Etiquette For Informational Interviews
Because the job seeker initiates the interview, and the person being interviewed is the professional doing a favor by being interviewed by the job seeker, it is important to be mindful of guidelines of informational interview etiquette, in addition to etiquette for traditional interviews:
- prepare with research about the industry and the individual;
- arrange a time and place convenient to the professional;
- set a short time for the discussion (15 minutes is not unusual);
- have business cards available;
- dress appropriately;
- arrive promptly;
- ask well-prepared questions;
- offer to terminate the meeting at the end of the agreed time;
- offer to pay any bill associated with the meeting (from coffee to dinner tab); and
- write a personalized thank you note, preferably on stationery.
and other actions appropriate for the industry to make a good first impression.
Read more about this topic: Informational Interview
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