Make Informational Interviews part of your Job Search Strategy!

A valuable job search tool often overlooked is the informational interview. The purpose is to talk with people in the industry, or in the position you are interested in to 1) confirm it is the right place for you and your skills, talents and goals, 2) to add information to your knowledge base on this industry or job, and 3) to obtain suggestions on additional contacts in the industry, thereby building your network and your knowledge. Your goal is not to secure a job or even a job offer, (although that could be a dream come true) but to gather more information while on your career transition journey.

Keep in mind that an informational interview is all about “them”, the person you’re interviewing. Their time, their business, and their information is extremely valuable, and you must let them know how much you appreciate the opportunity to meet with them and share in those things.

Here are a few tips for successfully using this advanced component of your job search:

Ask for only 30 minutes of their time. As mentioned, “time is money” to busy business people, so assure them while you’re setting the appointment that you will not take longer than that.

Be clear with them about the purpose of the meeting so they understand your intention. Some may not be familiar with this tactic, so carefully explain that you are gathering information and would like, at their convenience, to learn their ideas and to gather their expert input.

As their time is of the essence, it is your responsibility to be prepared for the interview. Here are some ideas for questions which can be customized to meet your needs:

In your opinion, what are the most critical factors for success in this field/industry/position?
Are there any licenses, certifications, or degrees required?
How did you get into this profession/position?
How long have you been in this position?
Is there a particular career path one should follow in order to get to your level?
Can you give me a description of a typical workday or workweek?
Which parts of your job/business do you most enjoy?
What could affect future opportunities in this field? Is it growing?
What qualities and skills do you look for in a person when adding to your team?

And always end your meeting with:

Who else do you suggest I talk to?

You will want to use these questions as a guideline in order to get conversation flowing between the two of you rather than drilling them with question after question. Let them open up and share with you, thereby building rapport.

Keep your eye on the clock, subtly, during the actual meeting. They will think highly of you and even be grateful for your calling attention to the fact that “we’re coming up on 30 minutes and I don’t want to take any more of your time…” You may find that they are enjoying the discussion and give you more time than expected, but let them make that call.

Send a hand-written follow up thank you note expressing your gratitude immediately. It’s a good idea to send another note later to share with them your progress or any interesting information you think they’ll appreciate. For all you know, this contact could become a valuable resource, customer or friend in the future and a valued member of your network.

Remember, this is not a job interview. You are the one who initiated the meeting and you hold the key to its success. Plan, prepare and practice your questions beforehand and you’ll be completely comfortable as you get into conversation with them. Most people like talking about themselves, their business and how they became successful. They in turn will be open to giving you suggestions and sharing their expert advice.

Make yourself memorable – just asking for a chance to conduct this type of meeting will do that. Be professional, respectful, and appreciative.

Good luck!

Group Think

I've had the opportunity to facilitate a Master Mind group over the last few months and saw first hand, once again, the power that "group think" has. Amazing results in members' personal and professional lives were had, along with great fun and new friendships.

We met every other week in person, each briefly reviewed our last 2 week's activities toward the goals we'd set at the beginning of our program, brainstormed any hot issues, then set the next 2 week's action items. Email follow up with the accountability reminders were sent during the in-between-meetings weeks. Most importantly, we encouraged, affirmed, and supported each other along the way.

So, why not consider gathering a group for one of my coaching programs? Do you have some friends who are thinking of making a career transition? Some co-workers who want to improve their performance? Some colleagues who want to move ahead in their lives personally and professionally?

If you are willing to share with others and gain the benefit of hearing what they think about your common situations, let's put the power of groups to work in your life!

Contact me and let's talk about what location, frequency of meetings, and content would help your group make headway and move forward!

760-941-5166 Debbie@LousbergUnlimited.com

Weekly Workplace Wisdom, May 10th

“People are as happy as they make up their minds to be” –Abraham Lincoln

Step Into It!
Choose today to be happy, to be successful, to be a leader. You have the power to make each day of your life the best it can possibly be. Hold your goals and values dear to your heart and always move in their direction. It all starts with the power of choice. Choose the best for yourself today.

Weekly Workplace Wisdom, May 3rd

“You can’t succeed by yourself. There are no rich hermits.”
(as seen on local company marquis)

Step Into It!
Something about work got you baffled? Reach out for help. There’s someone with just the right expertise with exactly the advice you need. There’s nothing like an objective opinion to open our eyes and see things in a new light. Don’t forget the people who’ve helped you get to this point and send a thank you their way.

Weekly Workplace Wisdom, April 28th

“Success isn't a result of spontaneous combustion. You must set yourself on fire.”
~Arnold H. Glasow

Step Into It!
What motivates you? What cause or passion ignites that fire within? Can you integrate these things into your work? Think of the activities currently in your work life that empower you and figure out how to do more of them. Set yourself on fire and head toward success!

Not Just any Job, the RIGHT Job!

Most job seekers jump right to updating their resume as their first step in the search process. Most employees and entrepreneurs get engrossed in their day-to-day activities and have time for little else. There’s an important piece of your professional life that needs to be performed regularly in order to ensure that your work will keep you satisfied and successful for the long term: Take time to assess your current career path or your potential new job, and its match to what makes you happy.

For Job Seekers: Jumping into the first opportunity that comes along without evaluating your own strengths, preferences, wants and needs can lead to discontent and disillusionment at work. Take control of your search, own some power in the job search process and find a position that excites you, uses your best attributes, and provides you with meaning and satisfaction. Even if you feel that you must accept the next offer, you can ensure that at least you’ll be a few steps closer to your ideal job by self assessing.

For Employees and Entrepreneurs: It’s so easy to get on that treadmill day after day and not take time to step back to see the big picture of your work life. Take a long break or a personal retreat afternoon and evaluate where you are professionally and where you’re heading. Make sure you’re getting your needs met – gratification, acknowledgement, support, positive challenge, and rewards. Make some adjustments where needed and put yourself on the track of a meaningful career.

Get out pen and paper and answer these questions:

What work-related activities are you naturally good at doing?
What tasks have you been recognized for by co-workers and supervisors?
What types of things do you learn quickly?
What are some of your greatest career accomplishments?
List your favorite aspects of your last job which you’d like to experience again.
Define your hard and soft skills; prioritize them in order of preference.
What adjectives and phrases best describe you? How would your colleagues describe you?
What were outcomes of any formal career assessments you’ve taken?
What did you want to be when you were in school?
What interests and hobbies do you have now?
List your work-related values – those things that matter most to you on the job.
What are your personal requirements around factors such as salary, benefits, commute time, size of company, work hours, management style, company culture, and dress code?

Write your answers down. There’s something very powerful about getting an idea out of your head and onto paper. This tangible document, like a Job Search Journal, creates a road map and plan for creating the kind of work life you desire. Take time to get to the bottom of these questions and see what patterns emerge. Your answers are all keys to your strengths, passions, times and places where you are happiest. There is where your work should be centered.

For even more insight, take a formal assessment, such as the Myers Briggs Type Indicator, and add the results to your own self-discoveries for more clarity about your right and perfect work.

Self assessment provides you with information easily overlooked or forgotten once we get into our daily routines. Reminding yourself of when you are at your best and performing at your highest will boost your confidence and focus your job search or job performance. Spend some time on the most important person in your life – YOU – and make sure you’re in not just any job, but the RIGHT job!

Weekly Workplace Wisdom, April 12

"Take the attitude of a student, never be too big to ask questions, never know too much to learn something new."
--Og Mandino, Author

Step Into It!
Set out to learn something new this week. Find out about training classes to improve your skills, ask someone in the know to explain those mysterious technology features on your phone, read a biography of an interesting person in history. Learning is easy, fun, good for your health and career, and causes you to grow in so many ways. Never stop learning!