An informational interview is not the interview for the job!

An informational interview can be helpful when you are looking to change careers, or when you are trying to see if a particular company would be a good fit for you. While this is not a formal interview, it offers occupational information as well as the opportunity to network.

When you land an informational interview, here's how to ace it:

1. Research the company. 
2. Research the individual you're meeting with.
3. Dress to impress.
4. Don't be nervous. 
5. Don't ask for a job; ask for advice. 
6. Impress the interviewer with thoughtful questions.
7. Get referrals. 
8. Follow up with a thank-you note or e-mail.

 

 Helpful Articles about Informational Interviews:

15 Questions to Ask in an informational Interview – Career Contessa, 8/1/2020

How do you prepare for an informational interview? -Forbes 

 

If you are nervous about an upcoming interview, quell those nerves by practicing your answers in a mock job interview.

• Research common questions that you could be asked about your experiences, skills, and desire for the particular position. 
• Think of answers that demonstrate the skills employers are looking for. One helpful tip is to is to use the STAR method, which highlights your accomplishments by describing the Situation, Task, Action, and Result. 
• Research the company itself. Compile a list of at least 5 questions to ask about the position, company statistics, or work-life culture that will show your interest in working there. 

Ask a friend, family member, or colleague that you are comfortable with to be the "interviewer" and practice, practice, practice!

 

Other places for mock interview:

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STAR method article:

https://www.linkedin.com/advice/3/what-some-dos-donts-using-star-method-skills-interview-preparation

Have a job interview coming up? Doing a trial run can give you the preparation you need to nail the real thing.

By: Daniel Bortz, Monster contributor

https://www.monster.com/career-advice/article/practice-makes-perfect

Video Interview Guide: Tips for a Successful Interview

Video Interview Tips

https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/interviewing/video-interview-guide

Top Video Job Interview Tips                     By Robert Half 

https://www.roberthalf.com/blog/job-interview-tips/screen-time-how-to-nail-your-next-video-interview

How to Answer the Dreaded "So tell me about yourself"

https://www.roberthalf.com/us/en/insights/landing-job/tell-me-about-yourself-how-to-answer-this-tricky-interview-question

by Pamela Skillings | Interview Questions & Answers

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mH3DaeJSwy4

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ubE405nVkZg&t=276s

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MmFuWmzeiDs