One of the best ways to find a job is to go on information interviews with people working in the field or industry you are interested in. Prepare for the meeting in advance. Know why you are meeting. Define your purpose. Prepare 3-5 questions to ask your contact. Rehearse your two minute pitch. Research the company and the individual you will be speaking to.
Structure the meeting:
1. Break the ice by discussing your mutual friend or acquaintance who introduced you.
2.Explain why you want to speak with this person.
3.Use your pitch to describe your background and one or two accomplishments.
4. Ask questions that ferret out the needs or challenges of the company. Listen for names you could ask for a referral. Listen for ways to reciprocate.
5. Asks for the names of one or two people you may contact. Share your job target map list of companies to see if they know anyone.
6. Close by saying thank you and that you would like to stay in touch.
7. Follow up with a thank you note and reiterate what you learned about the company and how you can help them.
Strive to learn something useful for your job search.
You can tell the meeting has actually turned into a real job interview when you are being asked the questions instead of asking them.
(c) 2019 Amy Geffen All rights reserved.