6 Ways to Conquer the Informational Interview
Mikayla M. Bodey
Informational interviews are, in my opinion, the most important part of the WAIP experience for those planning to return to Washington D.C. after graduation. Here are 6 ways to get the most out of an informational interview:
1. Treat it like a job interview. Whether you know it or not, the person sitting across from you could be your future employer. Always put your best foot forward, dress well, come early, and come prepared.
2. Do your homework. Make it your business to know everything you can find about the person you’re meeting with and their organization. They likely have a biography posted on their website, they may have written a column, or may have a resume posted online. Have about 5 questions prepared to ask them in case the conversation stalls.
3. Arrive early, and buy your coffee or lunch first. There’s nothing more awkward than standing in line with your interviewee while you’re ordering, and inadvertently putting pressure on the interviewee to purchase your drink. Not to mention that they may not want to purchase anything, or could be running late. This gets the purchasing time out of the way so you can get down to business.
4. Always bring a notebook, pen, and business cards. Some informational interviews really throw a lot of information or contacts at you, and you want to be prepared to write it down. It’s also great to exchange cards if you haven’t already.
5. Always send a thank you note. Within a week of your interview, send a thank you note. I personally have Ohio State notes for OSU alumni, and simple cards for others. Talk about something you enjoyed about your interview, and say you look forward to staying connected.
6. Keep a spreadsheet. Record every last detail about your informational interview in a spreadsheet. My contact list includes names, positions, titles, phone numbers, dates and locations of meetings, and a notes section. This will help you remember everyone you interacted with over your time in DC.
Don’t be afraid to reach out to anyone and everyone in the DC area that interests you. Once you get the hang of these interviews, it’ll become one of the most rewarding parts of WAIP.
Mikayla M. Bodey
Informational interviews are, in my opinion, the most important part of the WAIP experience for those planning to return to Washington D.C. after graduation. Here are 6 ways to get the most out of an informational interview:
1. Treat it like a job interview. Whether you know it or not, the person sitting across from you could be your future employer. Always put your best foot forward, dress well, come early, and come prepared.
2. Do your homework. Make it your business to know everything you can find about the person you’re meeting with and their organization. They likely have a biography posted on their website, they may have written a column, or may have a resume posted online. Have about 5 questions prepared to ask them in case the conversation stalls.
3. Arrive early, and buy your coffee or lunch first. There’s nothing more awkward than standing in line with your interviewee while you’re ordering, and inadvertently putting pressure on the interviewee to purchase your drink. Not to mention that they may not want to purchase anything, or could be running late. This gets the purchasing time out of the way so you can get down to business.
4. Always bring a notebook, pen, and business cards. Some informational interviews really throw a lot of information or contacts at you, and you want to be prepared to write it down. It’s also great to exchange cards if you haven’t already.
5. Always send a thank you note. Within a week of your interview, send a thank you note. I personally have Ohio State notes for OSU alumni, and simple cards for others. Talk about something you enjoyed about your interview, and say you look forward to staying connected.
6. Keep a spreadsheet. Record every last detail about your informational interview in a spreadsheet. My contact list includes names, positions, titles, phone numbers, dates and locations of meetings, and a notes section. This will help you remember everyone you interacted with over your time in DC.
Don’t be afraid to reach out to anyone and everyone in the DC area that interests you. Once you get the hang of these interviews, it’ll become one of the most rewarding parts of WAIP.
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