Informational Interviews, Part I: Myth Busting

By: Kandice Thorn

Networking is arguably the most important thing you can do in your job search, and informational interviewing is an often overlooked, but extremely useful networking tool.

What is an informational interview?  An informational interview is an interview set up for the purpose of information gathering.  You are the interviewer, and the objective is to learn from your interviewee about the job market or about practice in a particular area of law, industry, or practice setting.

The one-on-one nature of informational interviewing has several advantages over forms of networking that involve large groups of people:

• the absence of  distractions provides an ideal setting in which to make a meaningful connection with someone;
• you have the time and opportunity to make a positive impression on the person with whom you are interviewing; and 
• you can learn quite a bit about the field/job market you are seeking to enter.

In short, informational interviewing gives you a lot of networking bang for your buck.  This blog post will respond to some myths about informational interviewing.  Next week, I will discuss how to go about setting up an informational interview and the following week I will discuss how to conduct the interview itself.

Myth #1: Informational Interviewing is More Work than "Traditional" Networking

Reality: More traditional forms of networking often involve placing yourself in the midst of a large group of people.  In that group, you don't necessarily know who you will meet or who might be the best person to approach.  With informational interviews, you do that homework ahead of time, effectively targeting your networking efforts.  You could attend three networking events before making a connection that is as valuable as one informational interview.  In next week's post, I will discuss how "traditional" networking and informational interviewing actually go hand-in-hand.

Myth #2: People Won't Want to Talk to Me

Reality: Don't underestimate the willingness of people to teach and mentor.  People may feel flattered that you approached them for the informational interview.  Not everyone will respond, and not everyone who responds will say "yes" to your request, but you will likely have a more positive response than you anticipate.

Myth #3: I'm Shy, so Informational Interviewing is Not a Good Option for Me

Reality: Informational interviewing may be the best networking opportunity for shy people.  Shy people tend to shine in a one-on-one setting rather than a large group setting.  Also, remember that in this setting you are the interviewer--you are in control.  It gives you the opportunity to prepare extensively in advance, which will make you feel more confident.  While it may be intimidating to reach out to people initially, it is well worth the effort and is much easier for shy people than walking into a crowded room and trying to make small talk with lots of different people.

Myth #4: Networking is About How Many People You Know, so Just Getting to Know One Person Won't Be Helpful

Reality: Networking is more about the quality of your contacts than the quantity.  Having a strong rapport with one person in an organization is much more valuable than five people who simply know who you are.

Also Read:
Informational Interviewing Part II
Informational Interviewing Part III
Informational Interviewing Part IV