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Topic: Informational interviews?
| Author | Message |
| k_writes | Posted – 5/26/2008 8:35:08 PM | show profile Hi all. I'm considering a move from the East Coast to Chicago, but am pretty nervous about the job situation. I've got a great job now, but think Chicago is a better town for me in the long run...But I digress. I was thinking of taking a long weekend to Chicago and trying to set up some informational interviews with mags I'm interested in. I've never done an informational interview -- could anyone give me advice on setting one up? Also, will editors think it's weird that someone with several years of national magazine experience under her belt is just asking for an informational interview? Any advice at all would be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance! |
| cabaraba | Posted – 5/27/2008 1:50:27 PM | show profile Informational interviews are excellent for getting your foot-in-the-door. I would try calling/emailing the editor that you want to meet with. Briefly explain why you are interested in the company, and that you are looking for feedback on your work. People are generally flattered to share their career journey and give advice. Just chat and be casual. Unfortunately most people don't have time or simply don't respond...but that doesn't mean that you should not try. In my experience, the few informational interviews I landed, lead to a position or an offer. It's a casual way to let someone know about you. They are more likely to hire someone they know, over trying to search for someone. |
| internet chick | Posted – 5/30/2008 12:37:44 AM | show profile Informational interviews are the way to go! I am currently trying to transition into the HR field after working seven years in TV , radio and online. With the help of a career consultant, I was able to set-up several informational interviews with HR professionals who have been able to give me the low down on the field and prospects on potential job opportunities. Email editors at the mags that you're interested in working at in Chicago. Just let them know that you're thinking about moving and was interested in picking their brain about what Chicago has the offer and what you can bring to the table at their mag. You may even want to see if any of your college alum work in the city at some mags and that would be a great way for you to try to get an informational interview because you already have one thing in common. The main thing(s) you want to get from an informational interview is a biz card, if they know of any jobs, if they can pass your resume/clips off to some of their colleagues, and/or if they know of anyone that you could also speak to for another informational interview. You want to be slick about this though b/c you don't want to come off being pushy, but you want to come away from the interview with at least one lead for a job. Good luck! P.S. If you can't meet with them in person, there's nothing wrong with chatting on the phone and emailing them your resume before the informational interview so they can become familiar with your background before you talk. |
| k_writes | Posted – 6/9/2008 1:13:08 PM | show profile thank you! Just wanted to thank you all for your input! I've emailed the editors I'm hoping to speak with, so we'll see! |
