The Informational Interview

This is something that comes along during rough economic times. You know they’re not hiring. They know they’re not hiring. But you still go through the motions of a formal interview. It’s like a new kind of yuppie torture. It requires the same about of energy as a real interview but there’s not job at the end. All you can hope for is that this company lifts it’s hiring freeze and the person you’re meeting with actually remembers to call you.

Also, there’s usually a lot of talk about what a terrible time it is to be looking for a job, which is not in the least bit helpful, and it always ends with a half-hearted, “Whelp, I’m sure you’ll find something. I’ll let you know if I hear anything.” It’s exhausting, really.

Unfortunately, these informational interviews are your best bet in an economy like this. I’ve gotten some solid leads from these meetings and every once in a while the employer really does remember you when something opens up. So, unfortunately, this is a type of torture I condone.