garret turtorial3 informational_interviews
TRANSCRIPT
COMM 202!
Tutorial #3 – INFORMATIONAL INTERVIEWS
Wednesday, February 11th
No cell phones, no laptops, Namecards… OUT!!!!!!!!!!!
How did it go?• What went well?
• What didn’t go so well?
• Key takeaways?
• Who (or what) made a big impression on you? Why?
Informational interviews
• An informational interview is a meeting with someone you wish to learn from and get advice particular to/related to your intended career choice
Informational interviews
• Question:
What is the difference between informational
interviews and employment interviews?
Individual activityTime to brainstorm, is there…
• A job you want to learn more about?
• A company you are interested in?
• An industry you are curious about?
• Someone you want to get advice from?
Know your contact
Do your research• Know their major skill set/Work history;
• Accomplishments; and,• Associations
Where to find it• Internet search/LinkedIn/Twitter; or,
• Ask mutual contacts!
Setting up the meeting
3 Main ways to connect
1. If you already know them, reach out;
2. Ask someone already in your network for a referral; or,
3. Contact them through cold call or cold email
Cold emailingThings to include
• You are a student!
• Why you are interested in meeting (commonalities)
• What you are (generally) looking to learn
• 20 minute meeting
• Choice between two positives
• Set an expectation (for follow up)
Cold emailingSubject: Informational interview request from BCom student
Dear Mr. Anderson,
I hope that you have been doing well! It was great meeting you last Thursday at the COMM 202 Networking Event and learn a bit about your experiences from UBC.
As we had discussed, I am currently a second year student and will be deciding on my specialization at the end of the term. I am particularly interested in Finance and understand that you currently work in the industry.
I am writing to ask if you would be able to meet for 20 minutes over coffee to answer a few questions I have about your career? I am available Monday, March 2nd or Wednesday, March 4th anytime after 2:00pm, however I can accommodate to meet at another time that may work for you. I look forward to following up with you next Tuesday via phone should I not hear from you. Thanks again and I look forward to hearing from you soon.
Regards,Super Bcom Student
Be Professional! • Dress the part
• Pay attention to body language
• Respect their time
• Look an act in charge
• Take notes
Day of…
Be Professional! • Dress the part – Don’t be casual, know the setting
• Pay attention to body language – Eye contact, handshake, smile and be polite
• Respect their time – be aware of 20 minutes
• Look an act in charge
• Take notes – don’t transcribe
Day of…
What to ask about?
• Why this industry?
• Philosophy at work
• Interesting experiences
• Advice
• Best part of work
• Biggest challenges
• Skill sets, and more!
Have a plan
What to ask about?
• Why this industry?
• Philosophy at work
• Interesting experiences
• Advice
• Best part of work
• Biggest challenges
• Skill sets, and more!
Have a planHow do you respond?
What to ask about?
• Why this industry?
• Philosophy at work
• Interesting experiences
• Advice
• Best part of work
• Biggest challenges
• Skill sets, and more!
Have a planHow do you respond?
• Relevant personal experiences
• Probe deeper into area of interest
• Why their insight matters
• Let them talk mostly
• Tell your story if probed
“I’ve learned that you shouldn’t go through life with a catcher’s mitt on both hands; you need to be able to throw something back.”
-- Maya Angelou
Give for getThe Magic IOU
What it sounds like“Thank you for sitting down with me today, I just wanted to ask, is there anything that I could help you with or provide you? If not, please don’t hesitate to reach out! I really appreciate all of your valuable insights you’ve given me.”
• Set expectations for how to keep in touch!
• Touch base when you see fit!• Any new personal developments?
• Did their information help you make a decision?
• Did they pass you along to someone else? What did they teach you?
• Seasons/Holiday greetings!
Keep in touch