If you’re an aspiring employee in the healthcare industry, new to the market and looking for a new opportunity, try “information interviews”. Information interviews may not appear worth the effort, but they provide valuable insight and occasionally may lead to new opportunities.
Here are three reasons information interviews are worth your time:
- Listening attentively and expressing one’s self with clarity are essential for today’s health care worker. Information interviews offer an opportunity to practice these skills.
- Information interviews expand your professional network. Make a good impression, and someone might mention you to a decision-maker at an opportune time.
- You see your profession from a unique perspective, gaining insight that can help you advance your career.
Realize that most professionals don’t mind being interviewed. It offers a break in routine and can feel flattering. It’s critical to keep the spotlight on your interviewee, not you and your job search. If you come across like a job seeker, the interviewee will almost certainly be turned off and may even cut the interview short.
Begin by identifying potential candidates through mutual friends or your professional networks. Draft an email that’s polite and detailed. Don’t ask for any more than 30 minutes of an individual’s time, and make it clear that you’re not seeking employment. Emphasize your interest in learning about the person’s career and place of employment.
Leave out any questions related to information you can learn about the individual or organization online. Instead, ask open-ended questions that encourage someone to share details.
Here are some examples:
- How were you prepared and unprepared for your current job?
- What is the culture like in your workplace?
- What gives you the most joy about your job?
- What would you have done differently up to this point in your career?
- Describe a typical work day.
- How do you feel about the number of hours you work?
- What advice would you give to others who are seeking a career like yours?
End with, “What have I forgotten to ask?” This gives the interviewee an opportunity to wrap things up or continue sharing. Finally, don’t offer your resume unless it’s requested, and be sure to send a thank you email.
Learn more interview tips at our blog and browse through our Jobs Search page for current open positions.
