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Tutorial 6 - Informational Interviews
- 1. 1 COMM 202: Tutorial 6 T04& T10 with Sidney Pankratz
- 2. 2 1. Course Timeline 2.How to Nail the Info Interview 3. Interview Stream 4. Action Items Today’s Agenda
- 3. 3 Course Timeline TUTORIAL: Informational Interview WHAT’SDUE: Final Draft of Resume & CL: Nov 6th 11:59pm on Turnitin and COOL LECTURE: Interview Questions WHAT’S DUE: Networking Reflection Assignment: Nov 22nd 11:59pm on Turnitin Interview Stream by Nov 26th for bonus marks week 12week 11week 10 TUTORIAL: Interview Prep WHAT’S DUE: Networking Event: Nov 13th 6pm – 8pm in CPA Hall. Attend your assigned time slot! Info Interview date and time confirmed
- 4. 4 Reminder: Networking EventDetails When: November 13th, 2018 from 6:00PM – 8:00PM Location: CPA Hall Dress Code: Business Casual IMPORTANT NOTE: There will be two waves for the event, with students attending during their assigned time slot. • For students in Tutorial #1-10, please attend the event from 6:00PM – 7:00PM. • For students in Tutorial #11-20, please attend the event from 7:00PM – 8:00PM. We will check tutorial numbers during sign in.
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- 6. 6 How to Nailthe Informational Interview
- 7. 1. Why, Who,When & Where 1. Do your Research in Advance 1. Prepare your Questions 1. Ask for Advice, Not Help 1. The Thank you Email 5 Ways to Make a Coffee Chat Count
- 8. 8 Why: Goals foryour Informational Interview 1. Not sure what to specialize in 1. Considering a double specialization 1. You want to know how to get into a certain field 1. You want to learn what it’s ACTUALLY like to work in a certain field 1. You are interested in applying for a job Informational interviews are an excellent way to explore different career paths, jobs, options and industries. Think about your GOALS for the informational interview before you reach out! 1
- 9. 9 Who to Ask •Someone you met at a networking event or at a company information session • LinkedIn network ○ 2nd or 3rd degree connections • Alumni ○ leverage the BCC’s network* *For the COMM202 assignment, family members, professors, faculty, current UBC students are NOT allowed 1
- 10. 10 What to Includein the Email/LinkedIn Message • You’re a student • How you heard about them or know them • What you are looking to learn (their career progression, advice on how to best leverage time at Sauder, etc.) • 15-20 minutes of their time • Close the email by suggesting two - three times you are available to meet (vs. yes or no answer) • Tell them you’re willing to meet them at a location most convenient for them (near their work, etc.) – do not expect them to come to you If you are reaching out via LinkedIn, you are limited to the number of characters in your first message. Use them wisely! Include that you are a student and why you are interested in connecting with them.
- 11. 11 Who to Ask:When they are Outside of your Network SCENARIO: Your are interested in applying to a specific job and want to learn more and hopefully making a valuable connection • Search up those who… • Have previously done the same job • Work in the same company • Work in the same department • Be flexible • Acknowledge they may be busy • Offer phone/Skype/email as options Just reach out! The worst thing that can happen is the person doesn’t respond. A Kind stranger
- 12. 12 Who to Ask:If they say no... • Judge the situation… • What position are they? • What type of relationship/rapport have you developed so far? • Offer the option to stay in touch and reach out later • Be patient and think about the long term! VP of HR for Joey Restaurants
- 13. 13 Where & Whento Meet • In person at a coffee shop or the professional’s office OR • Over Skype, Google Hangouts • Over the phone 1
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- 15. 15 Do Your Research WHATTO LOOK FOR • Their company • Their major skill sets (job title) • Work history • Accomplishments • Associations • Common interests WHERE TO FIND INFORMATION • Company website • Internet search • LinkedIn, Twitter • Their personal website • Ask mutual friends/connections • 2
- 16. 16 Prepare Questions thatreflect your Goals Job/Role Related Common Interests Industry/Compan y Advice 3
- 17. 17 Sample Questions • Whatdo you like most about your job and/or field? • What is one challenge you’re currently facing at work? • What do you need to do to become successful in this industry? • How did you get into the industry? • What is PepsiCo doing to adapt to increasingly health-conscious consumers? • What advice do you have for someone starting out? • Who do you look up to, do you have a mentor in the industry? • If you could change one thing…what would that be? • I noticed on your LinkedIn you were part of Leaders of Tomorrow Program last year. I’m in the program this year. How was your experience? Job/Role Related Company/Industry Advice Common Interests 3
- 18. 18 Upon Arrival.. TheDo’s and Dont’s DO: • Do arrive early! Better to not rush into the meeting all frazzled because of time • Do find a comfortable, quiet spot to wait DONT: ● Don’t buy the coffee first – wait for them to get there ● Don’t be distracted and on your phone while you wait
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- 20. 20 During the Meeting •Thank them for their time • Take charge – you’re the one who called the meeting! Remind them why you wanted to meet in the first place • Bring a notebook (not a laptop,) and ask if it’s okay to take notes • Ask questions and listen to their responses fully Don’t feel like you need to ask only the questions you prepared for The best conversations are those where questions flow naturally
- 21. When people give advice,they tend to get invested and wind up helping. Be specific about the advice you are seeking Asking for Advice 4 Example: “Based on your experience working at XYZ Co, how do you recommend I prepare for my upcoming interview?”
- 22. 22 Reminders during theMeeting • Eye contact, smile, handshake, thank you • Dress the part • Pay attention to body language • If you are taking notes, make sure you’re not too focused on the notebook • Offer your opinions • Be curious • Respect their time • Who pays...
- 23. 23 Reminders during theMeeting • Watch out for signals – have they closed their book or checked their phone? This means they may need to head back to work and you should ask them if they are okay to continue. • Acknowledge that they’re busy and you really appreciate them taking time out of their day for you. • Active listening – essential for having a natural conversation. • Maintain eye contact; not looking elsewhere while they’re talking (DO NOT check your phone) • Asking relevant follow up questions
- 24. 24 Tell your Story •What you would love to do for companies • What problem have you identified that makes you want to work in the industry • Why you feel it’s important to talk to experts in the field • Use phrases like: ‘I’d like to…’, ‘I believe...’ • Keep it short, positive and focused
- 25. 25 Reciprocate the Gesture “Isthere anything I can do for you?” Offer them help in some way, and they will be more likely to want to help you.
- 26. 26 The Thank youEmail • Send a thank you email • Thank them for their time • Mention something you talked about • Mention when you will follow up with them next 5
- 27. 27 Maintaining your Connections •Keep them updated on things you talked about during the chat. • Comment on their activity on LinkedIn (ex. if they got a promotion) • Setting up more coffee chats if you have more questions in the future
- 28. “Lately, I findmyself on the receiving end of similar email requests to meet for coffee or chat on the phone. Often, there’s no agenda and the time spent ends up being unproductive for everyone. The person who reaches out often wants to just talk through their career without any specific “ask,” other than how meeting me would be of service to them. Everyone loses; I come away frustrated because I’ve spent time away from work and family, and the other person doesn’t really get much tangible help from me.” From the Perspective of a Professional
- 29. 29 The Three BiggestMistakes 1. You are not doing enough research 1. You are asking your contact to do too much work 1. You are beating around the bush
- 30. 30 Pro Tips ● Getan intro through a mutual contact ● Keep your email request short and specific. It should fit on one iPhone screen ● Find common ground ● Express passion ● Make flattery specific and personal ● Create an agenda for the meeting ● Spend a couple minutes introducing yourself, and then get straight to the point ● Do not be vague about what you want ● FOLLOW UP
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- 32. 32 Informational Interview Assignment TASK:Conduct face-to-face info interview with industry professional DELIVERABLE: • Contact details (name, company, title, phone, email) • List of questions asked • Major insights gained – What did you learn during your informational interview • Did you request/receive any information regarding additional connections • Follow up action – What will you do to maintain this connection • What are your next steps having conducted this information interview • Screenshot of follow-up email Two-page summary Family members, professors, staff, current UBC students are NOT allowed! DUE DATE December 14th, 11:59pm on Turnitin
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- 34. 34 Interview Stream • Goodpractice tool for interviews • Practice answering interview questions • 5 general questions will pop up on the screen and then your webcam will record your answer • Go back and review your recording to see what was good and where to improve • Will NOT be graded and no one will see your videos. But you can receive 1 bonus mark if used before November 26th! InterviewStream
- 35. 35 Action Items 1. FinalResume and Cover Letter: Due November 6th @ 11:59pm on Turnitin and COOL. 1. Networking Event: Next Tuesday November 13th 6pm – 8pm* at CPA Hall. Final Sign up on COOL. Final reflection due November 22nd 11:59pm on Turnitin. *Go in your assigned timeslot 1. Confirm informational interview date and time. 1. See you in lecture next week (Wed/Friday only)!
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