tips for phone info calls?
Whenever I call people for an informational interview I always feel like I'm just blasting them with questions, feels like I am interviewing them and idk if this makes a good impression. Do you guys have tips?
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Rather than having it as just a Q&A, try to start a conversation based off how they respond to your question. Or at the very least, try to ask questions about what they said rather than moving on to a new topic, it will show that you are paying attention to what they are saying.
Thanks OP for posting this. I have the same problem.
What I am having trouble with is making the transition between questions. I am asking questions and they are answering and it feels awkward/like I am interviewing them by moving onto the next question, and it also comes off as I am asking question for the sake of asking questions with no interest in their answers when I actually am.
So my questions are:
1) How to properly transition between questions so it doesn't feel like your are interviewing them?
2)For example, you have 10 questions and the answer to the 3rd question is a bit of a tangent (i.e. interview likes talking about it), should I trying to move onto the 4th questions of go "off script" and continue?
3) Going of #2^^, I understand info. interviews are meant for you to learn more, them to get to know you better (and hopefully like you), and also for them to help you push the resume/get an interview. So where is the balance between you learning about the firm,process, etc. (i.e. asking questions you have) and for them to like you (talking about random crap) during informational interviews?
4) There have been times where the interview has going past the scheduled blocked of time and I have apologized and ended the interview. I did it to be respectful of their time, but at the same time I feel like they are happy to be out of the office. How should one approach this?
5) And finally, the opposite of this, if you don't have enough to talk about whats the best way to end the conversation. I have used "I know you are busy so I will let you get back to work."
What do you monkeys think?
I feel like this should be a post of its own, but better if everything is in one place.
To answer 2 & 3, I'd say that going off-script is good rather than moving on to the next question. In my opinion, I think that it is better to be remembered at the kid who had a really good conversation about XYZ, as opposed to the kid who only rattled off questions
For #3, this is why I like to get coffee than call. It's easier to talk about random crap in person than over the phone
Learn to go with the flow. Practice. Practice. Practice. Call up someone and don't be afraid to fail at it.
People covered what to do. Here's what not to do.
By all means, do not ever say, "Well, that's all the questions I have / I don't have any more questions." Really, 15 minutes and you know everything? And this is typically followed up by, "Could I speak with someone else on your team?" -- okay... to ask the same 15 min worth of questions? It's so annoying that it's almost an auto-ding for me.
Far better to say something like, "Thank you, this has been really helpful. I have a lot more questions and would love to learn more about the office so I was wondering if you would be willing to connect me with someone else on your team..."
what if I say, I don't want to take up too much of your time so this is my last question
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