The Information Interview – For those new to green who are green
Dec 21, 2009
6 Comments
"What do I do now?" - Robert Redford's character in the 1971 film, The Candidate.The Information Interview. You've finally tracked down that person at that company or in that industry for which you want to work. Maybe it took a few emails or phone calls . . . perhaps you even told that person that you had some good information you wanted to share with him or her. So now you are going to meet that person tomorrow for coffee . . . and you do not want to blow it. So like Redford's character, Bill McKay, you are clueless, or just nervous, about what you should do.
And the reality is, despite all the buzz over "green jobs," there are way more folks interested in these positions than what are actually out there. So, we all have to really step up our game in trying to impress that person to be our advocate and a helpful contact.
My article three weeks ago about networking using social media got me acquainted with a lot of terrific people. Many of them asked for advice about what to do for an information interview, so at the risk of a nasty-gram here or there, off I go. There are countless articles on the Internet offering sample questions and basic tips, so I am not focusing on those. I'd like to share what in the past has worked for me--or what I wish I had done, but did not think of it until after I had met that person!
1) The venue. You are taking this person's time, so you should go to a place convenient for your information interviewee. I have actually had people through alumni associations and LinkedIn find me, track me down to arrange a time to offer all kinds of advice . . . and then . . . they wanted me to drive 30 miles to a place that worked for them. Not very "green," is it? Scope out a place that is quiet, read a few online reviews to make sure the place is decent, and in this economy . . . call the coffee house ahead of time to make sure it is still open. And for those of us on the west coast doing a phone information interview. . . if you want to call someone back East or in Europe, we may just have to rise out of bed early.
2) Look nice. Call me superficial, but you should be at least dressed in "business casual" wear. You want to make a good first impression. Oh, and be nice. Pay for the coffee. Perhaps I'm old fashioned or my years in Korea where "dutch pay" was seen as insulting, but do not be cheap.
3) Confirm the amount of time. Some people out there are just too nice and really want to help, but do not want to be away from their desk for too long. It also reduces the risk of you going on and on and on . . . and it also imparts that you really want to respect their time. So ask this in the very beginning.
4) Research this person. I would go beyond the standard Google search or LinkedIn profile. True, this person is sharing information with you. But as I stated on November 30, you also are in the position to offer information and help. One tip I can offer you is looking to see if my interviewees led any discussion among the LinkedIn groups--a great way to mine information on the issues with which they are dealing at their jobs. Furthermore, no one wants to post a discussion anywhere and get zero results: perhaps you can offer some ideas to your new contact this way! Some may disagree with me, but I think the content shared at an information interview should be more than one way. Make it a dialogue.
5) Present a mini "media kit." From my past experience in sales, I have always believed that you should leave something behind other than your card, such as:
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A really strong blog post you had written that elicited many comments--true to the content of your discussion, of course.
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You could also summarize some recent accomplishments and specialized skills, presenting it to your contact with such a question as, "How do you think I could transfer these skills to your industry?"
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Perhaps there is a conference or expo coming up and you want to ask their opinion on it. Print the title page.
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It could be the LinkedIn profile of someone who has helped you, asking them if you think that person can help your new contact.
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You do not want to overwhelm this person with information--but about three good pieces of info, neatly stapled together, conveys interest in this person and the field. As for your resume, that is NOT part of your media kit. As the old cliche goes, you are asking for information, NOT a job.
6) Thank you's and follow-up without the Spam. This is pretty obvious. Drop them a note every few weeks, informing them of your progress. Ask for those referrals as tactfully as possible. Continue sending good nuggets of information when you can. You may want to create a matrix using a Google spreadsheet so you can track who you are contacting. What you should not do is suddenly include them on blanket email newsletters. I am always amazed at the green product and event spam lists that I end up on . . . no way . . . remember the "opt-in" rule.
7) What if you completely space out? It happens. You have done the preparation, then you had a hectic day, or got lost. Relax, it has occurred to all of us. Sit back and ask the person about his or her background and how they ended up in this industry. Most people love to talk about themselves--and if they are good, you could pick up some style tips as to how to present yourself at the next mixer or information interview. Hopefully that will lead to a more natural conversation. Whatever you do, be sure you at least have business cards and be prepared to take notes.
8) Watch your tone. I am always amazed at the snarky comments many wannabe "green professionals" dish out at networking events, over the phone, and yes, at coffees such as the one I am describing. Do not make any assumptions: I have met plenty of Republicans that care about the environment and are passionate about green technology, and I many Obama supporters are walking environmental cesspits. The focus needs to be on your career research; keep it there.
Social media networking is great, networking events can be helpful . . . but few things beat one-on-one face time. Try to meet as many people as you can, and offer to help. It can happen; it just will take time, and if 2010 will be as big of a year as many folks in clean and green tech say it will be, start now . . . you will be ahead in the race.
What I offered are some general guidelines and what has worked for me and others I have advised. If you have additional tips, we would love to hear them.
informational interview
Very helpful article.
Thank you!
Glad it was of help. Funny, I think this is like the “you say tomato, I say tom-ah-to” situation. I’ve always said information interview and have been to workshops on conducting them, but I see informational interview all over the place as well.
Very applicable to all areas of business. Have been doing these for years but it’s always good to be reminded of basic etiquette and to learn some new things as well. Thanks!
Great article once again. I really like points 5 and 7, the latter especially because I’ve definitely (not) been there a couple of times. Thanks, Leon!
Great article, thanks for sharing! One of the things I like to ask that person to share any reading/websites/listservs they particularly like or find useful to build my knowledge in the area. And later down the road, I will make sure to share any relevant new info I come across with that person, therefore being able to keep in touch with something a little more useful than just keeping them posted with my progress.