The foundational tool in any networking job-search strategy is the informational interview. The best practices for conducting one are similar for veterans and civilians alike but there are special considerations for military-experienced job seekers.
[See: The 8 Stages of a Winning Job Search.]
Informational interviews are one-on-one meetings, ideally in person but maybe by telephone, that allow the job seeker to learn about companies, positions and people in a constructive and non-confrontational setting. Because the job seeker is not directly asking for a job but rather advice, the company executive or expert is placed in the role of a helper rather than an evaluator or gatekeeper. Of course, with some luck, skill and preparation, an informational interview can quickly morph into an evaluative interview if a light bulb of inspiration is ignited within the interviewer.
The veteran job seeker will get the most out of a well-constructed informational interview by following these steps.
Elevator Pitch and Ask
As I and others have discussed elsewhere, it is necessary for the job seeker to have a short and clear introduction into who they are and what they are attempting to do. This introduction needs to be short and to the point. One does not want to waste the time of the interviewer with rambling or unfocused background noise. A clear example might be: “I am a former Army infantry sergeant. I am studying accounting at X University and I am trying to learn more about finance careers in commercial banking. May we meet for coffee? I am eager to learn from your knowledge and experience at X Bank.” Notice the implied flattery and the open-ended yet specific nature of the “ask.”
Set the Tone for the Meeting
When you meet the interviewer, set the tone for professionalism and respect. Thank them for the time and ask when they need to leave for their next appointment. Be sure to respect the time allotted. You can always ask to meet again if there is more to be discussed. Remember that you are not there to beg for a job. You seek to learn about the industry and company and to leave with actionable steps for the next move.
[See: 10 Ways to Perfect Your Personal Brand.]
Exhibit Intellectual Curiosity
Like an inquisitive journalist, ask good open-ended questions and follow up to show that you are, in fact, listening. Present personal hypotheses that both require the interviewer to react and might help build your personal brand. For example, “As a Machinist’s Mate in the Navy, I learned to manage people and complex equipment. Are those skills that help one develop a career in manufacturing? What other prerequisites define success in your industry?” If you just mutely take notes without reaction, the interviewer will think that you are either disinterested or incapable.
Next Steps
At the conclusion of the interview, be sure to ask for guidance as to next steps. With whom else should you meet? What articles should you read or sources should you consult? Ask if it would be OK for you to follow up with future questions and then, of course, ask if you may be of service in any way to the interviewer.
Immediate Thank You and Follow Up
You should send an immediate email or letter with a thank-you message on the day of the meeting, but you should also plan to follow up again in two or three weeks and thereafter every four to eight weeks. Most job seekers foolishly drop off the face of the earth after one meeting and a quick thank you. Instead, follow up by email or voicemail with specific updates as to your search and the work you mentioned. For example, “This is John Smith. I am the former Air Force avionics technician with whom you met last month at Starbucks on Main Street. I have been following your advice and I met with Becky Brown and Bill Jones. Both were very helpful in teaching me about the retail industry. Now I am focusing my search on X. Please let me know if I can help you.” When you finally land at your ultimate job, reach out to everyone you met along the way and offer both your willingness to help them and your new contact information.
[See: 25 Awesome Business Jobs for 2016.]
Looking back after you land your job, it will seem that most informational interviews did not directly lead to a position. But each one will pass you along to another person who can help and provide knowledge and insight that can better prepare you for the next encounter. Networking is hard work and often frustrating. By learning how to conduct an effective informational interview, however, veteran job seekers will learn how to obtain the informational intelligence and access they need to realize their career goals.
More from U.S. News
How to Follow Up on a Job Application Without Being Annoying
10 Ways Social Media Can Help You Land a Job
How Veterans Should Conduct Informational Interviews originally appeared on usnews.com
