As you prepare for an informational interview, remember that you are not entering this as a job candidate; you are seeking to establish a connection with the company and learn more about your desired position.  The information you retrieve is priceless and can easily be converted into a successful campaign to later showcase your talents for future employment.

Below are 8 points for a successful informational interview:

1.      Choose a company you really like.

2.      Interview the direct supervisor of the position you would like to have or the position holder themselves.  Yes, I said interview them.  Ask specific questions about the company’s products or services, culture, and most importantly, get information on their current needs or goals.

3.      Your objective is to leave a genuine impression of interest in the company and their needs.  This is not about you.

4.      Don’t ask for a job!  This is not about you.

5.      Make the meeting about them, not you.  Well, you get the picture.

6.      Always leave your business card with them, but do not give them your resume unless they ask for it.  Don’t hard sell.

7.      The main point of the interview is for you to develop contacts and leave them with a good first impression.  If or when a position is available that matches your qualifications, you will be at the top of their mind.

8.      Follow up!  Thank them for their time and compile a synopsis of their current needs and goals.  In your signature include a link to your online resume or LinkedIn profile.  Go for the soft sell approach.  If you genuinely like the people you met with, continue to keep in contact with them throughout the year, as they may get promoted, change companies, or go into business for themselves.  You never know from where your next opportunity will come.

I’m a huge “Dancing with the Stars” fan (please don’t judge), and there was a couple who had a disappointing performance the previous week, but came back and received great scores.  They were asked what made the difference.  The difference, they said, is they decided to focus on the character of the dance, the real soul, and then learned the techniques and steps later.  The same goes with your network, take notice of those around you who emulate the morals and standards you value before focusing on their business or position.  For example, you know people who are always kind to everyone regardless of title, and never compromise themselves for greed or pride.  Get to know them.  In my own journey, I decided to reach out to colleagues and company officers who really impressed me by their actions and unwavering character.

So let’s stop and think for a moment about who stands out in your mind as having fascinating interpersonal skills and a career history that mirrors or complements your interests and passions.

Then, come up with a lunch list.  Jot down a few names of those you would like to have lunch with.  For some readers, this will immediately take you out of your comfort zone but the reason they are on your lunch list to begin with is because they touched your spirit in a positive way.  So this should not be a painful activity but rather an uplifting one.  Include people that are easy to invite but also include 1 or 2 who would normally reside on your wish list.  Think big!

At these lunches, begin with explaining to that person why you wanted to have lunch.  Explain that you would like to learn what they do to keep their head above the nonsense and remain true to themselves.  The purpose is for you to express your respect and admiration for their character and genuine spirit and the kicker is, you don’t want anything from them.  You don’t want a raise, a job, a client relationship, a free product, or a favor.  Nada, nothing, zip.  You only want to spend some time and listen to them.  The person you choose will be flattered by your authenticity and openness.

You must place yourself on a higher plane than those who are only flattering and helpful because they want something.  So enjoy your lunch and broaden your network with like-minded people.