How to Convert an Informational Interview into an Application Interview - Hire Imaging

How to Convert an Informational Interview into an Application Interview - Hire Imaging When you have an informational interview, you may well come upon encouraging openings for permanent positions, temporary assignments, consulting contracts, or internships. If you want to apply for one of these opportunities, you should apply for a change in status. In other words, you should get permission to convert from an information seeker to an applicant for an opening. To be a good informational interviewer, you are a respectful and novice learner seeking access to insider information. As an applicant, you are a confident provider of needed skills, seeking an appropriate fit or match. These are very different conditions. They are different presentations of self. So, you have to convert your status as a rookie information seeker into a competent potential contributor. Also, managers who grant access to you on the basis of providing information are doing you a favor. They may really resent it if you suddenly start applying for an open position. This is not polite. What you must do is apply for permission to apply for one of the opportunities that became known in the conversation. Request a change in status by saying: That sounds like a very interesting opportunity. How would I go about formally applying for that position? By saying something like this, you are acknowledging that you are not at that point a candidate for anything but information. You are asking them for their advice about whether you can or should apply for the opening, and how to proceed if they grant you permission. Then, follow their instructions precisely. The very best response you can get is something like: “Well, I know the guy who’s doing the hiring for that position. I’d be happy to forward your resume to him now and see if he can meet with you.” True, this won’t happen often; but it’s the desired outcome. More often, you’ll hear some version of: “Just apply online.” To which you should promptly say, “Great! Thank you! May I mention your name as a referral?” Repeated analyses of employer websites and sorting of applicants reflects a strong bias toward candidates referred by current employees. Employee referrals go right to the top of the queue, often when they don’t exactly match the skills or experience requirements for the posted opening! Bottom line: You always want permission to be referred! I always love to hear from you! Please comment below.