We know that trying to learn more about potential career options can be scary and intimidating, but that’s why informational interviews are so important! Informational interviews are your best chance at learning more about a role, industry, or company so you have to make it count!
Here are some tips for you to get the most out of an informational interview:
Do Your Research
Make sure to do some initial research on the career field or employer you are interested in so you can have a clearer idea of what you need to know more about. This will also help you to not ask questions that can be solved with a quick google search.
Identify People to Interview
Start off with people you already know who are in fields you are interested in or who may know people who could help you. A really great resource is to check your LinkedIn alumni network from your university or look at a company’s LinkedIn to see what employees went to the same school as you!
Prepare for the Interview
Create a list of open-ended questions to ask and set some hopes of what you want to learn from this meeting. Be ready to use your questions but don’t be afraid to also let the conversation flow naturally.
Keep your Introduction short
Give a very brief and concise background about yourself and emphasize that you are looking for more information, not a job.
Be Respectful
It is important that you make sure that you respect the person’s time by not going over the agreed time-frame.
Send a Thank You Note
Always, and I mean always send a thank you note to the person you interviewed. They took time out of their day to meet with you so make sure to send a thank you note within 1-2 days to express your appreciation.
Follow up. Follow up. Follow up.
One of the biggest mistakes that people make is not following up so make sure that you are keeping in touch with this person. You should continue to follow up with them as your relationship develops by sending relevant articles, events, or letting them know of any advice they gave you that you implemented.
Now it’s your turn, who will you interview?
Career Opportunities
Product Design
Amplitude Summer 2021 Product Design Intern
Glassdoor Summer 2021 Product Design Intern
Wish Summer 2021 Product Design Intern
Research-Based
Johnson & Johnson Summer 2021 Research and Development Intern
The Primary School Summer 2021 Research and Dissemination Intern
Other
Check out our previous newsletters for other internship opportunities!
Don’t forget to keep in touch with the AcceleratePlus team :)
Good luck,
Team Accelerate+