By: Kandice Thorn
Rounding out our four-part post on informational interviewing, I thought it would be appropriate to address some of the common mistakes that people make in informational interviewing, so that you can avoid making them yourself.
Below, I give you the top seven ways to botch an informational interview.
1. Dress or act casually.
While an informational interview is NOT (I repeat, NOT) a job interview, you still want to put your best foot forward. A suit is always appropriate; business casual attire is the most casual attire that is acceptable. You still want to follow interview guidelines of not chewing gum, turning your cell phone off, making appropriate eye contact, etc. Always convey confidence and professionalism.
2. Be unresponsive and/or demanding.
Remember, you are asking someone for a favor in giving you an informational interview. Bend over backwards to accommodate their schedule and location. If you will speak over the phone, offer to call them rather than asking them to call you. If they ask you questions via email in advance of the meeting, reply promptly and thoroughly.
3. Take too much time.
If you ask for 15 minutes, wrap things up after 15 minutes. If they start to hint that they have other places they need to be, do not draw out the conversation any more. Thank the interviewee and end the interview.
4. Brag about your accomplishments.
An informational interview is about you getting information from the other person. Do not make the interview about you and definitely do not use it as an opportunity to brag about your accomplishments. If the interviewer asks you for information about yourself, you should answer the question, but don't make that the focus of the interview. Remember, you are interviewing them. Show knowledge and interest in what they are doing, and you'll impress them plenty!
5. Fail to do your homework.
Do not waste the interviewee's time by asking questions you could easily find the answer to yourself. Adequate preparation is key. Research the company, the industry, the practice setting, and the interviewer as much as possible before the interview.
6. Fail to show appreciation.
Throughout your contact with the interviewee, you should be gracious and thankful for their time. After the interview, follow up by sending a thank you email to the interviewee before the end of the day.
7. Ask for a job.
An informational interview is NOT (I repeat, NOT) a job interview. The fastest way to frustrate your interviewee is to ask them to forward your resume for a position in their organization or to ask if they have any positions available. They are agreeing to the interview in part because you are not asking for a job. Once you ask for a job, your professional relationship ceases. On the other hand, if they offer to forward your resume or refer you to a position, you should feel free to respond enthusiastically if you are interested.
Also Read:
Informational Interviewing Part I
Informational Interviewing Part II
Informational Interviewing Part III
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