September 2004

Informational Interviewing vs. Networking
Don’t confuse the two.

Should you be informational interviewing or networking? The answer depends on where you are in your particular job search. For many, the job search process may often have two sections: pre-job search and the job search itself.

The pre-job search process is that sorting period before you actively begin the hunt. It is the process of ascertaining where you want to spend your employment efforts and then determining which job position might work best with your skills, personality, and career focus. This self-analysis endeavors to lay the foundation for a successful hunt by figuring out what you want to do. Informational interviewing clarifies and defines your goals based on job fit. There is no better way to understand the day-to-day of particular job than to ask the person who already has created that career track, whether it is a Human Resource Specialist, a business analyst, or a director of a non-profit organization. Talking to those who have reached a professional level gives you an understanding of the tasks, job requirements, personality suitability, licensure, and a variety of other particulars that you can glean from someone already in the field. In laying the appropriate foundation you will ask certain key questions. What kind of work do you want to do? How will it relate to goals for your future? Informational interviewing will help you avoid a false start with your network. It is meant to unearth information and advice to help you make basic decisions about your field of career of choice and the kinds of companies that you might approach to work. An informational interview may turn into a networking contact. Once you understand the dynamics of a certain profession and your aptitude then it is time to network.

Don’t use the wrong tool for your job search issues. Don’t do informational interviewing when you should be networking or vice-versa.

Once you know your field and your target companies, it is time to move into the job search mode. That’s when informational interviewing stops and networking begins. Networking is the tool to use when you are in the job-search routine and you want to connect with people in the field. Your networking task is to meet with as many people in a particular industry as possible and clearly state the kind of job that you are seeking. While in the job search process you need to communicate with everyone within your network on a fairly regular basis. Networking is the gateway to the hidden job-market--that subterranean treasure chest where 85% of the job openings reside, jobs that are never advertised. If you have previously connected with a networking contact, then you are more likely to be recommended over an "unknown" candidate.

Alumni Career Services has tools to help you understand informational interviewing and networking and a counselor to assist in the process. Contact Julie Swaner at (801) 585-5036.

U-News & Views © 2004 - An online publication
by the University of Utah Alumni Association
Questions? Concerns? Contact Linda Marion, editor
(801-587-7837)