Propel Careers Informational Interviewing Overview pptase.tufts.edu/commhealth/documents/alumniCHAMP... · Preparing for Informational Interviews Email the person you will be speaking

Informational Interviewing:An Excellent Way To Enhance Your Career Search

Lauren CelanoPhone: 215‐370‐[email protected]

1Confidential; Not for Distribution. December 1, 2017

Outline

An overview of informational interviewing

What questions to ask

How to identify people

Follow up


Informational Interviewing:How to Find the Right Opportunity



Develop your Job Search Checklist Outline what you want in a jobLocationRequirements ResponsibilitiesSize of organizationSalaryCultureManagement styleEtc…

Item Must Have

Nice to Have

Definitely No

Job Searching: The Funnel Effect

I want/ can do everything

Actually, maybe there are some Jobs that I am better suited for

than others

I know exactlywhat I want

to do

When you are here, you should apply

Confidential; Not for Distribution. December 1, 2017 5Confidential; Not for Distribution. December 1, 2017

Informational Interviewing

Provides guidance for your job search


Informational Interviewing

Definition: An informational interview is an interview conducted to collect information about a job, career field, industry or company.

It is NOT a job interview.


Logistical Information Usually 15‐30 minutes in length, sometimes longer

In person, phone, or Skype

Email copy of resume or LinkedIn profile prior

Referrals are important


What To Ask About

Particular Job

Organization

Career Progression

Career Entry


What To Ask About

Particular Job Organization Career Progression Career Entry

Responsibilities Day to Day Like Dislike Growth potential Skills needed

Culture Work

Environment Management

Style Growth

Potential Personality Fit Skills needed Skills valued

Growth Opportunities

Career Path Skills to Develop

How to get in a role

Networking Experience

required Skills needed Skills one can

learn Best way to enter

field


Preparing for Informational InterviewsEmail the person you will be speaking with an idea of what you are looking for and questions ahead of time.

I am looking to learn more about… What your role is like, day to day What skills are needed to be successful (so that I can build these) What you like best about your role What you would change What is a typical career path What is your company culture


Sample Intro EmailSubject: Referral from (John X), Informational Interview Request

Hello (Lisa),

John suggested that I reach out to you to learn more about (X Career Area). I am writing to see if you have 15 – 30 minutes for an informational interview. To provide a brief description of my background, I am a (junior) at (Tufts University) focusing on (X Area). I will be finishing in (6 months) and looking for a ( X type of role) in an (entrepreneurial or larger firm) in (Boston). Through this discussion, I am looking to learn more about (Career opportunities and the differences between large and small companies – this can be tailored for what you are looking for). The information will help me decide which path is the best fit for me. I have attached my resume for your reference.

Thank you in advance for your time.

With kind regards,

Lauren Phone, Email


Networking to Identify People

Confidential; Not for Distribution. December 1, 2017 13

Classmates Former colleagues Friends/ Mentors Alumni Organizations Organizations that you are a part of LinkedIn connections Individuals you meet at events Professionals who speak at events

Connections Through People


Poster Sessions are great opportunities

Many companies have posters – you can meet

company representatives

Opening events and coffee sessions

Networking at Conferences


Conferences Exhibitor, Sponsor, Presenter Lists

Papers (Science, Nature, Cell, etc) Patents Grants Connections

Identifying Organizations – Search…


Identifying Organizations – Search… LinkedIn


Identifying Organizations – Search… LinkedIn


You can search for people bythe name, organization, titleand or school to help identifypeople to reach out to

You can also search by 1st

degree, 2nd degree or 3rd

degree connections

At the end of the discussion ask, is there anything I can help you with?

Following up from Informational Interviews

19 19Confidential; Not for Distribution. December 1, 2017

Send them relevant papers / articles

Let them know about your upcoming conference presentations

Maybe you both belong to the same networking group / org (i.e. Women in Bio). Contact regarding relevant events



Invite them to speak to your department or on a career panel or at conference/meeting you are involved with

When you get hired, let everyone know where you will be working and thank them for their assistance in this process



Be clear about your “ask” Have questions prepared Have your elevator pitch established Follow up Your profile is your brand Use your network – referrals are key Follow up Articles, news, papers, events, etc

Tips for Informational Interviewing Success


Contact DetailsLauren Celano

Founder and CEO

Propel Careers

cell: 215‐370‐2285email: [email protected]

Fueling Innovation. Fostering Leaders.www.propelcareers.com

Blog: http://www.propelcareers.com/blog/ Twitter: http://twitter.com/Propel_CareersFacebook: Propel Careers Linked in: Propel Careers


Documents

Propel Careers Informational Interviewing Overview pptase.tufts.edu/commhealth/documents/alumniCHAMP... · Preparing for Informational Interviews Email the person you will be speaking