Nova Law Careers Blawg

Informational Interviews: Yep, they still count

By Heather Diersen

“The informational interview is an interview with someone who has a career that you’d like to know more about. These interviews do not necessarily lead to employment or an internship, but are a great way to figure out if a certain field might be right for you, and to find out more about the types of internship opportunities that would be available at that company or in that field.” (internshipfinder.com)

Prior to law school I had never heard of an “informational interview.” After being told by attorneys and professors that I must attend informational interviews to fuel my career, I made a goal to attend two to three a month during my final year of law school. Despite also being told that informational interviews are not meant to get me a job, I still thought they were my ticket.

I received my first job out of law school with a judge, not due to an informational interview, but a recommendation by a professor. While a law clerk, I again attempted to attend three informational interviews a month. I received my next position from a new-to-this-state attorney who had never heard of me (or anyone in this state), but who relied heavily on the recommendations of my judge and a partner at a firm that I clerked for in law school. So I am two for two on “great recommendations get you jobs” and zero for 100+ on “informational interviews get you jobs;” which is exactly the point.

What my informational interviews did give me that networking at a CLE or bar event did not, was candid advice on the legal market, perspectives on law firm/company life and practice, and resources for my future practice. I would not trade those 100+ interviews for one great “real employment interview” and here is why:

1. I met lawyers that inspired me to stay in this practice.

2. I met lawyers that I hope never to imitate.

3. I actually made a few friends, some even good friends.

4. In a few rare occurrences, I was able to offer something to the interviewee.

5. Free lunch or coffee (you always offer to buy, but when I made less than $43K a year as a law clerk, free lunch was great…I’m just saying).

6. I met attorneys in fields that I do not practice and I now refer business.

7. Several of the attorneys I met have been great resources for areas of law I am just jumping into, others have sent me forms and research or recommended an expert or service, and a few have invited me into ‘unofficial’ practice groups or invited me to join a committee. Having colleagues outside my company has made my transition from clerking to practice much smoother.

I may not have found a job doing informational interviews, but it turns out the exercise is more valuable now than while I was job hunting. Helpful websites:

http://www.lawschool.cornell.edu/careers/students/explore_options/informational_interview.cfm

http://www.blog.chelsearecruiters.com/2010/02/quick-information-on-informational.html

http://www.clacareer.umn.edu/informational_interviews/

http://www.stthomas.edu/law/current/career/build%20your%20career/networking.html

informational interviews, networking

________________________________________________________________________

See this full article, and readers' Comments, at the Minnesota Lawyer's Blog: JD's Rising

How to Launch an Effective Job Search!

Career Café

 

SPACE IS LIMITED - REQUIRES RSVP:  www.lexisnexis.com/myschool

 

Firehouse Subs will be served

 

 

Tuesday, March 9^th 

  12-1 pm in the Faculty Study

 

Launching an Effective Job Search

 

Presented by

 

The Career Development Office &

Come learn how to target and research employers as you embark upon your summer or post-graduation job search

 

Open to ALL students!

The CDO video records all Career Café presentations, find them at:  http://www.nsulaw.nova.edu/career/cs/career_cafe.cfm

Don't be a Day Late and a Dollar $hort!

Please join the Career Development Office for our “Critical Career Deadlines Program”

Tuesday, 2/9 at 12 pm and 5 pm

Faculty Study

 Don’t be a Day Late and a Dollar $hort! 

 

We will be covering 1L, 2L and 3L/4L timelines to ensure that you make the MOST of your law school experience!  We realize it’s difficult to keep track of all the job/internship application deadlines you face throughout law school, which is why we’re developed a written timeline to guide you.  You will have an opportunity to ask questions and will walk away with a better sense of where you are now and where you’re going.  This is critical, especially given today’s tough economy. 

 

We also have copies of the timeline available in our office or on our website at http://www.nsulaw.nova.edu/career/cs/publications.cfm. 

 

Make sure to attend either the day or evening session … Don’t be a Day Late and a Dollar $hort! 

Interviewing for a Job? Avoid using cell phone or texting in the waiting room!!

Important Etiquette tip from the Culture and Manners Institute (http://www.cultureandmanners.com/):

There is one story that, when I tell it in a university setting, I can see the whites around the eyes of the students.

A woman approached me after a talk in Oklahoma and said, "I am the receptionist in my office. The hiring manager has asked me to keep an eye on the job candidates in the waiting room and report back to him which ones are talking on their cell phones, checking messages or texting. Those are the candidates we do not hire.

Avoid using your cell phone or text messaging while sitting in the waiting room before an interview or even a sales call (which is in itself, an interview). Take out a notebook and study your notes (for surely you have done your research on this company -- their leadership, mission statement, sales figures, etc.) Go over the answers to tricky questions in your head. Even if you usually review notes on your phone or PDA, use something else so you don't appear to be checking messages. Leave the impression that you are focused on the business at hand and not distracted by other things in your life.