Why Informational Interviews Are More Valuable Than Resumes

When job hunting, loads of folks worry about getting their resume just right and throwing out a ton of applications. But even though a top-notch resume is super important, it might not be the only thing that gets you that killer job. Nowadays, with everyone fighting for a spot having a chat through informational interviews could do the trick way better.

What's an informational interview?

An informational interview is relaxed talk about a profession with someone actively working in that field or in a place you find interesting. Unlike a typical job interview, it is done to guide you in making decisions regarding your future. It's more about insights, advice, and contacts that might land you a job someday.

This piece digs into the reasons informational chats are heaps more useful than CVs. It breaks down their benefits for folks looking for jobs and how you can leverage these talks to level up in your professional life.

1. What's an Informational Chat?

Basically, an informational chat's this thing where you sit down with someone who's been around the block in their field, and you hit them up for pointers about a career, work sector, or a particular business. This ain't like a regular job interview—no one's expecting to hand out a gig. The whole point is to get the inside scoop and make some connections.

Key Differences: Informational Chats vs. CVs

Throwing together a resume is crucial but it's no stand-in for getting to know folks. On the flip side, chit-chatting in informational interviews can throw open the doors to some ace job tips.

2. How Yapping Away in Info Interviews Beats Sending a Resume

A. You Get the Scoop from the Inside

A resume just throws a spotlight on what skills you got and the work you've done, whereas a one-on-one chat during an informational interview clues you in on stuff like: ✔ What's hot and happenin' in the industry and the scoop on who's hiring

✔ The vibe of the company and how the office scene looks like

✔ The usual headaches people deal with at work

Shooting the breeze with someone who's in the game means you're one step ahead of dudes who just sit there refreshing job boards.

B. They Crack Open Doors to Sneaky Job Spots

Loads of gigs never hit the big job boards. Firms tend to pick peeps from inside their own crew or someone a buddy suggested before they even think about letting the world know about the vacancy.

✔ Research digs up that a whopping 70-80% of roles get snagged through who you know, not what.

✔ Through informational chinwags, you could get the lowdown on jobs that aren't even out in the open yet.

If you get the chance, the person you chatted with might just think of you and suggest your name. This boosts your shot at snagging a job.

C. They Make You Pop on Employers' Radar

Your resume could get lost in heaps of other applications, yet a real-life chat sticks in people's minds.

Example:

• Imagine a boss has to sort through over 200 job forms but remembers that one talk from an informational interview.

• When there's a job up for grabs, they'll vouch for the individual they had a chat with instead of slogging through a mountain of resumes.

D. They're a Solid Way to Step Up Your Resume and Chat Skills for Interviews

Informational chats provide a peek at what companies look for. They let you:

✔ Make your resume fit what the job market expects

✔ Show off abilities that recruiters find important

✔ Come up with stronger replies for real job interviews

So instead of taking shots in the dark with your resume, you grab firsthand details from experts in your line of work.

3. How to Nail Setting Up an Informational Chat

Getting the lowdown on setting up one of these informational meets? Let's break it down.

Step 1: Shoot Over a Straight-Up, Slick Request

Keep your message short, respectful, and on the nose.

A. Prep Beforehand

Dig into the person's background, company, and industry trends before the meeting. It gives you the power to pose informed questions and avoids the simple ones you could find answers to on the web.

B. Sending a Thanks Email

Remember to shoot over a thank you note through email no later than a day after.

Big thanks for chatting today! Got loads of help about [Company/Industry] from ya, and I can't wait to put what you said into action during my hunt for a job.

Would be awesome to keep in touch, and I'll for sure let you know how things are going on my end. Massive thanks once more for your precious time!

Catch you later, [Your Name]

This keeps the door open for stuff down the road, like future opportunities.

5. From Chit-chats to Job Offers

Sure, we're not talking official job interviews here, but these friendly meet-ups? They could turn into referrals and recommendations. Check out how to make that happen:

Keep in touch – Hit them up on LinkedIn or let them know how your job hunt is going. Put their suggestions to work – Prove you've taken their wisdom to heart. Seek referrals – When things get cozier, ask 'em to hook you up with the folks who hire.

Plenty of folks snag gigs after informational meet-ups 'cause they make a real mark.

Wrapping it up

Sure, CVs matter, but schmoozing's where it's at. Chatting up insiders gets you the lowdown, turns up jobs you didn't know existed, and gets you in with the industry crowd.

Reach out, ask good questions, and create connections to uncover job chances that just a resume can't snag. Don't just send job applications; set up some informational chats. They might just be what gets you that new job! 🚀