Dear Experts, I just graduated college and am trying to get a job or "jobternship" locally to gain experience. I'm hoping to use informational interviews to get my foot in the door. Currently, I am working to set up informational interviews with area firms through a mutual contact. My question is, how do I use this opportunity to not only learn about the interviewer, the firm, and the industry, but also sell myself and seek out opportunities? I'm very eager to learn and don't want to have it seem like I'm just there to hit them up for a job. Here is how our T.A.P. experts answered this question:@sweetcareersQ#182 Be ready to talk abt knowledge of field & relevant exprience. Have related examples, and lots of them. @gradversityQ#182 If the interview's going well, pose some questions about future opportunities. Use their response to gauge their interest. @louise_fletcherQ#182 Agree with @askamanager. You shouldn't sell yourself at an informational interview. Listen, be interested and learn. @askamanagerQ#182 Informational interviews ARE not for getting a job and you will irk them if you try. See https://tinyurl.com/ncrc57@ValueIntoWordsQ#182 I'll add 2 @beneaubank's great tip: "Be intelligent/interesting," by also saying, "Be interested" in "them." @DebraWheatmanQ#182 Discuss ur strengths and willingness to contribute in dynamic environment. Hand write t/y note. Follow-up regularly. @jtodonnellQ#182 No worries! Your actions (professionalism, enthusiasm, knowledge) will sell for you. https://ow.ly/g4es@kgrantcareersQ#182 U R selling self already by scheduling an inf int. Learn what hiring mgrs want 1st, keep in touch, then ask about job. @ValueIntoWordsQ#182 Agree w/@GLHoffman; plus, "informational" intrviews r what name implies: info-gathering (not selling) sessions. @beneubanksQ#182 Don't shoot for job in info interview. Ask for more contacts. Be intelligent/interesting, & THAT will sell. @GLHoffmanQ#182 Don't think "sell yourself," instead focus on how you can help them. Be specific AFTER you have researched them. Our Twitter Advice Project (T.A.P.) is no longer an active campaign. To find an answer to the above question, please use the "Search" box in the right-hand column of this website.
Are you terrified of screwing up a job interview? Does the thought of writing a cover letter horrify you? Are you scared to network with others? What do you even say, anyway? If you're struggling to overcome your job search fears, this live event is for you.
We get it. Looking for work can be scary, especially if you’ve been at it for a long time and haven’t gotten any results.
Understanding which fears are getting in the way and how to overcome them will make all the difference. Sometimes you might not be aware of which obstacle is getting in the way of your goals. If you want to overcome these fears once and for all, we invite you to join us!
In this training, you’ll learn how to:
- Utilize strategies for coping with your job search fears
- Be confident in your job search—from writing your resume to networking
- Face your fears and move forward
Join our CEO, J.T. O'Donnell, and Director of Training Development & Coaching, Christina Burgio, for this live event on Wednesday, October 5th at 12 pm ET.
CAN'T ATTEND LIVE? That's okay. You'll have access to the recording and the workbook after the session!
Read moreShow less