By Jeff Altman, Big Game Hunter
EP 3106 Tired of sending in your resume and getting stuck in the abyss? Let us tell you the truth: the best jobs are often not posted publicly. In this straightforward, no-nonsense episode, we unravel the mystery and reveal The power of informational interviews.
Recruiters know something you don’t: They won’t fill that many positions
Well, let’s talk about the informational interview you’ve probably heard a million times if you’re looking for a new job or considering a career change. But honestly, will this really lead to anything? Or is this just a polite way to waste everyone’s time? We need to get to the bottom of this. I mean, that’s the real question, isn’t it? You are very busy.
The person you want to talk to must be busy. The last thing anyone needs is another meeting that goes nowhere. So are they really worth the effort? Let’s answer this question directly.
That’s it. The short answer is “no”. They are definitely not a waste of time.
Your digital first impression may get you rejected
But okay, that just raises a bigger question, right? If they’re really that great, what’s the real point? What should you actually get out of it? That’s the key. The point is not to walk in and find a job. No, no.
It’s about gaining stronger, real, honest inside knowledge in the long run. Think of it this way. It’s like targeted research.
You have a blind spot. You don’t know what the company culture is like, nor what the day-to-day implications of this position are. So you find someone who can fill that gap with their own real-world experience.
This is something you’ll never find on Google. This is the perfect way to portray it. On the one hand, you have the official story, the polished job description, the company’s shiny “About Us” page.
But on the other hand, you also face reality, actual day-to-day work, unwritten rules, real challenges. Informational interviews are the bridge that gets you from one side to the other. So this usually boils down to two main scenarios.
First, you are focusing on a specific company. You get to talk to insiders, get the scoop on team dynamics, work-life balance, you know, the real scoop. Or maybe you’re considering a new career path.
Well, before you dive in, the informational interview is your chance to find out what the job is actually like. So who holds all the secret knowledge? An insider, of course. You want to talk to people who live the reality you’re curious about every day.
Their first-hand experience is what it’s all about. They’ve been on the road and they can tell you where all the potholes are. Okay, you’re gathering all this important intelligence.
Why do so many interviews?
But how could this become anything? This is where things get really interesting. Because it’s not just about gathering facts. A good conversation can start a chain reaction that can lead to some amazing opportunities.
This is where strategy really comes into play. See how it plays out. It starts simple, right? The first step is to just learn.
But if you have a good conversation, you start to build a real connection. This is the second step. That person may then offer to help you.
Maybe they’ll look at your resume or introduce you to someone else. All of this can ultimately lead to the holy grail, which is them recommending you for a real interview. It all starts with this simple first step.
Indeed, this is the greatest reward. You get more than just one thing. It’s knowledge, it’s a new professional relationship, it’s strategic advice, and yes, it’s a potential step.
A focused and respectful conversation can bring tremendous value. So, keeping all of this in mind, I want to leave you with one final thought. Something to get you started on doing this yourself.
Seriously, think about it. If you could sit down with someone right now who is working in your absolute dream career, what is the most important thing you need to know? Whatever the problem is, this is your starting point. Now go find an insider you can ask.
LinkedIn’s #opentowork post
About Big Game Hunter Jeff Altman
People hire “Big Game Hunter” Jeff Altman to provide no-nonsense career advice around the world because he makes so many things in people’s careers easier. These things may involve job search, recruiting more effectively, managing and leading better, caregiver transition, and advice on solving workplace problems.
He is the producer and former host of “No BS Job Search Advice Radio,” the #1 job search podcast on iTunes with over 3,100 episodes.
Key blind spots in executive job searches
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Executive Job Search: The Intangible Market
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