Three Important Questions
When you have a one-on-one Informational or Referral Interview there are three important questions to be sure and ask.
1) “What can I do for you?” (or “How can I help you?”)
2) “Who do you know that I should talk to for further information about this?”
3) “May I keep you informed of my progress?”
The first question goes directly to the MOST important element of networking — It’s NOT about you, it’s about what you can do for others! (See my blog below). If you are out there finding ways to assist other, they will be more than happy to find ways to help you in your job search. It doesn’t have to be a big thing, sometimes just introducing that person to one of you friends or contacts can help them solve a challenging problem. Do you have or know of someone who has translation skills? Do you have a contact in a particular industry or company that may be helpful for the person you are talking to? Determine what you have to OFFER, and ask, ask, ask. You may be surprised how far this gets you!
When asking for referrals, you can help the other person’s thinking process by asking the question in an “open” way. Don’t ask, “Do you know anybody?” The only possible answers to that question are “yes” or “no”. Help them help you by asking them “WHO do you know?” This gets the other person asking himself or herself, “Who DO I know?” Chances are good that they DO know someone in the particular field or company you are interesting in learning more about. Your question will help them remember who that is.
If someone has taken 20 minutes of their precious time to meet with you they have invested a part of themselves in your job search process. Keeping them informed of your progress will help them realize a return on their investment of time and energy. Besides, keeping them informed also brings your name and situation to the forefront of their mind again. If something comes up with their company or within their industry, YOU will be the person they contact with that information. Asking permission is polite, because it allows the other person to decline. If they do decline, don’t take it personally. Most of us are already bombarded by too much email, snail mail, and phone calls to return. Declining your offer to keep them informed simply means they would not follow up anyway. Thank them for their time and move on.
Networking for job seekers is an art that requires time, effort and skills. Asking the right questions in your Informational and Referral Interviews will help you maximize your time and efforts towards your real goal of finding the perfect career position!
