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The Informational Interview

Posted April 09, 2009 9:01 PM by galaconcierge
Pathfinder Tags: interviewing job search

One of the tools that is often unused in the job search is the pre-employment "Informational Interview". The term was coined by Richard Nelson Bolles, author of the best-selling career handbook, What Color Is Your Parachute?

Unlike a traditional interview, the job seeker asks for advice instead of employment. The informational interview can be used to find out about a position that might not be available or might be beyond your current abilities.

Have you ever gone to an informational interview?

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Editor's Note: Robert James Braathe, MBA is an instructor of Business and Technology with the State University of New York (SUNY). He blogs about HR and career issues for Albany.com/hr.

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#1

Re: The Informational Interview

04/10/2009 11:38 AM

Welcome to CR4, galaconcierge. I've been to several informational interviews myself. They're valuable if you're just out of college or are considering a career change. They can also be a lot of fun since some of the pressure that we all feel during job interviews is off.

One thing to remember, however - and this is a point that Richard Bolles makes in his excellent book - is the importance of avoiding the "bait and switch". If you tell the person on the other side of the table that you're just seeking information, then be true to your word. Don't start asking for a job if you came asking for information.

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#2
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Re: The Informational Interview

04/10/2009 11:46 AM

Bolles has some good stuff, but he's too into soft skills. Now there is so much technical specialization.

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#3
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Re: The Informational Interview

04/11/2009 4:34 PM

Thanks for that reminder Moose. I hate it when I cut out some time to help someone and then find out its a "switcherrooo."

Sincerity is greatly underrated these days.

milo

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