What I Learned From Wednesday's Informational Interview

Saturday, 6:06am EST

February 18th, 2023

Right now, I'm writing this in the dining room.

In my sweater and wearing sweatpants.

It’s clear outside and it's 31 degrees in New York.

I'm ready. Are you? Let's go!

------------------------------

This week, I had an informational interview.

You may be asking:?

"Craig, what is an informational interview?"

Glad you asked.

It's a chance to find out more about a specific career or company.

By the way, never ask for a job in an informational interview.

It defeats the point of the chat. Gain insights and listen.

Had a phone call on Wednesday with a Manager who worked at a startup.?

She loved the questions that were sent ahead of time via email.

She gave helpful advice and I wrote a thank you card the next day.

Went to the startup to drop off the card.

Met her in person and she loved it.

She thanked me for coming while it was raining all day.

Gave a tour of the startup and thanked me for coming.

Here are three lessons I learned:

Lesson #1: Be thankful for the advice you receive.

When the call starts, thank the person for their time to chat.

They don't mind at all. They want to help and pay it forward.

Every piece of advice you receive will be different.

On Wednesday, she said my LinkedIn headline is great and wants me to aim for a Manager position.

Even gave a LinkedIn profile review for free.

She likes the numbers mentioned in my work experience and wants me to reference them in a job interview.

She recommended a Manager position because of my background and experience.

She's thinking ahead because she doesn't want me to undervalue myself.

Be thankful for another point of view and for the advice.

Lesson #2: Do what it takes to write and send a thank you card.

When was the last time you received a handwritten card?

Handwritten cards show genuine care.

Here are the benefits:

- You build social capital or goodwill you have with a person.

- People feel flattered you remembered them.

- People think of you.

It helps people feel good when they are thankful from the heart.

On Thursday, I wrote one and went to the company on a rainy day.

Here's the surprise:

The same person mentioned how Thursday was her only day in the office.

I went to the company without letting her know I was coming.

On a random rainy Thursday, on a 1 out of 5 chance (or 20% chance) of her being there.

It was important to hand-deliver the card.

You can mail it, email it, or deliver it in person.

Lesson #3: Be of good value and follow up.

People will give you recommendations or advice.

It's important to thank them for their time in an email.

People want to hear from you and be part of your story.

You can email an article to show you thought of them and add value.

In the end, update your contact on the results of the advice you received.

Continue to follow up and keep in touch.

Add value first and turn a one-time chat into a relationship.

What was one lesson you learned this week from meeting people?