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Topic: How to Cold Call for an Informational Interview
| Author | Message |
| foodlit | Posted – 1/14/2008 1:57:49 PM | show profile | email poster Someone from the boards emailed me offline to ask about this and as I sent her a response it occurred to me that maybe others might be interested too. So, after you have done a little research to determine the name of a possible hiring manager at a company you'd be interested in working at, whether or not they have any openings posted, you then call them up and say, Sure, it's actually easy. You just pick up the phone and call them directly. You just say, "Hi I'm Jane/Joe Smith...., a recent college graduate and I'm hoping you might be able to help me. I'd love the chance to meet with you briefly, maybe for 20 or 30 minutes to pick your brain a little bit. I'm planning to begin a career as (writer? editor? whatever it is) and although I have an idea of the job, I'd love to learn more about what you do, and what it's like to actually work in the industry, so that I have a better overall understanding. I'm happy to meet early in the morning, for a quick cup of coffee before your day gets going if that's better for you, or anytime at all that is convenient. I'll bring the coffee!" That's it. If you get voicemail, then leave this message. Best times to catch people is early and late in the day, before 9 and after 5, as that's when the assistant's go home and they're likely to answer their own phones. This is how I've gotten most of my jobs! Good luck, and let me know how it goes. Oh, and when you go in there to meet with them, you dress as if it's an interview though I wouldn't wear a suit, just dress nicely, and don't act like it's an interview. This is your chance to ask questions...things like how did they get started, what's a typical day, what does a X (the job you want) do here?, what kind of advice would they give you if they were to start over again and in your shoes? (that's a great one). Also, as it comes time to wrap up the interview, you 'close' by saying something like, "Thank you so much for spending some time with me this has been so helpful and has made me even more determined to build a career in this field. Please keep me in mind if anything opens up that could match my background." Enthusiasm and confidence goes a long way. Also, before you go in, once the interview time is set, do as much research on this person as you can, google them, go on LinkedIn, etc. You are looking for information in their background that you can draw out if relevant when you meet, for instance maybe you went to the same school, or lived in the same area, have a similar interest or hobby. Any little thing that can help establish rapport can go a long way. When in doubt, if you get nervous, smile, it automatically will relax both of you and make you appear in a more positive light. Also, be aware of how they hold themselves, if they are more reserved or very loud and outgoing, you will benefit from mirroring a little so that you appear more 'like' them. This sounds silly, but is very effective and just something to keep in mind, so you can present yourself in the best possible light. Good luck! And as always if anyone wants a copy of my handout on interviewing/networking/resumes, just shoot me an email. Pam |
| Unemployed-gal | Posted – 1/14/2008 3:28:10 PM | show profile Thanks for posting this, Pam. I always don't know if cold calling someone is polite or not, or weird or not, so its good to know that doing it is perfectly fine. There's a woman who I'm considering cold calling, and I didn't know before what the protocol was. Thanks also for the advice on the best times of day to catch someone. |
| paulie_c | Posted – 1/15/2008 1:32:15 AM | show profile Pam, you are one of the most helpful people on these boards, thanks for another great post |
| le mot juste | Posted – 1/17/2008 3:28:29 PM | show profile | email poster So how high up the masthead ladder should you call? I assume the EIC at a big glossy is not going to have the time for such meetings. Would a Managing or Associate Editor be better? |
| foodlit | Posted – 1/17/2008 5:19:11 PM | show profile I'd try for just a level or two above where you'd be going in, so for someone who might likely be your hiring manager. |
