Information Interviews

For anyone trying to get an upper-hand in landing their dream job, information interviews are your best friend. There's a few different reasons to why:

• It's informal. You don't have to worry to make an absolute amazing first impression. Of course, for a successful informational interview, you still have to be professional (dress accordingly, be on time, be courteous, and etc), but there is not as much pressure compared to a formal interview. 
• INFO INFO INFO. It is the best way to get information about the industry or agency you want to be a part of. Aside from personal questions, you're free to ask any questions you want!
• It could lead into something else. Informational Interviews are never just strictly to get information. Essentially, you're being interviewed by the person. If you make a great impression, show passion and interest, then there would be a really good chance that the recruiter or professional would want to hire someone like you. 

I bring this up because I had a information interview today. Jeffery Hamilton Smith, principle of Smith Design Works and Director of American Branding Association, was kind enough to provide me some words of wisdom. [Side-note: Totally thinking about changing my career path from PR to branding. Wish me luck]. 

We met up at a very charming deli, Icebox Grocery Deli, in the Queen Anne area in Seattle. What I thought would just be a 15-30 minute meeting lead to an hour. We had a ton of fun and I definitely learned a lot about brand development. I don't know if it would land me job, since he is mostly contractual, but I definitely gained much insight and a better direction. 

In other words...learn to love informational interviews!