COMM 202 Tutorial Informational Interviews & Questions

Agenda

Recap Networking Event

Informational Interview

Admin

Recap of Networking Event

Anyone you want to follow-up with?

Informational Interview

… a meeting with someone you wish to learn from and get advice particular to/related to your

intended career choice

Informational Interview

“Ask for a job and you’ll get advice;

Ask for advice and

you’ll get a job.”

2 Types of Interviews

Job Interview Informational Interview

•  Interviewer is in charge – They ask

questions •  You provide

information

•  You are in charge •  You lead the

conversation •  You gather info

Game time

a job you want to learn more about?

a company you’re interest in?

an industry you are curious about?

someone you want more advice from?

Research

Know their work history

Check out their major skill sets

Find commonalities (5-6) !

How to find it: Google search, LinkedIn, social media, ask mutual contacts

Get in Touch

a) reach out to those you already know

b) ask someone in your network to connect you

c) contact them through a “cold call”

Reaching Out

Include your background

Why you are interested in meeting them?

What are you looking to learn?

20 minutes

Choice between 2 positives

Example Subject: Informational interview request from BCom student Dear Mr. Anderson, It was great meeting you last Thursday at the COMM 202 Networking Event and learn a bit about your experiences from UBC. As we had discussed, I am currently a second year student and will be deciding on my specialization at the end of the term. I am particularly interested in Finance and understand that you currently work in the industry. I am writing to ask if you would be able to meet for 20 minutes over coffee to answer a few questions I have about your career? I am available Monday, March 2nd or Wednesday, March 4th anytime after 2:00pm, however I can accommodate to meet at another time that may work for you. I look forward to following up with you next Tuesday via phone should I not hear from you. Thanks again and I look forward to hearing from you soon. Regards, Super Bcom Student

Professionalism

Dress the part

Pay attention to body language

Respect their time {Arrive early}

Take notes {Padfolio}

Pay for coffee

Plan the Conversation

Find out their professional history, expertise, beliefs

How did they get into the industry?

What do they believe are the biggest challenges to the profession currently?

Plan a roadmap… Be prepared to steer the conversation

Set Objectives

Why this industry?

Philosophy at work

Interesting experiences

Best part of work

Biggest challenges

Skill sets, and more!

Your Pitch

Why are you interested in this industry?

Why do you feel it is important to talk with experts in the field?

What do you want to know about their career?

Give 2 Get

Offer your expertise

Offer your time & resources

“Thank you for sitting down with me today, I just wanted to ask, is there anything that I could help you with or provide you? If not, please don’t hesitate to reach out! I really appreciate all of your

valuable insights you’ve given me.”

Keeping in Touch

•  Set expectations for how you intend to keep in touch!

•  Touch base when you see fit -  Have you had a new development? -  Did their information help you make a

decision? -  Did they pass you on to someone else?

What did you learn from that person? -  Season/Holiday Greetings!

Key Takeaways

Take charge of the meeting

Set expectations for the next step

Be authentic in your conversation

Action Items

Job Posting Research Assignment due February 13th at 11:59pm Skills Matrix due February 27th at 2pm