There are many types of interviews that may take place as you hunt for a new job. Two of the most common are job interviews and informational interviews. In this article, we outline the differences between them and give you some tips to succeed in each.
Job Interviews
Simply put, a job interview is a conversation between an employer and a potential employee.
Although work evolves, job interviews remain an indispensable component of the recruiting process. For example, during the pandemic, job interviews went virtual, a development that will impact the way companies attract talent in the years to come.
Some tips to succeed in your job interview (whether virtual or in-person) include:
- Research the company and your interviewers
- Wear professional attire
- Be punctual
- Prepare for common interview questions
- Use the STAR method to answer behavioral questions
- Send a thank-you note after the job interview
Informational Interviews
An informational interview is an informal conversation with a professional who works in a field you’d like to work in.
This is a useful research tool for job seekers. It allows you to test the waters of an industry before taking the plunge. It also gives you a realistic idea of what it’s like to hold a job in that field.
Some tips for your informational interview include:
- Research and prepare questions
- Practice beforehand
- Don’t be shy about asking job-related questions
- Pay the check or bring a small gift to show appreciation
- Send a thank-you note
- Keep in touch — informational interviews are also an effective networking tool
Job Interviews vs Informational Interviews
As you can see, job interviews and informational interviews serve different purposes. These are some of the most important differences:
- Job interviews are usually set up by a recruiter or hiring manager. Informational interviews, on the other hand, are usually set up by the person seeking information.
- Informational interviews are a little less formal than job interviews in that they can take place anywhere from a cafe to the interviewee’s office.
- Informational interviews are a research and networking tool; job interviews are a hiring and job-seeking tool.
Looking for a Job? Driven Talent Is Here to Help
Whether you are an employer looking for the ideal candidate to fill a position or a job seeker trying to take the next step in your career, we can help you get where you want to be.
Contact us today by email, telephone (657-533-2980), or fill out the contact form on our website to learn more about our services.