An informational interview is less formal than a job interview since the intention of an informational interview is information gathering for the future, rather than immediate employment. 

While you may end up hearing about current job openings during an informational interview, your purpose for this type of interview is not to land a job based on your conversation.

Instead, the goal of an informational interview should be to emerge armed with valuable research about an area or organization where you may want to work.

Below are some tips to get the most out of an informational interview, maximizing the time spent with your interviewee.

Be Intentional About Choosing Who to Interview

The first step to ensuring a strong informational interview is to identify the right person to speak with.

The UC Berkeley Career Center suggests mining your own contacts for potential people to speak with. “People you already know, even if they aren’t in fields of interest to you, can lead you to people who are. This includes family, friends, teaching assistants, professors, and former employers,” the Career Center states on its website.

But many informational interviews are conducted with someone who you, as the interviewer, have never met before, particularly if you’re new to an industry and don’t have contacts in it yet. This means it’s important to spend some time researching thought leaders in the industry or company that you’d like to learn more about.

Professional networking sites like LinkedIn are excellent resources for this, as it’s easy to use the search tools to quickly find potential interviewees with certain job titles, or identify people in roles that you’d like to know more about who work at a specific company.

You can also use LinkedIn to make initial contact with someone you’re interested in interviewing, either through a request to connect or by responding to an article or other content that they post about industry topics.

Be Specific and Finite in Your Ask

Once you’ve pinpointed someone who you’d like to interview for their career insights, Founder of Career Fixer LLC and certified Career Coach Dawid Wiacek advises giving the person you’d like to interview a definite time frame. “Whether it’s 10 minutes on the phone or a half-hour coffee chat, let them know the parameters,” Wiacek said. “That way, the other person has an out if it ends up being awkward or unpleasant.” 

Also, by narrowing down your request to your interviewee by specifying in advance the questions you’d like to discuss, you’ll give the person time to prepare. This courtesy may make them feel more willing to schedule time with you. 

Do Some Research in Advance

You don’t want to show up to your informational interview, whether online or in person, as a blank slate about the career you’ll be discussing.

In order to conduct a meaningful interview, you first need to spend some time researching the field or organization that you’d like to learn more about. This will allow you to ask smart questions and approach the informational interview with an understanding of the basics.

The UC Berkeley Career Center also recommends that your preparation include developing a brief introduction of yourself that you can share at the start of the interview, along with your hopes for the meeting. Additionally, plan to ask some open-ended questions, like the questions on the Career Center website.

Ask Tons of Questions

According to Wiacek, studies show that the less you talk and the more the other person talks, the more likely they are to enjoy the conversation and leave with a positive impression of you.

Remember, the point of an informational interview is information gathering, so while you’ll be the one leading the conversation through the questions you ask, you don’t want to dominate the discussion.

Wiacek recommends asking questions like these to open the door to your interviewee sharing more:

• What was your career progression? 
• What are you most proud of? 
• What are your career desires and passions?
• How can I support or help you?

End It Right, With Follow-up

The key to a successful informational interview is emerging with “news you can use”—information that you can leverage to help you learn more about the industry, ways you can meet other people in the industry, and ideas about the next steps you can take.

The UC Berkeley Career Center advises keeping records from your interview about what you learned, as well as what else you’d like to know, and keeping in touch with the person to let them know how you used their advice.

Finally, Wiacek advises using this step to close the conversation: “End the informational interview by asking for one person in their network who they can introduce you to. That way, the informational interview isn’t a dead end.”

The post How to Get the Most Out of an Informational Interview appeared first on Job-Hunt.

Whatever the motivation is, when you want to connect with someone who has firsthand knowledge about a role or company you’re interested in, what you’re looking for is called an informational interview.

What Is an Informational Interview?

The most obvious difference is that you, as the potential job seeker, are the one conducting the interview. The goal of an informational interview should be to gain information, rather than a job offer.

An informational interview is also different than basic networking or connecting with an executive at your dream company. Most busy leaders won’t have time for someone simply looking to “connect over coffee.” However, they might have time for someone who has a few questions about a specific topic.

How to Ask for an Informational Interview (Examples)

So, how do you present your request? As noted above, avoid simply asking for some time to connect. That’s very open-ended and doesn’t speak to a targeted agenda. For many upper-level managers, it might seem like you’re simply trying to use them to bypass some career stepping-stones and get in on a future promotion.

Instead, ask for an informational interview the way you’ll conduct the interview—politely, concisely, and organized. Remember that most executives also have a goal of developing talented leaders within their company. As such, they’ll often be receptive to high performers who don’t have an angle but are genuinely seeking career advice.

We have some specific examples to get you started.

Be Specific

Regardless of whether you’re introducing yourself in email, on LinkedIn, or in person, don’t lead with a simple “hello.” Instead, start with a subject line or introduction that lets them know why you’re seeking them out specifically. For instance:

“John Davenport recommended I reach out to you.”

“I read your article about transitioning to marketing.”

Either way, let the person know there is a personal reason you’re contacting them for an informational interview. You haven’t simply picked their name randomly out of a directory.

Be Concise

We can’t say it enough. Your best chance of success is being concise and to the point in your initial request. If you ramble or waste time during the first contact, it will imply that the actual interview will also take longer than they have available. Avoid fluff phrases, like “I hope your day is going well.”

Although those are niceties and you might feel uncomfortable without them, they actually don’t add much value and simply take up space in the introduction.

Consider wording it something like this:

“John suggested that I reach out to you as I’m considering a career change from marketing to project management, which is similar to the path your career has taken.”

Get to the Point

Ask for their help with their specific experience that is valuable to you. Avoiding open-ended questions, you should give context to what you’re specifically seeking to learn, as well as how much time you’re hoping to get.

Note that executives will rarely have a spare hour, especially for someone they don’t have a relationship with. However, you’ll often find them more receptive to 15 or 20 minutes, especially if you’re presenting yourself as organized and without a hidden agenda.

In practice, that might look something like this:

“I was hoping we could meet for 20 minutes so I could ask a few questions around insights you have on professional development, which might assist me with the career transition. I have free time in my schedule next week or the week after, at your convenience.”

Ensure that you include your contact information at the end of your request.

Keep Asking

All of that being said, you never know whose calendar is packed or who might be juggling massive projects with intense deadlines. Don’t give up if your first requests for an informational interview aren’t successful. You also want to ensure that you’re not narrowing your focus too much.

Consider starting with friends and family. Even if they aren’t in the particular career field or company you’re targeting, chances are they have valuable insight that will add depth to your professional perspectives.

You might gain insight into time management or networking, new technical tools you’ll find essential in a new role, or a creative approach to marketing your personal brand. Also, with the vast majority of jobs being found by word-of-mouth, you’ll be expanding your network exponentially. You never know who someone knows.

More: How to Get the Most Out of an Informational Interview

Questions to Ask in an Informational Interview (Examples)

When you arrive at the interview, have three to five informational interview questions prepared. Have a pen and paper for notes. Your questions are going to vary based on who you’re interviewing, your previous relationship with them, and how they relate to your desired career field.

For example, if you’re researching a company, you might ask informational interview questions such as:

• What do you enjoy most about working here?
• Is there a personality type that generally excels in this department?
• What is the company culture like?
• How often does a role open up in this department?
• Is there a typical entry-level position I should consider?

On the other hand, if you’re inquiring about career perspectives, consider some of the following:

• Is your role typical of others in this field?
• What is a typical day like for you?
• What do you like least about your career field?
• Is there any training or professional certification that would make me more valuable?
• What does the typical career path look like?

How to End an Informational Interview

Regardless of why you were interviewing them, end your informational interview by asking if there’s anyone else they think you should talk to. Your second interview is often easier to get. You’ll be able to phrase that request with a personal connection, such as:

“I met with Bob Jones last week, and he suggested I reach out to you for some pointers on…“

And always send a follow-up thank-you note, whether that’s handwritten or via email. If there was actionable advice they gave, acknowledge its value and how you’re applying it. Don’t forget to connect on LinkedIn if you haven’t already.

Building a network you love goes hand in hand with targeted career growth. Enjoy the opportunities you can find when you flip the interview script by taking the lead.

The post Informational Interviews: Requesting an Interview and Questions to Ask appeared first on Job-Hunt.

What Is Body Language?

• Facial expressions: frowning, smiling, eye-rolling
• How we stand, sit, walk, tilt our head
• Gestures, like pointing or clapping
• Eye contact
• Touch

Why Does Body Language Matter?

Positive Body Language

Dress Appropriately

Don’t Slouch

Greetings

Look ‘Em in the Eye

Sit Still

Control Your Hand Motions

Use Active Listening

Negative Body Language to Avoid

Too Much or Too Little Eye Contact

Nervous Behavior

• Removing lint from your clothes (that may not even be there)
• Readjusting your clothes
• Tapping your legs or feet or hands
• Clicking a pen repeatedly
• Large gestures
• Using a poker face

Keep Your Hands to Yourself

Defensive Postures

Watching the Clock

Shaking Your Head

Positive Messaging

The post How to Leverage Body Language in Job Interviews appeared first on Job-Hunt.

Whether virtual or in-person, here are some tips on what to bring to an interview and what you should leave behind.

What to Bring to a Job Interview

Names and Phone Numbers

Sometimes the person coordinating your interview isn’t the person you’re meeting with. You might have multiple interviews in a day or even have a panel interview with several people interviewing you at once.

Bring the name of your contact and their phone number (or email if that’s all you have) on a separate piece of paper or as a note on your phone. If you’re running late or something goes wrong on the day of the interview, you have an easy way to get in touch, and you don’t have to waste time searching your messages to find the information.

Likewise, you may have to give the name of the person you’re meeting with when you arrive at the interview. While that could be your contact, it could also be someone else. Having everyone’s names handy makes it that much easier for you to get in the building and to your interview.

Your ID

While you shouldn’t give anyone a copy of your identification until you’re hired, it’s possible you’ll need to show your ID before you’re allowed in the building. Some buildings have strict security procedures that require your identification, so it’s best to be prepared.

Address, Directions, and Parking Info

Was it 102 South First Street or 120 South First Street? Keeping a copy of the exact address handy will stop you from going to the wrong building in case your memory fails you. Also, bring directions (no matter your transportation) and parking information if you’re driving.

Pens and a Notepad

Taking notes is an essential part of the interview. Not only will it help you formulate questions at the end of the interview, but you can also refer to your notes when you write thank-you notes after the interview. Bring multiple pens (just in case!) and at least one full pad of paper to write down questions, take notes, and get everyone’s full name, title, and contact information. 

Multiple Copies of Your Resume

Though you’ve emailed everyone your resume, it’s always a good idea to bring several paper copies to the job interview, along with any supplemental materials you’ve shared or want to highlight (like your portfolio).

Sometimes, interviewers ask for a paper copy of your resume as a test to see if you’re prepared. Other times, interviewers forget their materials, so having extra copies of your resume makes things easier for you and them.

Your Questions

Most interviews include time at the end for you to ask questions. Knowing that this is the case, it’s wise to prepare a few questions in advance, write them down, and bring them with you to the job interview.

First, while you might think you’ll remember your questions, you might be so overwhelmed at the end of the interview, anything you want to ask may fly out of your head!

Second, having questions at the ready shows that you’ve prepared and demonstrates that you’re truly interested in the job.

And finally, you can refer to your written list of questions throughout the interview to see if your questions are answered or not (and form new ones on the fly!).

A Water Bottle and Snacks

Sometimes interviewers offer you a drink, but not always. And because you’re probably doing a majority of the talking, bring a water bottle in case you get a case of dry mouth or even a cough. 

After the interview, you might be a little worn out. And if it’s been a series of interviews, you might even be a little hungry. A snack to eat afterward will help keep your blood sugar and spirits up!

Emergency Items

No matter how much you prepare, sometimes things go awry. But a few emergency items can help you manage the unexpected. Consider bringing:

• Breath mints or mouth wash
• Dental floss (or floss picks)
• Cash
• Deodorant
• Band-aids
• A phone charger or external battery
• A change of shoes

A Bag

As you review this list of what to bring to an interview, you can see you should bring a lot of stuff!

You’ll need a bag to help you organize and carry everything. While you could use a grocery or beach bag, that sends the wrong message. Use a professional bag, briefcase, or even backpack to corral everything you’re bringing to the job interview.

What to Bring to Your Virtual Job Interview

Virtual interviews are different from in-person ones in that you won’t need to worry about transportation or parking. But there are items you should bring to your virtual interview that you may or may not bring to an in-person one.

An Up-to-Date Computer

You don’t need the latest model computer for your virtual interview, but you should find out what platform your interviewer uses. Make sure you have the current version installed on your computer, then give it a test run for good measure.

A Professional Background

No matter where you are for your virtual interview, make sure you have a professional background. It doesn’t need to be full of books and diplomas. As long as whatever’s behind you is neat, clean, and professional, you’ll send the right message.

Unfortunately, however, being neat, clean, and professional isn’t always an option (say you have to conduct the interview from your car). If that’s the case, blur your background, or select a virtual one that’s interview appropriate.

A Solid Internet Connection

The last thing you want during a virtual interview is a laggy connection that skips, buffers, or even cuts out. Again, no matter where you are for your virtual interview, you also need to make sure you’ve got a solid internet connection.

Privacy (or Peace and Quiet)

You don’t want to bring your pets, kids, or the barista to your job interview. Find someplace that is private or, at a minimum, quiet and interruption-free. That could be your car, the closet, or a private study room at the library.

Good Lighting

To make sure the interviewer sees you in a positive light, make sure you’re well lit. You don’t want your face to appear shadowed or have an image that’s difficult to see. Before your interview, test out your webcam settings and adjust your lighting accordingly. 

You might need a ring light, but in a pinch, a few well-aimed lamps can do the trick. Likewise, sitting by a window with natural lighting will help put you in the spotlight.

Paper Copies

You might want a paper copy of your resume and portfolio handy. Even if you have two screens, one will be devoted to the interviewer’s video, and the other might have a copy of a job description or project on it, making it impossible to refer to your resume if you need to.

Paper copies can sit on your desk and are easy to refer to if needed.

Pens and Paper

Of course, you’ll take notes in your virtual interview. But the best way to do this is with paper and pen! While you could type your notes, the clicking of the keyboard may prove too distracting to you and the interviewer.

A Whole Interview Outfit

Though your interviewer will likely only see you from the waist up, pants (or a skirt) are not optional during a virtual job interview. You never know when you might have to stand or lean during the interview, and the interviewer will see that you’re only half-dressed.

While there’s nothing wrong with superhero PJ pants, only getting half-dressed for the interview may signal that you’ll only do half the job. 

To make a great impression, follow these tips to choose the right interview outfit.

What Not to Bring to an Interview

Though the list of what to bring to an interview is extensive, there are several things you also shouldn’t bring to your interview.

Your Phone

Of course, you’ll have your phone with you during the interview. But make sure you turn it off or, at least, mute notifications before the interview. Likewise, if you’re in a virtual interview, mute desktop notifications, or exit instant-messaging programs.

Earbuds

It’s fine to listen to music, a podcast, or even a guided meditation before your interview using earbuds. But once it starts, stow them in your bag. Even if you use the wireless kind, keeping your earbuds in during an interview sends the message that you’re not totally invested in the job.

Lunch

Small snacks, like a granola bar or bag of chips, are fine to have stashed in your bag after the interview. But a full lunch is probably not a great idea. Not only will it take up a lot of room in your bag, but there’s also a chance it could leak and damage the other items inside. Or, worse, it might start to smell.

Odors

Speaking of smells, you want to leave all kinds of odors at home. So, don’t eat a garlic and fish meal right before the interview. And try not to use perfumes, colognes, or any other personal care item with a strong smell. Your interviewer may not find them as pleasant as you do, or worse, they could be allergic.

Bring Your A-Game

You know that the key to wowing your interviewer is to bring your A-game. And while that includes excellent answers that illustrate why you’re the best person for the role, including (or excluding) the items from this list will help you shine as a well-prepared candidate.

The post What to Bring to a Job Interview: In-Person or Virtual appeared first on Job-Hunt.

You’ve probably spent time researching the company and rehearsing answers to the most common interview questions. Maybe you assume that you can skip practicing this one. After all, you already know the subject.

Don’t do it! A lack of preparation might find you stating you were more dedicated than everyone at your last job. Hmmm…sounds like you’re difficult to work with.

Or you might start rambling about how you’re super friendly when actually, you’re starting to appear unorganized. Worse yet, you can start blurting out words that almost guarantee no callback. 

Instead, spend some time creating a list of words that appropriately describe you, and then jot down a few notes or experiences that support your claim to them.

What Skill Set Should You Showcase in a Job Interview?

Similar to how you would tailor your resume for each job, study the job description and what kind of characteristics will be considered a great fit. Pick three specific traits and rehearse them.

Which ones should you choose? Well, it depends.

A hiring committee at an accounting firm, for example, might be looking for someone organized, diligent, and hardworking, whereas a team hiring for a sales role may be more impressed with someone flexible and resilient. Consider commonly-used adjectives that are often used to describe individual roles. 

Best Words to Describe Your Leadership Qualities (Examples)

Most companies are seeking common traits in their leaders. Contrary to what you might think, it’s not just about the results but also about how you got there. Consider the nuances of showcasing how you support and empower your team, rather than enforcing discipline and boundaries. Great leaders understand that inspiring others will yield better results.

1. Proactive
2. Confident
3. Diligent
4. Patient
5. Supportive
6. Creative
7. Adaptable
8. Organized
9. Impartial
10. Thorough
11. Dedicated
12. Empathetic
13. Resourceful
14. Resilient

Be cautious that you are describing leadership rather than management. If your answers are bold, take-charge, and assertive, you might give the impression that you’ll get the job done at any cost. When considering how you’ll lead a team, the company may be more impressed with someone confident, proactive, and supportive.

Best Words to Describe Your Work Ethic (Examples)

One of the reasons employers ask you to describe yourself is to understand how you’ll fit into the team culture. For example, someone who enjoys routine and clearly-defined boundaries may struggle in a remote company with flexible schedules. Highlight how you work within a team.

1. Reliable
2. Dedicated
3. Punctual
4. Motivated
5. Focused
6. Industrious
7. Disciplined
8. Professional
9. Accountable
10. Enthusiastic
11. Mindful
12. Responsive
13. Flexible

Best Words to Describe Your Soft Skills (Examples)

When showcasing your soft skills, remember to avoid sounding arrogant. While certain terms might be justified and earned, they can come across the wrong way if you apply them to yourself.

Maybe your coworkers always comment on how humble or charismatic you are. But saying you’re humble makes you sound like the opposite. 

1. Energetic
2. Dependable
3. Sincere
4. Friendly
5. Team-minded
6. Respectful
7. Personable
8. Collaborative
9. Enthusiastic
10. Adaptable
11. Receptive
12. Approachable
13. Outgoing

How to Describe Yourself:
Support the Words You Choose With Stories

When compiling your list of words to describe yourself, choose words that you can back up with an example. For instance:

“I’d describe myself as mindful, responsive, and focused. In my most recent role, I helped lead the transition to a new software system. Being mindful that many team members were uncomfortable changing from their familiar system, I was intentionally responsive during the transition. I quickly answered their questions, and I focused on addressing common struggles so they could feel comfortable supporting one another.”

This answer showcases empathy with the team, a big-picture perspective, and an organized approach to a situation. While you need both hard and soft skills to succeed, soft skills showcase your personality and people skills in ways that a certificate can’t demonstrate. 

Prepare and Practice for Successful Job Interviews

What is seemingly the easiest question to answer can be the most difficult without preparation. However, this is an opportunity to showcase skills that might not be as obvious from your resume. 

When you are beginning a job search, create a list of your professional traits and keep it organized with the rest of your job-hunting materials. For each interview, pull out the three most applicable traits and rehearse them. With careful preparation, you can help show you’re the best fit for the role.

The post 40 Words to Describe Yourself in a Job Interview appeared first on Job-Hunt.

Since these folks are doing you a favor, the best approach is to be flexible — their schedule and their convenience is primary.

If food or drink is to be purchased, you are the person who picks up the check.

Often now, you will find that a phone call, or even Skype or Facetime are preferred to an in-person meeting — perhaps for you, too.

A smart strategy may be to offer those options in your message, particularly if meeting in person is inconvenient for the person doing you a favor.

To be most useful for you, consider the information you are trying to gather and the people you know who might be the best sources of that information — or those who know someone (or, better, more than one person) who would be an excellent source of information.

[More: 10 Steps to Successful Informational Interviews and 70+ Questions to Ask in Informational Interviews.]

Following are 5 examples, depending on the situation, plus an example of a follow up message.

1. How to Email Someone You Know to Ask for an Informational Interview

Sending an email to someone you already know should be easier and less formal than with someone you don’t know. But, still treat it as business communications. Be polite and professional because this message may be forwarded to someone else you could interview.

Sample Email to Request an Informational Interview from Someone You Know

Subject: Catching Up and Collecting Information

Hi [friend’s first name],

Hope all is going well in your world!

I am considering a career change and exploring career alternatives. Working as a [what you do] at [where you work] for [number of years] has been great, but I’d like to grow my skill set and expand my horizons.

So, I’m exploring opportunities with new employers [or in a new field/industry — name of field/industry, or working with customers you want], hoping to learn more about [skill set(s) you want, industry you want, customers you want, or whatever your goal is]. Given your wide experience and network, I would love to get your take on [whatever you specified earlier in this paragraph].

If you have some time to spare in the next 3 weeks, it would be great to get together for a cup of coffee or a glass of wine, even lunch or dinner (my treat!). Give me a couple of date/time options that would work best for you, and we’ll find a time to connect.

If you’re too busy to get together now, a short (15 or 20 minutes) phone call would be a great, too. Just let me know the best time and phone number for you.

I’d love to catch up on what’s happening in your world and also have an opportunity to pick your brain about this topic. As the Beatles sang so many years ago, “We get by with a little help from our friends.”

Thank you so much for your assistance on this. Please let me know how I can help you.

Regards,
[Your name]

2. How to Email Someone You Don’t Know to Request an Informational Interview

This is a genuine “cold call” message, and probably the least likely to succeed. But, that doesn’t mean you should not try — just try very carefully and selectively. You don’t want to build a reputation as a nuisance or spammer.

At most, try contacting someone twice. If they don’t respond after the second contact, move on.

Particularly in small employer organizations, don’t reach out to more than two or three people in the same company within the same one or two months, especially if they are in the same function, location, or department. You have a longer leash in large employers, but proceed with caution when people may be working closely together.

Sample Email to Request an Informational Interview from Someone You Don’t Know

Subject: Informational Interview Request

Dear [Mr. or Ms. Last name],

My name is [your name]. I am a [what you do], and I am reaching out to you to request a very small bit of your time (as little as 20 minutes) for an informational interview. My goal is to learn as much as possible about [topic you want] because I am seriously considering moving my career in that direction — a big step for me.

I am seriously considering making a change from [what you do now or where you work] to [the topic you want to discuss]. Before I make that change, I need to understand much more about what is involved. My goal is to learn the culture, style, opportunities, hazards, and future for employment in this field. As an acknowledged expert in this field, I would love the opportunity to discuss it with you.

If you have some time to spare in the next 3 weeks, I hope that you can meet me for a cup of coffee or a glass of wine, even lunch or dinner (my treat!). If your calendar is too crowded, I could stop by your office for a quick (20 or 30 minutes) discussion. If that’s not possible, a 15 or 20 minute phone call would work, too. I appreciate any time that you can share with me.

I promise — I am simply collecting insider information. This isn’t an unsubtle attempt to market myself for a job. I won’t even bring a copy of my resume, unless you think it would be helpful for the discussion.

Thank you very much for agreeing to provide this help. I greatly appreciate your kindness and generosity!

Please let me know if there is anything I can do for you in the future!

Sincerely,
[Your full name]

[Your current job title]
[Your non-work phone number]
[Your LinkedIn Profile’s URL]

3. How to Email Someone You Know to Ask for a Referral

Often this is much easier to do in person, as at the end of the informational interview. But, if the person lives too far away or is otherwise unavailable for an interview, this message requests referrals to people working at your target employer who you could possibly interview.

Sample Email to Request a Referral for an Informational Interview

Subject: Need Assistance with an Introduction

Hi [friend’s first name],

Hope all is going well in your world!

Working as a [what you do] at [where you work] for [number of years] has been great. But it feels like time to move on to a new [employer, career, or industry]. Given your vast experience and excellent network, I hope you can help me connect with a few people who can help me learn more about [these employers or this field] I am considering. My goal is to set up 2 or 3 (or more) informational interviews with these folks.

I’m focusing my exploration on [employers in the location or name of field/industry] for opportunities as a [job title] or a [job title]. Since you know that [location or field] so well, I would greatly appreciate your help in learning more by introducing me to anyone you know who works [in your target field or for one of the employers].

If you have some time to spare in the next 3 weeks, my goal is to spend 15 or 20 minutes discussing how the organization works — the culture, style, opportunities, hazards, and future for employees of the [organization or field]. I won’t be asking for a job — only for information.

I’ve heard great things about [these employers or these jobs], and learning more about them will be very helpful. I am particularly interested in an introduction to people who work [at any of these employers or in any of these jobs]:

• [Employer A name or Job Title A]
• [Employer B name or Job Title B]
• [Employer C name or Job Title C]
• [Employer D name or Job Title D]
• A [similar employer or someone doing a similar job] you recommend considering.

If you could copy me on the email, that would be very helpful. Or, forward the response to me when (if) someone agrees, so I am able to contact them, in context.

Feel free to include my LinkedIn Profile [provide your Profile’s link] in your introduction and a short introduction about me that includes my years of experience as a [what you do] at [where you work] for [number of years], and that I’m interested in learning more about [their employer or their industry/field]. I promise not to send them a resume unless they request one.

Give me a call or send me an email if you have any questions

Now, let me know what I can do for you!

Regards,
Name

[Your full name]
[Your current job title]
[Your non-work phone number]
[Your LinkedIn Profile’s URL]

4. How to Email Someone You Don’t Know with a Referral

If you have been referred, someone has given you a head start on making a connection with this person. Be sure to prominently mention their name in the subject of your message as well as in the body, as shown below.

Also, be sure to send a thank you to the person who gave you the referral, even if you were unable to set up a meeting with the person they referred you to or if the meeting happened but didn’t prove to be useful.

Sample Email to Request an Informational Interview with a Referral

Subject: [name of referred] Referral for Informational Interview

Dear [Mr. or Ms. Last name],

When I told [name of person giving the referral] that I wanted to talk with someone very experienced and knowledgeable about [the employer, job, career, or industry you want to learn more about], [he or she] immediately offered your name and suggested that I should speak with you. [First name of referred] also indicated that you might be willing to help me learn more about [the topic].

I am seriously considering making a change from [what you do now or where you work] to [the topic you want to discuss]. Before I make that change, I need to understand much more about what is involved. My goal is to learn the culture, style, opportunities, hazards, and future for employment in this field. As an acknowledged expert in this field, I would love the opportunity to discuss it with you.

If you have some time to spare in the next 3 weeks, I hope that you can meet me for a cup of coffee or a glass of wine, even lunch or dinner (my treat!). If your calendar is too crowded, I could stop by your office for a quick (20 or 30 minutes) discussion. If that’s not possible, a 15 or 20 minute phone call would work, too. I appreciate any time that you can share with me.

I promise — I am simply collecting insider information. This isn’t an unsubtle attempt to market myself for a job. I won’t even bring a copy of my resume, unless you think it would be helpful for the discussion.

Thank you very much for agreeing to provide this help. I greatly appreciate your kindness and generosity!

Please let me know if there is anything I can do for you in the future!

Sincerely,
[Your full name]

[Your current job title]
[Your non-work phone number]
[Your LinkedIn Profile’s URL]

5. How to Follow Up on an Informational Interview Request

If you receive no response to your first message, above, sending a single follow-up message can be very productive.

Do wait at least 2 or 3 business days before sending this message. If you sent the first message in the morning, send this one in the afternoon (and vice versa). DO include your original message as an attachment to this message.

Sample Follow-Up Message for an Informational Interview

Subject: Catching Up and Collecting Information

[Use the same salutation as you used in the first message],

Understanding how very busy you are, this message is a follow up. I hope you can spare a bit of your valuable time (as little as15 or 20 minutes) to talk with me about your experiences [as what they do or in their field] . I’m trying to make an informed decision for my next career transition, and your perspective would be extremely helpful.

Attached is my original message. I know how challenging it is for an email message to make it through the network filled with hazards, and how full your inbox must be. But, I hope that this message gets through and that you have the time and interest to help me.

You would, of course, be doing me an enormous favor, and I would be happy to reciprocate in the future.

Thank you for your time and consideration!

Sincerely,
[Your full name]

[Your current job title]
[Your non-work phone number]
[Your LinkedIn Profile’s URL]

Finding Email Addresses

Hopefully, if you know the person, you already know their email address or you have their business card which should provide their current email address.

If you are emailing someone you don’t know or haven’t contacted in quite a while, you may not have their current email address handy. LinkedIn can be a very good source of contact information.

If their LinkedIn Profile does not contain contact information, but you are connected via LinkedIn or you have one of the “premium” (paid) accounts, send them an InMail using LinkedIn’s messaging system.

If someone recommended the person to you, ask the recommender for the person’s email address. Or, worst case, do a search in Google or Bing to see if you can find their current email address.

Important Do’s and Don’ts for Requesting Informational Interviews

Basic email do’s and don’ts to help you succeed.

Do’s —

• DO have a FOCUS on the information you want to learn and share that focus! Avoid a a vague “just want to pick your brain” request.
• DO VERY CAREFULLY PROOFREAD your message before you hit that “Send” button!
• DO keep the messages short and on-topic, particularly to people you don’t know.
• DO be flexible and cooperative — this person is doing you a favor, so make it convenient and easy for them to help you.
• DO make it clear that you are not asking for a job.
• DO follow up if you don’t get a response to your first message.
• DO send a thank you to anyone who speaks with you or refers you to someone else (even if that connection doesn’t happen).

Do nots —

• DO NOT send these messages from your work email account or make a call from your work phone or phone number. That could cost you your job.
• DO NOT include a copy of your resume.
• DO NOT be negative about your current employer. You are simply looking for information to enable you to move forward in your career.

Both people you already know and those you don’t will often be happy to help you, as long as you communicate gracefully and professionally.

For more about successful business email, read Making Email Work for Your Job Search.

Bottom Line on Requesting Informational Interviews

These days, email can be an effective way to communicate, with friends, colleagues, and even with strangers. Use these sample email messages as the basis for your messages to friends and strangers to gain the opportunity for more people to talk with in informational interviews. If you are employed, avoid putting your job at risk by using your personal, rather than work, email account and using your personal phone. For more information, read To Be Hired, Be Reachable.

More About Succeeding with Informational Interviews:

• Avoid Career/Job Search Mistakes with Informational Interviews
• 10 Steps to Successful Informational Interviews
• 70+ Questions to Ask in Informational Interviews
• The Hidden Value of Informational Interviews (from the Guide to Working with Recruiters)
• How to Get the Most Out of an Informational Interview

About the author…

Online job search expert Susan P. Joyce has been observing the online job search world and teaching online job search skills since 1995. A veteran of the United States Marine Corps and a recent Visiting Scholar at the MIT Sloan School of Management, Susan is a two-time layoff “graduate” who has worked in human resources at Harvard University and in a compensation consulting firm. Since 1998, Susan has been editor and publisher of Job-Hunt.org. Follow Susan on Twitter at @jobhuntorg and on Facebook, LinkedIn.
More about this author…

The post How to Ask for an Informational Interview (5 Email Templates) appeared first on Job-Hunt.

Speaking with someone to request an appointment for an informational interview can be a great way to get started, particularly if you already know the person, even if you haven’t spoken to each other in several years. A phone call usually makes it easier to coordinate calendars and get a sense of how interested the person is by the tone of their voice.

Be ready to do the interview in this first call! The person might want to talk immediately rather than some point in the future. So be prepared with your informational interview questions when you
make this call.

Remember that You Are Asking for a Favor

The person may also not be available or interested in speaking with you.

Don’t be dogged in your determination to set up an appointment.

If you are running into a cement wall, conclude the call with a pleasant “Thank you for your time” followed by a “Goodbye.”

If your timing was particularly bad, you might want to add an apology.

Do not demonstrate anger or frustration. Remain professional.

Regardless of the outcome of this first call, getting angry or nasty is not a good impression to leave. That reaction (a.k.a. “spoiled brat” or “nasty person”) will be what is remembered about you.

If you are more comfortable with email, see the Sample Informational Interview Email Requests for examples.

Plan the Timing of Your Call

Calling someone on their cellphone may be risky if they are driving or engaged in something important.

If you don’t know whether or not the phone number is for a cell phone, assume that it is.

Do your best not to call when someone might be driving a car to/from work or engaged in something you know is typically on their schedule (Monday morning staff meeting, business lunch, etc.).

Whenever you can, call on an official business number which is not usually a cellphone.

Do NOT call their 800 number for customers and prospects. You are neither, and that is disrespectful of their revenue as well as their time.

3 Phone Scripts

Use the scripts below as starting points and adapt them to your personality and style as well as to the people you
are calling.

Find 3 sample scripts below for calling:

1. Someone you already know.
2. Someone you have been referred to.
3. Someone you haven’t been in touch with for a long time, or you don’t know them and haven’t been referred by
   anyone.

While this could be part of a call with a friend, be sure to be more formal and professional when you are speaking
with someone you don’t know.

1. Phone Script When Calling Someone You Know

When you know the person, the script can be like this:

“Hi [first name]! [If it has been a while since you’ve spoken with this person, add “Great to hear your voice again!”]

“This is [your name] calling. Do you have a minute to talk? I’ll make this quick.

[Assuming the answer to that question is “Yes,” proceed with the script.]

“I’m in the process of thinking about leaving my [current job or field], and I am very interested in [what this person does or working where they work].

“I know you’ve [been in that field or working for that employer] for a while, and I’d love 20 or 30 minutes of your time, at your convenience, to ask you some questions about [the topic] to determine if it’s really a good fit for me.

“I known you’ve been in this field for a while, and I value your opinion. I’m happy come to your office or meet you at the local coffee shop (and I’ll buy!). Do you have any time available in the next 2 weeks?”

If they suggest a date and time, do your best to be available then. If they want to talk immediately, start asking your questions.

If they don’t want to continue, close the call by thanking them for their time and asking them if they know someone who might have the time and interest in helping you. Ask for that person’s name and contact information.

Whether or not they offer another name, close the call by thanking them, and saying “Good bye” without demonstrating anger or disappointment.

2. Phone Script When Calling Someone You Have Been Referred to

Someone has been kind enough to refer you to this person. Be sure to “drop” their name at the start of the call to establish your credibility.

Take care to reflect well on the person who referred you. If you are too aggressive or rude (before, during, and after) this call, you may well be “burning (two) bridges,” not just one, damaging your relationship with the person who referred you as well as the person they referred you to.

The script:

“Hello Mr./Ms. [last name]! My name is [your name], and I am/was a [current/most recent job title and employer] considering making a change in my career to [whatever you are calling about].

[Name of person who referred you] suggested that you would be an excellent person to talk with about [the field or job, and don’t fib about this either — too easy to verify].

“Do you have a minute to talk? [Assuming the answer is “Yes” continue. NOTE: If they answer “No,” ask if there is a better time to call back, and end the call courteously and quickly. If they
suggest a time, make note of it, and call back at that date and time. If they don’t offer another time to talk, end the call courteously, and do NOT call them back.]

“I’m in the process of thinking about leaving my [current job or field], and I am very interested in your views about [what they do or working where they work].

“ I’d love 20 or 30 minutes of your time, at your convenience, to ask you some questions about [the topic].

” I value your opinion, and I’m happy come to your office or meet you at the local coffee shop (and I’ll buy!). Do you have any time available in the next 2 weeks?”

3. Phone Script When Calling Someone You Don’t Know

For this call, even if you knew the person in the distant past, you need to briefly introduce yourself, and then mention something important and public about them, showing that you know who they are, before asking them for the interview. Like this:

“Hello Mr./Ms. [last name]! My name is [your name], and I am/was a [current/most recent job title and employer] considering making a big change in my career.

I am very impressed with your [be detailed and specific: website, article, book, speech, quote in The New York Times, tweet, etc. Don’t fib — be prepared to answer why you are impressed and/or what impressed you].

“Do you have a minute to talk? [Assuming the answer is “Yes” continue. If the answer is “No,” follow the advice from # 2 above.]

“I’m in the process of thinking about leaving my [current job or field], and I am very interested in your views about [what they do or working where they work].

“ I’d love 20 or 30 minutes of your time, at your convenience, to ask you some questions about [the topic].

” I value your opinion, and I’m happy come to your office or meet you at the local coffee shop (and I’ll buy!). Do you have any time available in the next 2 weeks?”

If they don’t want to talk with you, accept that decision without sounding angry or disappointed. If they sound nice but too busy, ask them if they would be comfortable recommending someone else for you to talk with.

On the other hand, if they agree to speak with you, do your best to be available at the date and time they specify, and, of course, be prepared with your questions if they want to talk NOW.

More About Informational Interviews:

• Avoid Career/Job Search Mistakes with
  Informational Interviews
• 7 Steps to Successful Informational Interviews
• Questions to Ask in Informational Interviews
• Sample Informational Interview Telephone Request Scripts
• Sample Informational Interview Email Requests
• The Hidden Value of Informational Interviews (from the Guide to Working with Recruiters)

The post Sample Informational Interview Request Phone Scripts appeared first on Job-Hunt.

Since fewer than 30% of job candidates send thank you notes, you stand out and make a positive impression when you do send them.

The effort expended to send the thank yous pays off very well.

According to a 2018 CareerBuilder survey of employers, thank you notes make a very good impression, especially when done well. The survey revealed 2 very interesting employer opinions about those candidates who do NOT send a thank you:

  1. 86% of employers believe you are NOT a good worker if you skip sending a thank you note.  

86% of the employers surveyed felt the job seeker demonstrates “lack of follow-through” unless they send a thank you note. Lack of follow-through is not usually a characteristic most employers want in employees.

  2. 56% of employers do NOT think you are genuinely interested in the employer and the job unless you send a thank you note.  

By not sending a thank you note, you are telling 56% of the employers surveyed that the you are “not serious about the position.” If you are not interested in them enough, they are likely not interested in you, especially given how many other people are interested in being hired.

Even if you think you “knocked it out of the park” in the interview, following up with a thank you note helps you as a candidate. When done well…

Sending Thank You Notes Is Smart

If you are interested in the job or the employer, sending a good thank you note after your job interview is not optional. Whether you think you landed the job or blew the opportunity, send a thank you to each person who interviewed you.

The benefits of sending a thank you note? In addition to demonstrating that you do “follow through” — a sought-after employee characteristic — and are “serious” about the position, you can:

• Remind them of you and your qualifications by briefly summarizing your fit and qualifications for the job.
• Fill in a blank if you forgot to say something important and relevant in the interview.
• Demonstrate your communications skills (watch your spelling and grammar!).
• Demonstrate your professionalism, showing that you understand proper professional etiquette and can comply.
• Demonstrate your interest and enthusiasm for the job.

Send a Thank You After EVERY Interview

Whether it is your first interview and it was over the phone or Zoom, or it was the 3rd round of interviews, your thank you will put you ahead of the majority of job candidates who do not make the effort. Your thank you will also give you an opportunity to remind each interviewer how unique and well-qualified you are.

More about writing effective thank you notes: Sending Your Thank You After the Job Interview and 7 Costly Job Interview Thank You Note Mistakes for more information.

Sample Thank You Notes

Use these samples as guides to help you write your original thank you notes, customized to you, the employer, and the job:

• •   Sample Formal Job Interview Thank You Note  

    This example is the format of a standard printed or hand-written thank you note, when the organization or the person is formal and an emailed thank you would not be appropriate.

  •   Sample Job Interview Thank You Email  

    This example is the format for a standard formal thank you email, which is acceptable to most employers now.

  •   Sample Telephone Interview Thank You Email  

    Telephone interviews, also known as “phone screens,” may not feel as important as a “real” in-person interview, but don’t miss this opportunity to demonstrate your follow-through, work ethic, and professionalism.

  •   Sample Second Interview Thank You Email  

    Sending a thank you after your second interview is as important as after the first interview. But, the message needs to be a bit different. See this sample to understand how to make it different.

  •   Sample Job Interview Thank You to the Person Who Referred You  

    Someone who has referred you to their employer or to someone in their network has done you an enormous favor. You are much more likely to be hired, as a result. This thank you is an example of the kind of thank you to send them.

  •   Sample Job Interview Thank You to the Recruiter  

    This thank you is only for the external recruiter — one who is NOT AN EMPLOYEE of the employer you interviewed with. That external recruiter can be an excellent ally for your career since, if you stay in touch, they can refer you to other employers for other jobs when you are ready to move on.

  •   Sample Thank You Note After a Bad Job Interview  

    Careful! Sometimes bad things happen to good people, but you KNOW that you blew the interview. If you really liked the people and still have this employer high on your list of target employers, carefully send this message. Remember that we may think that we have failed when we others don’t have that impression, so use this thank you extremely cautiously.

  •   Sample Thank You Note After a Job Rejection  

    Being rejected for one opportunity doesn’t mean you should permanently cross that employer off your list of possibilities unless you really didn’t like them. But, if you did like them and would be happy to work there, send this message to them. This message could well open doors for you for the next time they have a job opening.

  The Bottom Line on Thank You Notes After a Job Interview:

  By sending a thank you note, even for a telephone/screening interview, you will gain credibility and demonstrate your professionalism.

  ---

  About the author…

  Online job search expert Susan P. Joyce has been observing the online job search world and teaching online job search skills since 1995. A veteran of the United States Marine Corps and a recent Visiting Scholar at the MIT Sloan School of Management, Susan is a two-time layoff “graduate” who has worked in human resources at Harvard University and in a compensation consulting firm. Since 1998, Susan has been editor and publisher of Job-Hunt.org. Follow Susan on Twitter at @jobhuntorg and on Facebook, LinkedIn.
  More about this author…

The post Sample Thank You Notes and Emails to Send After a Job Interview appeared first on Job-Hunt.

On the surface, the process of gathering information should be right up your alley if you’re an introvert. But the prospect of reaching out to someone you don’t know – well, that’s a challenge, for introverts and extroverts alike.

A reader wrote to ask about the likelihood that strangers would respond, and after an exchange of emails and with the reader’s consent, I wanted to provide additional tips about how to approach people so that you improve your chances of success.

Warm vs. Cold Calling

The most challenging call is a completely cold call, where you don’t know the person you’re contacting at all. Your odds improve considerably if you reach out to someone who is known by someone else that you know – in other words a “warm call” vs. a cold call.

As noted in the previous article, LinkedIn can map out how you’re connected to others, so that you’re dealing with mostly warm calls. As an introvert, the process of identifying people who might be helpful can definitely play to your strengths.

Beating the Shyness Factor

But what would you actually say to initiate the conversation you hope to have? How do you get past the shyness that may arise at the prospect of talking to someone you don’t know?

With regard to any shyness that creeps in, shift your focus away from your discomfort and onto the project at hand. Immerse yourself in the great research project that awaits you, as you delve deeply into the specifics of a new career. Shifting the spotlight onto something else is a powerful antidote to shyness, and the opportunity to explore this in depth should be energizing to you as an introvert.

Also, in some cases you can initiate the conversation via email or LinkedIn inmail, or with a friend’s introduction (live or via LinkedIn). An initial contact in written form definitely plays to your introverted strengths – but you run the risk of having it not read or dumped into a spam filter.

What to Say

When you reach the person you’re trying to contact, here are the points you want to cover, to get the process started:

• Identify yourself, explain why you’re calling, and mention how you got the person’s name.
• Make it clear that you aren’t asking for a job; you’re seeking advice. You’re exploring a new career path and would like to learn more about it from someone who’s actually traveled down that path.
• You recognize that the present time may not be convenient for a conversation, but would like to schedule a time that would be.
• You won’t need more than 20 or 30 minutes (and when you actually have the conversation, stick to those parameters).
• You’ll have specific questions that will keep the conversation on track (and which you can provide ahead of time, if that would be helpful).

Relying strictly on cold calling, my reader stated that he was “surprised how receptive people have been. The response rate has been probably around 1 in 4.” We speculated that warm calls would have, perhaps, produced an even higher response rate.

More: How to Get the Most Out of an Informational Interview

Bottom Line:

Use your introvert preference for information gathering to energize and motivate you to contact others to help you explore new career options.

About the author…

Wendy Gelberg is a Career Navigator at JVS CareerSolution in Boston and author of The Successful Introvert: How to Enhance Your Job Search and Advance Your Career. She is a certified career coach and resume writer whose expertise is in helping people who are uncomfortable “tooting their own horn.” Wendy writes resumes, gives workshops, coaches individuals, and writes articles and blogs on all aspects of the job search process. Samples of her resumes and career advice appear in over 20 books. Wendy has been a career coach and resume writer for over 15 years. She has been an introvert her whole life. Contact Wendy at wgelberg@careersolution.org.

The post Informational Interviews for Introverts appeared first on Job-Hunt.

But first…

Before a company brings you in for a face-to-face interview, they will often have a phone interview.

This is typically done by the internal HR or the external recruiter, and the purpose is generally to do an initial screening.

To reduce the costs of recruiting, many firms are now using the phone interview as an in-depth review of your career, catching many job hunters off-guard, so you should be prepared for these as well.

Preparing for Phone Interviews

Here are some tips so you can be at your best.

  Focus on Your Goal  ►  Another Interview  

Simply put, your goal is to get an offer to move to the next round. This is true whether you are interested in this job or not.

If the job is not high on your list, then consider this a great opportunity to improve your skills. You might also hear something in the discussion that could change your mind so approach every interview as if this is your dream job.

  Understand the Type of Interview  

Find out in advance who you will be interviewing with and how long you should allocate to the discussion. If you are speaking to an HR person and they say it will take 15 minutes, then it is a screening of candidates. If they tell you to reserve an hour or more, then you should look at this in the same way you would look at an in-person interview.

Tip: if you are speaking over Skype, make sure you know whether it is a video interview or not. Don’t be caught in your pajamas.

  Know About the Company  

When I interviewed candidates, the first question I would ask is “What do you know about us?” If it was clear that the person did little research, it was very unlikely that the person would be selected.

There are a ton of resources, so go online and find out as much information as you can about the company. Look at their recent press releases. Know their revenue numbers and key competitors. Check out the backgrounds of executives, and look at any key statistics. If it is a startup company, then see if you can find out who the venture capital investors are and how much money they have raised.

  Know Thy Interviewer  

Now, go to LinkedIn and check out the background of the person who is interviewing you as well as the background of the hiring manager and their staff. Here you can see how long they have been there, where they came from, and any connections you might have in common.

Especially for the hiring manager and their team, see what groups they belong to and any discussions they may have joined. This helps you identify their core areas of interest.

  Preparing for Interview Questions  

Be ready for everything from the expected “What are your strengths?” question to the tougher “How would you handle this situation?” question that is used to determine your experience and how you would approach a problem.

  ► IT Technical Questions

For hands-on technical jobs, employers will typically want to know about:

• Your technical skills
• Problem solving skills
• Analytical thinking and problem solving
• Ability to deliver against detailed technical specifications
• Customer service attitude
• Ability to juggle multiple priorities

  ► IT Manager Questions

For Senior IT positions, you should expect questions exploring:

• Your ability to assess the current state and make recommendations
• Your experience managing a large department
• Your ability to design and deliver high-profile initiatives
• Your understanding of the company’s core functions
• Your skills and experience with the development of IT strategy
• Your track record driving improved IT organization performance

  Behavioral Interview Questions  

Many companies use an interview technique known as Behavioral Interviewing that asks you to give specific examples of situations they have encountered. An example might be “Tell me about a time you didn’t meet a deadline, and how you handled it.”

Some typical questions here might be:

• How you deal with conflict or disagreement with your team members.
• How you would approach your boss with a problem (answer: state the problem and then offer solutions)
• What you did when a co-worker’s efforts caused the project to fail
• How have you saved a project or customer?
• What criteria would you use when deciding to escalate a call to higher level support?

The tougher kind of questions, for which Microsoft is famous, are those that are designed to see how you approach a problem. “How many manholes are in Manhattan?” is a good example of this, and you would need to think out loud about how you would determine an answer.

  Employer Specific Questions  

Good resources to check out are Comparably.com and Glassdoor.com where you can sometimes find the questions that interviewers at some of the top firms like Chevron and General Dynamics ask.

Two basic questions that you need to be ready for are:

1. Why did you leave (are you leaving) your job?
2. What is your salary expectation?

Regarding leaving the company, no matter what, do not get into criticizing or finger-pointing. A generic answer like a management reorganization or downsizing is generally fine.

Regarding salary, they need to know whether you fit their budget, so you can’t really ignore this entirely. Nonetheless you do not want to price yourself too high or too low so a good answer is:

The job and the challenge are really what’s most important to me, and I would expect a competitive salary. What range have you budgeted?

Handling the Phone Interview Itself

When the actual interview occurs, remember these key tips:

• Do not speak on a cell phone, and make sure your cell phone ringer is off. Also turn off call waiting.
• Clear the room, and let everyone know you are not to be disturbed.
• Don’t smoke, chew gum, eat, or drink. Keep a glass of water handy, in case you need to wet your mouth.
• Keep your resume in clear view, on the top of your desk, or tape it to the wall near the phone, so it’s at your fingertips.
• Have a short list of your accomplishments available to review.
• Have a pen and paper handy for note taking.
• Use the person’s title (Mr. or Ms. and their last name.) Only use a first name if they ask you to.
• Take your time – it’s perfectly acceptable to take a moment or two to collect your thoughts.
• Speak slowly, and enunciate clearly. Give short answers, and see if they want more information.
• Do not be long-winded, or go off topic.
• Do not interrupt.
• Be enthusiastic. Your intonation is all that comes across, so sound energetic and genuinely interested. A good trick is to smile while you speak as it will project a positive image.
• Be prepared to ask intelligent questions at the end of the interview. Not having questions means you did not do your research or you are not interested in the position.

Two Additional Thoughts

Practice your phone interview. Do a mock interview with a loved one or friend.

When the interview is over, follow-up promptly with a thank you letter or thank you email, and also ask if you can call them if you have additional questions.

MORE: For more about phone interviews, read A Top Recruiter’s 9 Secrets for Nailing Your Phone Interview and 9 Keys to Phone Interview Success.

More About IT Job Interviews:

• Ace Your Job Interview: 5 Ways to Build Rapport with the Interviewers
• 3 Must-Do Job Interview Techniques
• What Hiring Managers Really Want in Technical Interviews
• How to Succeed at Phone Interviews
• How to Prepare for Team Job Interviews
• 5 Tips to Ace Your Video Job Interview
• Job-Hunt’s free Guide to Job Interviews

More About Job Interviews:

• Smart Answers to Interview Questions – from the recruiter’s perspective
• Sending Your Job Interview Thank You – with samples thank you notes and emails
• Successful Job Interviews – free Job-Hunt eBook

About the author…

Don Goodman is a triple-certified nationally recognized career professional (Expert Resume Writer, Certified Career Coach, and Job Search Strategist) with over 20 years of experience helping thousands of people quickly land their next job. Don graduated from the Wharton School of Business and Stanford University’s Executive Program.
More about this author…

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