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Last updated on Dec 15, 2024
  1. All
  2. HR Management
  3. Job Search Strategies

You have an informational interview coming up. How will you make a strong first impression?

An informational interview is a valuable opportunity to build connections and gather insights about your desired industry. Here's how to make a memorable impression:

  • Research thoroughly: Know the company, role, and the person you're meeting. This shows genuine interest and preparation.

  • Prepare thoughtful questions: Ask about their experiences, challenges, and advice. This demonstrates your eagerness to learn.

  • Follow up promptly: Send a thank-you note within 24 hours, highlighting specific points discussed. This reinforces your professionalism.

How do you prepare for an informational interview? Share your tips and experiences.

Job Search Strategies Job Search Strategies

Job Search Strategies

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Last updated on Dec 15, 2024
  1. All
  2. HR Management
  3. Job Search Strategies

You have an informational interview coming up. How will you make a strong first impression?

An informational interview is a valuable opportunity to build connections and gather insights about your desired industry. Here's how to make a memorable impression:

  • Research thoroughly: Know the company, role, and the person you're meeting. This shows genuine interest and preparation.

  • Prepare thoughtful questions: Ask about their experiences, challenges, and advice. This demonstrates your eagerness to learn.

  • Follow up promptly: Send a thank-you note within 24 hours, highlighting specific points discussed. This reinforces your professionalism.

How do you prepare for an informational interview? Share your tips and experiences.

Add your perspective
Help others by sharing more (125 characters min.)
28 answers
  • Contributor profile photo
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    Muhammad Junaid Ghazali

    Clinical Psychologist | Expert in SH+, Trauma-Informed Care, and Organizational Well-being | Supporting Military, Healthcare & Academic Sectors

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    What i personally find helpful is that researching about the company and individuals then doing mock interviews to have good practice in order to ensure you don't have any anxiety or stress during the whole process.

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    Alessandro Marangi

    Global Senior Talent Acquisition Partner | GE & ex McKinsey & Microsoft | Executive Search | Senior Career Coach | Helping People Unlock Their Full Potential

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    It’s essential to conduct a brief research on the company, understanding its structure, business type, market trends, and carefully analyzing the job description details. Artificial intelligence tools can be useful for gathering information, alongside the company’s official website. Afterward, it’s crucial to prepare a solid response to the question about why you want to work for this company and why you're motivated for the specific role. Finally, preparing a professional pitch of one minute, where you explain your career path and why this role is the natural progression in your professional journey, is extremely useful.

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    2
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    Craig P.

    Sales Director | Developing Talent, Building Culture, Driving Performance

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    Good interviews should be like a tennis match. Interviewing is a two way street, this hiring decision is CRITICAL to both the company and your career. Come prepared to demonstrate how you can provide value to your employer. But equally if not more important is a good fit for you!

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    Raed A.

    Project Management Professional | Supply Chain& SAP Strategist| PMP Eqv| LeanPM | CHL-CILT Certified| Transforming Industries with 700+ Onboarded Certifications

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    Making a strong first impression in an informational interview begins with thorough preparation. Research the industry, the organization, and your interviewer's background to demonstrate genuine interest and knowledge. Craft insightful questions that show your curiosity and enthusiasm for the field. Dress appropriately to match the professional tone of the interview. Arrive on time and greet your interviewer with a warm, confident demeanor. Focus on active listening and maintaining a positive, engaging conversation. End the discussion with gratitude by thanking them for their time and insights, leaving a lasting impression of professionalism and sincerity.

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    2
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    Malarvizhi Natarajan

    Office Administrator | Passionate About Improving Workflow & Supporting Leadership

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    1. Contact the interviewee 2. Conduct detailed research 3. Make a list of questions 4. Practice in advance 5. Dress appropriately

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    1
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    Carter Xie

    Co-Founder🌱CEA Turnkey Solutions For Vertical Farming&Hydroponics&Aquaponics&Greenhouse🌱LED Grow Lights Expert With 29K+Followers🌱500+Projects Served In 13 Years🌱 #CEA #VerticalFarm #Hydroponics #Agriculture🌱

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    Preparation Research the person and the company: Learn about the interviewee's role, the company's mission, values, and recent achievements. This knowledge will help you ask relevant questions and show your interest in the organization. Prepare your questions: Have a list of well - thought - out questions about the industry, the company's culture, career paths, and any specific topics you want to explore. Avoid asking questions that could be easily answered by a quick online search. Review your own background: Be ready to briefly summarize your relevant skills, experiences, and career goals. Highlight any achievements or projects that are related to the field or position you're interested in. What do u think?

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    Saranya Roy

    Head, Vendor Management, Selling Partner Services, Amazon I Certified AI Practitioner

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    To make a strong first impression, research the interviewer and company thoroughly. Prepare insightful questions that show genuine interest. Dress appropriately and arrive on time. Start with a confident introduction, highlighting your background concisely. Listen actively and engage in meaningful conversation. Show enthusiasm for the industry and appreciation for their time. Share relevant experiences and skills that align with their work. Maintain good body language and eye contact. Follow up with a thank-you email, reinforcing key takeaways and expressing interest in staying connected.

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    1
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    Contributor profile photo
    RAVISHANKAR K

    Aspiring ERP Professional 1.Implementation & Functional, Finance,Admin & HR activities. 2.Erp demo & training- Any erp 3.Adapt on ODOO, ERPNEXT,MSD 365,I diempiere

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    1. Do Your Research *Company/Industry Knowledge *Interviewees background 2. Prepare Questions 3. Be Clear on Your Goals 4. Perfect Your Elevator Pitch 5. Demonstrate Enthusiasm 6. Mind Your Body Language 7. Be Professional and Respectful 8. Follow-Up 9. Stay Curious, Not Pushy

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    Pankaj Subedi

    Connecting to the world to become Closer | Inspiration | Quotes | Linkedin Speaker

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    To make a strong first impression during an informational interview, I’d show up prepared and engaged. I’d do thorough research on the company, its culture, and industry trends. Rather than just focusing on myself, I’d ask thoughtful, open-ended questions about their experiences and the company’s future direction, showing genuine interest. I’d also share how my skills align with their needs, weaving in a mix of curiosity and enthusiasm. Being punctual, confident yet humble, and actively listening will help me come across as both professional and approachable, laying the foundation for a meaningful conversation.

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    1
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    Mohd Razziq Mohamed Razikin

    Senior HR Business Partner | Talent Management | Industrial Relations | Award-Winning HR Practitioner | 15+ Years of High Value & Impact

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    1. Be ahead of time 2. Natural self-introduction with impactful keywords that highlight your expertise againsts the role 3. Do homework on company/industry and speak confidently with genuine interest 4. Make it a two-way conversation, ask thoughtful questions, actively listen, and keep the engagement going 5. If your LinkedIn profile is solid, connect with the recruiter afterward to stay on their radar

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