FREE FICTION BELOW
Dear Reader,
Happy February! Two months ago I sent you a newsletter about Networking. The goal of networking is to make contacts that might lead to deeper relationships (and hopefully, by some strange magic, paying jobs). Thus, the next step to making a friend at a conference or a mixer is a one-on-one discussion, otherwise known as an “Informational Interview.”
When I first heard about the Informational Interview, the skeptic in me wondered how helpful it really was. But I’m out here in Hollywood with only vague ideas of how to join the stars and make my contribution to culture, so I swallowed the blue pill and dived down the rabbit hole.
Over the last month, I have taken so many meetings that “meeting new people” is feeling like my new part-time job. I am beyond blessed that so many people have agreed to take time out of their days and chat with me, for no other purpose than to get to know each other.
Through all of these conversations, certain themes arise. Different people at varying stages in their careers all sing harmonies of the same tune. Granted, there are some instances where they contradict each other, and it helps inform my own understanding to hear their reasoning.
From the front lines, here is my advice on doing an Informational Interview.
Research the person you are meeting.
This is not to bring up every scrap of information you gleaned on your deep dive into google, like an over-eager student flapping her homework in the teacher’s face. Rather, it’s background research so that IF something comes up, you are familiar and can comment intelligently. It also helps you find points of commonalities, which allows you to connect on a human level, which leads to more authentic conversation.
I recommend looking up video interviews, podcast interviews, LinkedIn, or Instagram. Pick your preferred platform. The advantage of video or audio interviews is that it gives you a preview to what kind of person you are meeting.
It’s okay to keep research light: the point is the person, not the resume. Because I’ve taken so many meetings, I tend to wait till a day before to make sure the information is fresh, and not confused with other people. One friend noted that she didn’t research people so that she could learn their stories from them, which kept their relationship grounded in the present. Sometimes knowing very little can be a blessing, since it changes the dynamic of the conversation. Basically: don’t stress about it.
Be punctual with communication.
Industry professionals are just that: professionals. They tend to move at a very high speed so stay on top of your email, even if you are only able to send brief (polite) responses. Not responding in a timely manner leaves a very bad first impression before you ever meet in person.
If your contact agrees to meet with you, give your phone number for quicker access. This helps especially when looking for each other at the coffee shop.
Prepare a list of questions.
Don’t go crazy with this. Zoom out. What are the big things you want to know, which only they can tell you? What does their experience or expertise open a window too? The more interviews I took, the less I looked at the questions. They are more of a guiding road map to keep you going in the right direction.
Bring a notebook.
Keep it handy, for when something comes up that you want to remember. Maybe they recommend a book to read, or a TV show to watch, or mention a person they want to connect you with. Reviewing these notes after the meeting ends reminds you not only of your next steps moving forward, but what to follow up with them about.
Dress appropriately.
Of course, you want to look nice, professional. But I have also discovered there is such a thing as looking too nice. It can come off as trying too hard. The best rule of thumb, observe your industry, discern the common dress code, do that, but scaled it slightly up. After multiple meetings, I found that being “comfortable but professional” sets the tone of the meeting to “relaxed and productive.”
Show up early.
You just don’t know what traffic will do. Plus, showing up early allows you to scope the place out and find the right spot. More than likely, the spot will change once your contact arrives. However, there is tremendous value in allowing yourself to mentally “settle into” a space. Personally, I am already a bit elevated from nerves (meeting someone new, wanting to make a good first impression, remembering all the information), and showing up early helps me to bring my heart rate back down.
Listen, and be humble.
You want to know about THEM, so let them speak. Let them take the conversation where they want. Keep your questions in the back of your mind, but letting the conversation flow naturally is the most fruitful. When you do speak, be humble. I’m not saying don’t speak about yourself, in fact it’s important that you do, but less says more. For a food analogy, “salt” the conversation with bit’s about yourself. The other person is the main course.
This is unless they ask you about yourself, and then be brief, concise, and hit the key points. (Art of the pitch anyone? Shoutout to storytellers everywhere.)
Make a friend.
If you show up expecting a job interview, the conversation will be stiff because the other person can feel you want something from them. Instead, you’re looking to make a new friend. Be humans together, have fun, let your personality show. Share tidbits about yourself. Find common interests. People want to do life and work with people they enjoy. You are establishing a connection.
The ask.
Do not ask for a job.
Ask what your next steps should be. (Usually, this will already be covered).
Follow up.
Within a week or so, send a ‘thank you’ email. If they generously offered to look over materials, send them. You can also ask if there’s anyone else they know of who would be willing to connect with you. They might say no. Or they might connect you with seven professionals in your field to whom you would never normally have access. There is nothing to lose here.
Establish a network. See who you can help.
Be someone who is creating value for other people by passing along opportunities and recommending jobs for others. I believe that really successful people are collaborative, looking at how they can benefit those around them. We are creating our lives when we work, and personally, I would rather do it surrounded by friends, people I respect and enjoy.
Watch the doors open.
Take time and think through whether this opportunity is right for you. We shouldn’t necessarily walk through every door opened to us. If you must close a door, remember to maintain a positive connection with your contact. Who knows, maybe you will work together later on. Or maybe there is some way you can help them in the future.
The right opportunities will eventually come knocking. Be ready when they do. Are your materials in order? Do you have systems in place to keep your life on track as you embark on the new adventure? Take the time to celebrate! You earned it, and work starts on Monday.
Happy Sailing,
S. C. Durbois