4-Quadrant Method of Informational Interviews
Informational Interviewing
Informational interviews can help you in your career decision making, networking, and job searching. Alison Doyle (2022) from the balance explains why in the article titled How an Informational Interview Can Boost Your Career [New Tab].
Read the article, then answer the following questions:
While informational interviewing can be a formal process, it can also be informal. During the podcast, Shawn gives the listener cues to the informal approach to networking. Here are some cues that illustrate his informal networking efforts.
First, Shawn says he “became aware” of teaching in post-secondary, and then he “caught wind” of an opportunity in Mexico from a friend.
Opportunity in Mexico
Credit: Career Profs @ Conestoga. (2024, June 14). Opportunity in Mexico | Shawn Brake [New Tab]. [Video]. YouTube.
Later, Shawn explains: “I knew I could leverage that experience,” and “right off the hop, I was able to get into private post-secondary as a director.”
Leveraging Leadership
Credit: Career Profs @ Conestoga. (2024, June 14). Leveraging leadership | Shawn Brake [New Tab]. [Video]. YouTube.
Finally, he describes the move from Manitoba to Ontario while referencing an opportunity in Toronto.
Opportunity in Toronto
Credit: Career Profs @ Conestoga. (2024, June 14). Opportunity in Toronto | Shawn Brake [New Tab]. [Video]. YouTube.
Reflection
What is the 4-Quadrant method?
Lisa describes the “4-Quadrant Method of Informational Interviewing” at the beginning of the interview.
Informational Interview
Credit: Career Profs @ Conestoga. (2024, June 14). Informational interview | Shawn Brake [New Tab]. [Video]. YouTube.
Using a mix of formal and informal approaches to networking can help job seekers identify potential opportunities and help them make informed career choices. Knowing which questions to ask is helpful when formally networking and setting up informational interviews! This is where the 4-Quadrant Method of Informational interviewing can help guide the conversation.
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- Educational Background
- Career history challenges or barriers
- What is a typical day like at work?
- If you could do anything related to your career over again, what would it be?
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- Clients, customers, businesses served
- Products/Services offered
- Mission & Fit/Culture
- Employees
- Competitors
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- Labor Market Information
- Future Trends
- Future Needs
- How the organization fits within the industry
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- Who else should I be talking to?
- Any advice for me?
- Any recommendations for next steps for training or experience?
Conducting an Informational Interview
✔ Arrive on time! Whether the meeting is in person or online, know the location (physical or virtual) and give yourself plenty of time to get there.
✔ Be friendly and patient with everyone. If the meeting is in person; this includes the receptionist.
✔ Keep watch of your time and acknowledge when 30 minutes have passed, even if the conversation is going well; let the interviewee invite you to stay longer.
✔ Listen well and show genuine interest in what they have to say; take notes and practice active listening.
✔ Let the meeting proceed naturally and encourage the interviewee to do most of the talking. Don’t interrupt. Allow the interviewee to fully respond, and then ask questions if needed.
✔ Ask for advice, recommendations, and, most importantly, other contacts! Again, clarify that your objective is to get information and advice, not a job. Remember, this is your main goal!
✔ Thank them for their time and depart the meeting confidently.
✔ Follow up! Send a follow-up message within 1-2 days to express your appreciation for the time and information given. This shows professionalism and valid interest in the information shared.
✔ Right after the interview, add to the notes you have been keeping for networking events. Write down what you learned, what new questions you have, and list your reactions in terms of how the industry, employer, and occupation fits with your career plans.
✔ Record the contact information of any additional contacts provided by the person you interviewed. Ask permission to reference the interviewee when sending informational interview requests to their contacts.
Try This! An Informational Interview Plan
Download this Word template for planning an informational interview: LTC_informational_interview_template [Opens in new tab]
