial complimentary coaching consultation to see how I can best assist you in achieving your career goals.
Until next week…
Warmly,
Maret
Maret helps professional women define the right career path for them and then land a position in that field. She knows all too well the struggles of working in the wrong job, having experienced it first hand. Now, Maret works in her dream job and lives in her dream location in Hawaii. Her professional mission is to help other women achieve that same level of career fulfillment and satisfaction for themselves. Receive Maret’s free monthly career success articles directly to your inbox. Also, to learn about her upcoming Career Design Tele-Classes, visit Maret’s website for the full class descriptions and registration information!
July 7th, 2008 at 3:06 pm
Great reminder! I think women are especially great at asking friends for leads around doctors, stylists, and other service professionals. Why not tap the power of your network for informational interviews!