i was searching the forum to learn more about the informational interview, and one of the advices i saw was to bring a nice folder with a pad inside and take notes. is this really a good idea to be taking notes when meeting up with alumni? or just try to remember and write things down as soon as the meeting is over? thanks
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I'd say take notes, it never hurts to look like you're interested and care.
it won't hurt, but what kind of information are you going to need to write down?
Take notes on something that is really important. If he mentions another person at the bank, a book or website to read, something that you found interesting, ect. Don't write down notes like its history class.
Take notes - it doesn't hurt, and you (could) showcase interest that way. Don't write an essay obviously, but it will help you recall things you've talked about afterwards when: you construct thank you emails, or points you can use to your advantage during a real interview about the firm/job/group straight from the direct source, etc.
Like the above said - jot down main points. I found it really helpful looking back to old informal meetings with people in industries I'm interested in. Sometimes they make really good points I can use for other things (work, other meetings, interviews)
uhmmm... well it wouldn't be bad per se... but i'd think it'd get awkward. if you are taking notes, just make sure that you are not compromising the conversation. I think good eye contact, body language, and good questions/responses will impress the other much more than taking bullet point notes on a piece of paper.
Surprise him with a driven, attentive, and easy-going personality... and take notes on his business card afterwards.
Notes during informal interview (Originally Posted: 08/13/2010)
When I have a formal interview I always bring a small Binder with resume's cover letters etc. not only in case I need to hand another out but also just so if they ask me a question like "whats your name" and in a nervous haste I forget - I have my cheat sheet ready...
But, what about an informal interview where you meet either in an office or just grab a coffee on a lunch break. is it weird to bring a notepad and jot down notes? I feel like nothing too complicated is said where anyone who belongs in the industry shouldn't be able to remember. Yet, I feel like it would be still a good thing to have. Thoughts? Experiences?
I never took one... worked fine for me
yah i usually bring a leather portfolio that has a notepad in it and i slip some resumes in it. ive taken notes during informational interviews... sometimes the person will give some interesting advice and its always good to be able to write it down
for the record, ive done this in both an office setting and when i went out for coffee and ive kept in contact with these people and theyve responded well so obviously they dont think im a fuck for bringing a notepad
For coffee/lunch, would a smaller pad, i.e. not a full folio and legal pad, work? I figure it'd be smaller and thus more casual. Downside would be no resume, but would they ask for a resume in a "casual" setting such as coffee/lunch i.e. not in-office?
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