5 Informational Interview Mistakes to Avoid!

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When done INCORRECTLY, informational interviews actually harms your chances of landing a job at your target company. In this video, I share 5 informational interview mistakes you must avoid at all costs, walk you through the exact wording I would use to come off as composed and confident, and give you a free networking template I made on Google Sheets.
Other than preparing strong informational interview questions for your coffee chats, you want to clarify the time and topic in your initial request for an exploratory interview email. So when they receive your request, they're able to prepare ahead of time as well. After the informational interview, not only do you want to send a thank you note, you also want to make sure you follow up regularly with 3 professionals that are working in fields you are extremely interested in. Most people do not do this (it's a very common mistake) and yet this is a huge mistake you want to avoid.
So the next time you conduct an informational interview (or coffee chat), make sure you brush up on the etiquette mentioned in this video and review the dos and don'ts!
TIMESTAMPS
00:00 Intro
01:03 Not Clarifying Time and Topic
02:36 Putting up with Lengthy Answers
03:48 Not Taking Notes
04:57 Not Following Up Regularly
07:17 Having a Weak Ending
08:01 Strong Questions to Ask
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#networking #success #careertips

Пікірлер: 105

  • @JeffSu
    @JeffSu3 жыл бұрын

    Let me know what you think of the networking template! (Link in description since it's so long) TIMESTAMPS 00:00 Intro 01:03 Not Clarifying Time and Topic 02:36 Putting up with Lengthy Answers 03:48 Not Taking Notes 04:57 Not Following Up Regularly 07:17 Having a Weak Ending 08:01 Strong Questions to Ask

  • @livialone3199

    @livialone3199

    3 жыл бұрын

    Okay now you got me thinking back to all those small mistakes I made. Thanks Jeff......

  • @PoPax186
    @PoPax1862 жыл бұрын

    You have brought such a fresh approach to career help. Your no-frills style is very appealing and makes me want to watch more of your videos. Prior to finding your channel, watching career help videos was a chore. I would always wonder when the speaker would actually get to the important part. I like how you don't take your audience's time for granted. Your video editing also keeps things light and fun. Great job overall.

  • @JeffSu

    @JeffSu

    2 жыл бұрын

    Thank you so much for the kind words Prajay! I actually decided to make these videos after feeling what you're feeling right now!!

  • @dijkstra4678
    @dijkstra4678 Жыл бұрын

    I've just watched 5 of your videos consecutively and I have to say youve not only managed to hype me up to try some of your advice, but I have the rare feeling that I might actually be able to apply and work with your advice. I'm usually unmotivated and fail to meet my own expectations because of the difficulty of the task of reaching out with little to no credibility as a student, as well as having an introverted personality. I hope I get to thank you again some day if and when your advice turns out to be critical, which im sure it will be.

  • @JeffSu

    @JeffSu

    Жыл бұрын

    I can totally relate my friend! I was insecure back in college so I can empathize. Good luck and let me know how it goes :)

  • @J-mac_attack
    @J-mac_attack Жыл бұрын

    Jeff, love the spreadsheet. I am all about tracking interactions and actually use Notion to store contacts, log interactions and even prep for meetings. I basically use it as a CRM. It's an awesome tool and I highly recommend it!

  • @JeffSu

    @JeffSu

    Жыл бұрын

    Oh that's awesome, thanks for sharing!

  • @nowucit6346
    @nowucit63469 ай бұрын

    I know I've commented before on how great your videos are, but man, they really are!! Such practical tips! Cheers!

  • @JeffSu

    @JeffSu

    9 ай бұрын

    That's what I love to hear 😁

  • @jj5515
    @jj55153 жыл бұрын

    This is LITERALLY amazing. I love how you explain things. It gives me a good sense of direction too! Already subscribed from the video before this (how to have informational interview)

  • @JeffSu

    @JeffSu

    3 жыл бұрын

    Thank you J&J, really appreciate your comment! Hope you enjoy the other videos as well 😁

  • @MikeDeng
    @MikeDeng3 жыл бұрын

    Thanks for the video! Following up on the regular is definitely important. I struggle to see how frequently I should follow up otherwise though.

  • @JeffSu

    @JeffSu

    3 жыл бұрын

    Thanks Mike! Yea prioritization is key here. We'd all like to follow up with all the professionals who made time for us, but the reality is only a few are worthwhile (different for everyone of course)

  • @dssd4890
    @dssd489011 ай бұрын

    Broooo I LOVE how you give cliffhangers like in those dramas... in ur video ending connecting it to ur other vid..... This is my 3rd vid in that chain and I so wanna watch the next one! They seem soo imp and i feel like I need to watch it!

  • @JeffSu

    @JeffSu

    11 ай бұрын

    Glad to hear it! I hope you're finding them helpful 😁

  • @a_a1561
    @a_a15612 жыл бұрын

    Thank you so much Jeff! I just completed an interview and the person was very impressed with the questions! l also was thanked for the last question! You are the best :)

  • @JeffSu

    @JeffSu

    2 жыл бұрын

    Awesome! Best of luck 😁

  • @annakiseleva7418
    @annakiseleva7418 Жыл бұрын

    The follow-up spreadsheet idea is absolutely amazing! Thank you very much for that advice!

  • @JeffSu

    @JeffSu

    Жыл бұрын

    No problem!

  • @nicolemillalafsilva9859
    @nicolemillalafsilva98593 жыл бұрын

    Thank you Jeff!! those are really good tips!! and also, thanks for the template idea, you're totally right with the follow up! i didn't have that on my mind, and it's really important to track all that

  • @JeffSu

    @JeffSu

    3 жыл бұрын

    Hi Nicole! Thanks so much! Yes I think one of things holding us back is not having good tools to enable us to continue following up (for example you send that email and then you'll forward about it as other emails come in!). Hopefully the trix proves useful to you :)

  • @ratboialex7628
    @ratboialex76282 жыл бұрын

    Thanks for the tips! I have an interview tomorrow with job corps people and this helped me a lot! ☺️

  • @JeffSu

    @JeffSu

    2 жыл бұрын

    Best of luck!!

  • @vickiliu4887
    @vickiliu48873 жыл бұрын

    That’s super helpful! I never followed with the interviewee because I didn’t know I was supposed to. Thanks for the advice Jeff!

  • @JeffSu

    @JeffSu

    3 жыл бұрын

    You're welcome Vicki!

  • @surreal9558
    @surreal95582 жыл бұрын

    I have one of these tonight as a Travel Agent! I'm hoping I can do well so hopefully I can get a final interview and the job itself. I'm a college student so a job like that would be amazing for me

  • @JeffSu

    @JeffSu

    2 жыл бұрын

    Best of luck!!!

  • @taniyaabraham5506
    @taniyaabraham55063 жыл бұрын

    Thank you Jeff for the networking spreadsheet!

  • @JeffSu

    @JeffSu

    3 жыл бұрын

    Hi Taniya! You're welcome! Make sure to use it :P

  • @burhanuddinsamiwala5859
    @burhanuddinsamiwala58593 жыл бұрын

    Ridiculous that this video has only 5k views. Deserves at least a million views!

  • @JeffSu

    @JeffSu

    3 жыл бұрын

    I mean I have to say I agree... 😏

  • @mistermirkorossi
    @mistermirkorossi2 жыл бұрын

    THIS VIDEO IS A LOT OF VALUE OMG! Thank you Jeff!

  • @JeffSu

    @JeffSu

    2 жыл бұрын

    You're very welcome my friend 😁

  • @anastasia3576
    @anastasia3576 Жыл бұрын

    Hi Jeff, first, THANK YOU! Love your videos, super informative, and funny, and you have incredible charisma and a sense of humour and energy. I'm in the middle of landing my dream job, and your videos are TREASURE! All informational interviews went well, however, I was wondering if maybe you can make a short video on how to follow up and what to say, and how to close the interview apart from asking about anyone else? Something like " if you will be in my situation, what steps and actions you will do to be part of the company?" Especially in interviews with directors or senior positions and I am just an entry-level. Thank you. Ps think the google spreadsheets don't work, maybe it's possible to find them on your website?

  • @JeffSu

    @JeffSu

    Жыл бұрын

    Just updated the link! Let me know if it works now

  • @atikahbaig7046
    @atikahbaig7046 Жыл бұрын

    hi jeff, i found your channel yesterday, and im on my path to implement all that you've mentioned here and in your other videos. i just want to say a big thank you for the content you put up

  • @JeffSu

    @JeffSu

    Жыл бұрын

    Awesome to hear my friend! Best of luck 😁

  • @atikahbaig7046

    @atikahbaig7046

    Жыл бұрын

    @@JeffSu I GOT HIRED JEFF, THANKS TO YOU AND YOUR VIDEOS 💙

  • @JeffSu

    @JeffSu

    Жыл бұрын

    @@atikahbaig7046 OH DAM CONGRATS!!!! WOOHOOO

  • @Harsh-eo8ob
    @Harsh-eo8ob3 жыл бұрын

    Thanks Jeff! The spreadsheet will help keep track of professionals I have interacted in person or on LinkedIn.

  • @JeffSu

    @JeffSu

    3 жыл бұрын

    Yes definitely! But remember to prioritize, you only have so much time to have "high quality" follow ups with professionals you have networked with previously :)

  • @Harsh-eo8ob

    @Harsh-eo8ob

    3 жыл бұрын

    @@JeffSu Yeah sure, Jeff. Will keep that in mind.

  • @Andrea_Dong
    @Andrea_Dong3 жыл бұрын

    Thanks for the video, Jeff! You might think the video is long but I always wished it was longer! I also love your spreadsheet by the way, it definitely looks better than the one I made 😆 Just one question, what if the other person doesn’t reply to your follow-up email after an interview? From your perspective, what could that signify? (or am I just overthinking this 😅)

  • @JeffSu

    @JeffSu

    3 жыл бұрын

    Hi Andrea! That really gives me confidence in my skillshare course idea down the line! :). It depends how you phrased the email. If it's your first follow up, you should thank him or her and then keep the door open for future coffee chat opportunities. If it's like a regular follow up (let's say you send a note once a month), I would stop if they don't respond for 2 times straight. Hope this helps!

  • @alecupdate
    @alecupdate Жыл бұрын

    Wow, this is beyond useful, never thought about it this way.

  • @JeffSu

    @JeffSu

    Жыл бұрын

    Glad to hear it! Yea I wish I knew about some of these tips earlier too 😁

  • @jamiewai618
    @jamiewai6182 жыл бұрын

    I like your template. I reckon I should rebuild a rapport with some professionals by using the template strategically Thanks Jeff.

  • @JeffSu

    @JeffSu

    2 жыл бұрын

    Glad to hear it Jamie, you're very welcome!

  • @dougr550
    @dougr550 Жыл бұрын

    I really like your shirt in this video lol. Also a great video! Thanks

  • @JeffSu

    @JeffSu

    Жыл бұрын

    Haha thanks! It's a tailored shirt I got for cheap in China 😁

  • @araceliherrera3558
    @araceliherrera3558 Жыл бұрын

    These are awesome, thanks Jeff!!

  • @JeffSu

    @JeffSu

    Жыл бұрын

    Thank you Araceli 😁

  • @zacharykotulak9771
    @zacharykotulak97713 жыл бұрын

    Hi Jeff! I used your guide for an informational interview I had 3 weeks ago, and it went great! I tried to re-connect with the professional as he requested the following Monday, but still haven't heard back. Would you recommend reaching out again? P.S Your content is amazing

  • @JeffSu

    @JeffSu

    3 жыл бұрын

    Hi Zach - Glad to hear you enjoy the content!! If he requested you follow up, you should definitely reach out again. Remember, everyone is extremely busy and have their own priorities, so if you send a gentle reminder, it wouldn't hurt at all 😁

  • @recruitcrm
    @recruitcrm11 ай бұрын

    Thanks for sharing the 5 mistakes bit, Jeff!

  • @JeffSu

    @JeffSu

    11 ай бұрын

    No problem!

  • @uhyeah31
    @uhyeah313 жыл бұрын

    Thanks so much for the helpful tips, Jeff! Was wondering what your thoughts are on sending a portfolio link/resume in the intro email, before having had the coffee chat with the person?

  • @JeffSu

    @JeffSu

    3 жыл бұрын

    It really depends on how well you know that person but if it's a first time meet up, I would NOT recommend sending a resume (a portfolio link is fine if it's a design-related industry). A resume would be too presumptuous :)

  • @brendamg7298
    @brendamg7298 Жыл бұрын

    Thanks for the video, Jeff

  • @JeffSu

    @JeffSu

    Жыл бұрын

    You're very welcome Brenda 😁

  • @marioottaiano475
    @marioottaiano4758 ай бұрын

    I always enjoy your videos, I am watching it once a day. I want to ask you, I do not know if you already made a video about this, but what is the probability that you end up on a kind of HR blacklist if you make too many mistakes? Are different HR offices and sectors interlinked especially from different departments of the same company? Is there a possibility that information you share with a specific recruiter can maybe be shared by the same recruiter ruining your chances for another role inside the same company?

  • @JeffSu

    @JeffSu

    8 ай бұрын

    Nah I wouldn't worry too much about it. You might be blacklisted in 1 company, not across the sector

  • @farhadahmad2373
    @farhadahmad23733 жыл бұрын

    Thank you ☺️

  • @JeffSu

    @JeffSu

    3 жыл бұрын

    You're welcome Farhad 😁

  • @1ANGUSTINA1
    @1ANGUSTINA1 Жыл бұрын

    Thanks a ton Jeff for your content. I just found your channel because I'm new in this concept. However, I didn't see a video about how to request and Informational interview, any tips? Please!

  • @JeffSu

    @JeffSu

    Жыл бұрын

    Check out my networking videos 😁

  • @omarnancy5281
    @omarnancy52813 жыл бұрын

    You're awesome!

  • @JeffSu

    @JeffSu

    3 жыл бұрын

    Thanks Omar! You are too! 😁

  • @MuditVerma
    @MuditVerma Жыл бұрын

    Very helpful. Subbed! I am wondering how to go about asking to schedule one of these. Would we refer to them as informational interviews in the request or is that too literal/direct?

  • @JeffSu

    @JeffSu

    Жыл бұрын

    Use "Coffee Chat" if you think informational interview is too format 😁

  • @MuditVerma

    @MuditVerma

    Жыл бұрын

    @@JeffSu thank you! Fantastic content!

  • @bertonnawi5868
    @bertonnawi58682 жыл бұрын

    LIVING BUDDHA.. NICE ONE!!!

  • @JeffSu

    @JeffSu

    2 жыл бұрын

    Yessss 😁

  • @hannahb2315
    @hannahb23152 жыл бұрын

    Hi! thank you for your videos :) Have an informational interview with the managing partner tomorrow, do you have any tips? Thanks!

  • @JeffSu

    @JeffSu

    2 жыл бұрын

    Check out all my networking videos before tomorrow haha

  • @lingge989
    @lingge9893 жыл бұрын

    Hi Jeff. Thanks for sharing these wonferful tips! May I know where is the link of the spreedsheet? Appreciate it!

  • @JeffSu

    @JeffSu

    3 жыл бұрын

    It's in the video description 😁

  • @lingge989

    @lingge989

    3 жыл бұрын

    @@JeffSu Got it. Thank you so much!

  • @JeffSu

    @JeffSu

    3 жыл бұрын

    @@lingge989 you’re welcome!!

  • @nnnie97
    @nnnie979 ай бұрын

    Hi Jeff, thank you for your insight and videos! Definitely was super helpful following up to a coffee chat I was quite nervous about. I had question regarding your follow-up regularly section - if this is someone perhaps super busy, and we had been communicating through more casual means such as WhatsApp - I don't want to overstep boundaries by "bothering" them in a month's time, what do you recommend to be the best way to follow-up? For example, I'm sure there won't be industry news that they don't already know, or not much I can relate back to from our conversation (and don't want it to seem forced...)

  • @JeffSu

    @JeffSu

    9 ай бұрын

    Are you bothering your friend after they just had a child and you ask them in 1 month "Hey how's the baby doing?!" Of course not because it shows you care. Same concept applies here And there's no way someone knows all the industry news 😉

  • @nnnie97

    @nnnie97

    9 ай бұрын

    thank you for your reply! I'll keep that in mind and keep up with what I can in the industry😁@@JeffSu

  • @famnfren
    @famnfren3 жыл бұрын

    Thanks Jeff! Would u pls share ur success and not so success stories w the coffee chats u had/have?:)

  • @JeffSu

    @JeffSu

    3 жыл бұрын

    I have way too many failures to share 😉

  • @kenyelesparks9431
    @kenyelesparks94312 жыл бұрын

    👍👍

  • @JeffSu

    @JeffSu

    2 жыл бұрын

    Thanks 😁

  • @roter13
    @roter133 жыл бұрын

    How do you send a gentle reminder email to someone that has not messaged you back. I don't want to sound pushy.

  • @JeffSu

    @JeffSu

    3 жыл бұрын

    Depends on the context. Is it a follow up after an interview or coffee chat? If interview, something like: "Hi Ms. Jones, I hope this finds you safe and well! I wanted to quickly follow up after our chat last week and see whether there were any additional points I could help clarify for you..." Best of luck!

  • @roter13

    @roter13

    3 жыл бұрын

    @@JeffSu A man who worked at the company I'm aiming for asked me to send my design portfolio and resume via email. I sent the email and it's been about a week since I sent the email. They are hiring right now so I want to be at the forefront of their minds.

  • @JeffSu

    @JeffSu

    3 жыл бұрын

    @@roter13 then you can ask them what they think of your portfolio with a gentle nudge 😁

  • @cuisinecookedwithpassion2479
    @cuisinecookedwithpassion2479 Жыл бұрын

    Hi, Jeff Iam changing my working profession from teaching in school to working as software testing,plz help me out how to handle this question during interview round

  • @JeffSu

    @JeffSu

    Жыл бұрын

    You should address this when they ask you "Tell me about yourself" and you should mention transferable skills. Good luck 😁

  • @cuisinecookedwithpassion2479

    @cuisinecookedwithpassion2479

    Жыл бұрын

    Thanks Jeff !

  • @jentheuriet
    @jentheuriet Жыл бұрын

    What is the ex column for on the spreadsheet?

  • @JeffSu

    @JeffSu

    Жыл бұрын

    Hi - What "ex" column are you referring to?

  • @jentheuriet

    @jentheuriet

    Жыл бұрын

    @@JeffSu it's the first column in the spreadsheet

  • @JeffSu

    @JeffSu

    Жыл бұрын

    @@jentheuriet You mean the row? It means example :)

  • @Christiana-J
    @Christiana-J2 жыл бұрын

    This guy in 2020: not sponsored by Muji (4:10) Also this guy in 2021: got a sponsored video from Notion 😂

  • @JeffSu

    @JeffSu

    2 жыл бұрын

    But still no muji 😭

  • @Christiana-J

    @Christiana-J

    2 жыл бұрын

    @@JeffSu I hope Sundar’s favourite employee can get a raise to afford one🥺 for his hard work promoting the Google ecosystem 🤣🤣🤣

  • @noela405
    @noela405 Жыл бұрын

    Man, I hate interviews.

  • @JeffSu

    @JeffSu

    Жыл бұрын

    I used to as well!

  • @janithdassanayaka4599
    @janithdassanayaka45992 жыл бұрын

    Wish I saw this two days ago🥲

  • @JeffSu

    @JeffSu

    2 жыл бұрын

    It's okay, next time!!