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This will be my first one this week and just wanted to get some feedback on what to expect.
What happened was I applied to a part-time position at this company last week and then was called for a interview on Thursday. At the interview I was told that they are looking for someone who already has a full-time job and would be using that job as a side job. So the interviewer gave my resume to someone on the executive level for other opportunities in the company and the person called me today to set up a informational interview.
You may not realize that an informational interview is NOT a job interview. In fact, one of the major taboos in an informational interview is to ask about employment opportunities. If what you've been asked to attend is in fact an informational interview then this article will be of help to you:
A long time ago I went through some training on this and despite the fact it is networking on the surface, with one company I actually wound up in an interview after talking to one person for 15 minutes and that was unexpected. The key is: Gain access to the hidden job market. Over 80% of quality jobs are secured through networking. So you don't approach it the same way but the results can lead to a formal interview, sometimes very quickly, in my case it was a bit spontaneous. So just be prepared to shift gears if its appropriate.
Don't be surprised if it turns into some sort of pick your brain session rather than a chance to connect to someone who can help you get a job (still, it might).
I went on an interview once a few years ago and the people basically kept repeating the same questions and later on I realized they just wanted an educated customer's view on their business.
Keep your appointment but be aware it may just be a marketing tool for them, not you.
Don't be surprised if it turns into some sort of pick your brain session rather than a chance to connect to someone who can help you get a job (still, it might).
I went on an interview once a few years ago and the people basically kept repeating the same questions and later on I realized they just wanted an educated customer's view on their business.
Keep your appointment but be aware it may just be a marketing tool for them, not you.
It's a marketing tool for both of us. We are scheduling a meeting to determine if there could be a future business relationship between us which is going to involve getting to know one another.
It's a marketing tool for both of us. We are scheduling a meeting to determine if there could be a future business relationship between us which is going to involve getting to know one another.
It still begs the question of whether or not you understand what an "informational interview" is.
If what you are going for is indeed such then a simple google will explain to you exactly what it is apart from the link I provided. It is not a "marketing tool for both of us" but a tool for you to examine your own potential with an experienced professional to guide you. You're neither in the driver's seat during such an interview and neither are you on a par with the interviewer. It could be very useful to you but pre-supposing what it is could be detrimental to your conduct during the process.
Well, good luck to you. At least you're out there trying to make things happen.
I'm trying to make something happen but we been playing phone tag all day. Going to call more time before 5pm. He called yesterday at 4pm and I decided to wait until this morning to call back but have not reached him yet. If I don't get in touch with him today, I will be so irritated since it was a "wasted day"
I'm trying to make something happen but we been playing phone tag all day. Going to call more time before 5pm. He called yesterday at 4pm and I decided to wait until this morning to call back but have not reached him yet. If I don't get in touch with him today, I will be so irritated since it was a "wasted day"
Sometimes putting people on your "ignore" list isn't a good idea and ends up being a futile, "cut off your nose to spite your face" exercise. In all good faith I offered advice but you won't either read it or heed it. On your own merry way you go and may the force be with you!
Interview comes after the information has been discussed
Quote:
Originally Posted by TVandSportsGuy
This will be my first one this week and just wanted to get some feedback on what to expect.
What happened was I applied to a part-time position at this company last week and then was called for a interview on Thursday. At the interview I was told that they are looking for someone who already has a full-time job and would be using that job as a side job. So the interviewer gave my resume to someone on the executive level for other opportunities in the company and the person called me today to set up a informational interview.
Maybe it depends on the industry or profession of the position. I went to an informational/interview yesterday evening. It was my first time going to an employer event labeled that way. They had the candidates fill out a 4-5 page application and then turn in copies of our college or post graduate transcripts and certifications (if applicable). The staff person took them to go make copies and then returned our transcripts. There were 12 people, so it took her awhile for all the copying to be done. Afterwards, another staff person came in and introduced herself as the manager of xyz department for the position that we'd applied for.
First, she gave an overview of what she would be covering. Then she proceeded to give us a very detailed breakdown of what the position entails and answered questions as well as what level of degree was required (informational). Basically, if you didn't have a certain degree you realized quickly that it was a waste of time to stay any longer. The informational part of the session took about 2.5 hours without a break. At the conclusion, she walked over to a corner desk in the room and individually interviewed us one-on-one ranging anywhere from 5-10 minutes average. There were twelve potential candidates in the room. In all it was a very long night but she stated that everyone would receive an email in a couple of weeks informing them whether they were/were not hired. I appreciate the fact that we were interviewed especially after so much time had been spent for the informational part of the event.
The informational part is to let you know what their minimum requirements for the position is so that it's clear to both parties before wasting time on an interview if this isn't a position they'll consider you for. It also allows the company to inform a larger number of people at one time (instead of 12 individual informational sessions) what their requirements for employment are and weed out those that don't fit the criteria at one time. A very busy hiring manager only has to work one evening late to inform and interview people instead of scheduling 12 individual interviews at various times over a week or two. It's best to be prepared in case the employer will be interviewing immediately following the informational part. Best wishes!
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Interview comes after the information has been discussed
