Career Advice: The Informational Interview

Angela Taylor — Tue, 19 Jul 2011 04:03:53 +0000

If you have a strong interest in working in the sports industry or being promoted through the ranks, informational interviews are fantastic vehicles to utilize.

Identify someone in the position, department, or company you have a strong interest in and contact them by asking to meet with them for 30 minutes or grab coffee one morning before work. The key to informational interviews is making sure that you don’t disrupt their workday. We all need quick “study” breaks, so executives at all levels are typically amenable to someone who approaches them in a professional manner simply inquires about finding more out about their job and their career path.

Again, we all like to share our stories, so don’t be surprised when someone accepts your request.

During the meeting, make sure that you are dressed appropriately, are on time, and have plenty of questions. Don’t take too much of their time.

After the meeting send a follow-up email (or better yet, a hand-written note) thanking them for taking the time out of their busy schedule.

If handled correctly, you’ll now have a champion who is in your corner & a reference for that elusive job that you have your eye on. If you present yourself well, you may also have a mentor who will provide more career guidance then you could have asked for.

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Career Advice: The Informational Interview