Informational Interviewing

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101: The Basics

What to Expect

Here's  what  you'll  learn  in  this  training:  

•  Why  personal  branding  is  important  and  how  it’s  cri:cal  for  informa:onal  interviewing  

 •  What  informa:onal  interviewing  is  and  why  it’s  a  must  for  

your  networking  strategy  

•  Step  by  Step  simple  process  for  finding,  prepping  and  execu:ng  your  informa:onal  interviews  

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Go Brand Yourself

Introduction •  Career & Life Strategist for Women on the

Rise

The  BRAND  

OWN your brand…or someone else

will.

Why Brand You?

WHO + YOU + WHY =

How to Brand YOU

Personal Competitive Advantage™

The Info Interview

What is an Informational Interview?

Informal  conversa5on  with  a  professional  working  in  an  area  of  interest  to  you.      

 S/he  will  give  you  informa:on  and  advice  

on  your  field  of  interest.    

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Why  conduct  Informa:onals?  

•  Gather  Research  tool  to  learn  about  new  industry,  func:on,  role,  etc.  

•  Build  Your  Network  •  Improve  Your  Communica:on  Skills  +  Prac:ce  your  Story  

•  Do  NOT  ask  for  a  job/internship  -­‐  It  is  not  a  job  interview!  

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How  do  I  find  people  to  interview?  

•  Personal  Network  •  Linkedin  •  Others…  

– Conferences  – Networking  Events  

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How  do  I  find  people  to  interview?  

•  Personal  Network  •  Linkedin  •  Others…      EXERCISE:    (1  min)  Brainstorm  5  ways  to  connect  with  people  for  info  interviews.      

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The  Lead  Up  

1)  Meet  /  find  contact  OR  Develop  your  wish  list  of  interviewees  and  connect  via  Linkedin  or  personal  network  

2)  Build  Rapport  3)  Find  Commonality  4)  Send  Thank  You  within  24  hours  5)  Ask  for  Informa:onal  Interview  –  BOOK  IT!    

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The  Prep    

1)  Research  the  field/role/  company  first.  2)  Prep  for  the  Interview.  

-­‐  30  sec  pitch  -­‐  Outline  your  open  ended  ?s      

3)  Create  your  notes  sheet  4)  Conduct  Interview  5)  Thank  you  +  follow  up    

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The  Notes  Sheet  

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Logis5cs  

Name  Company/Role  Phone  Date  to  Call  

Notes  on  YOU  

Key  Strengths:  -­‐Why  you  are  great  -­‐Differen:ators  -­‐So  what?  

Ques5ons  

1)    2)  3)  Backup  

Answers  

1)    2)  3)  Backup  

1)  Logis:cs  2)  Notes  on  YOU  3)  Ques:ons  4)  Answers  

Questions?

Ques:ons  1) What is the format of an informational interview?

2) Is it just to ask questions about the company/role or do they also ask questions to find out about you?

3) When is it (ever) appropriate to cold call a firm/organization?

4) What is the healthiest way to foster multiple newly created relationships without creating a burden during b-school?��� 5) How do I conduct myself during corporate networking events or coffee chats. ���

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