Even though I was only in the agency for about a half an hour, I learned so much about the agency, its culture, the work, the atmosphere, and most importantly the people. You simply can't top firsthand experience walking into a potential career opportunity. I have no idea if I'll ever work at Colle+McVoy, but just to be in that atmosphere was refreshing.
This was one stop on my informational interview tour of Twin Cities advertising agencies, and I have yet to be disappointed. From Fallon to Martin|Williams to Space 150 I have always gone out with a richer knowledge and understanding than I came in with. Even though all agencies have the same goal, sell their clients products better and faster and smarter, they all do it so differently. That is what is truly fascinating about advertising agencies, and really the industry itself.
For those already in the industry or those trying to break into it, I offer some points and ideas for getting your feet wet with informational interviews.
Tap your network
Chances are if you're breathing, you have friends. If somehow you don't and you smell of used diaper and are horrendously awkward, then your parents have friends. If that's you, you're probably still in their basement, so go upstairs and talk to them. Your friends are very useful. They either work somewhere you want to be or might know someone who does, so use them!
Keep your ear to the ground and your feet to the pavement
Listen when someone tells you they know someone in your industry, they are trying to help you, and chances are good that their contact will want to help you too. However, they aren't going to come looking for you, trust me, no matter how riveting you think you are, you need to get out there and meet some people!
Get a business card
This is the simplest thing in the world, and most job seekers don't do this, probably because they are afraid of looking foolish. Don't be! FedEx Kinkos will print anything you want on nice card stock paper, then they'll even cut it for you. Business cards made simple! So write your name, contact info, social media handles, and your industry of choice. My example is at left. It's printed on 3x5 heavy card stock and goes great clipped to a resume or as a leave-behind at an interview. It's simple, and it's a format that everyone knows, and can easily relate to. It only took an hour to create, print and cut 40, and now people have something to remember me by.
Do your homework
 |
| Courtesy of tutor-gal.com |
The worst part of elementary school is one of the most important parts of job hunting. The only way you'll be able to learn from your interviewee is if you know a little about them, their company, and what you're looking for either in a job or a company as a whole. This will save valuable time in an informational interview. Plus, everyone likes to feel important and if you go into an info interview knowing about your subject, it almost puts them on their own pedestal.
Take it seriously
This is a first impression, so dress the part! First impressions are huge, and although everyone tries not to, we all judge books by their cover to some degree. A firm hand shake and a winning (not the @CharlieSheen kind) personality will do wonders for a job applicant. In some ways, this info interview is more important than the actual first round interview, keep that in mind.
Learn all that you can
An open mind is a glorious asset to have, and especially key in this situation. Open doors lead to opportunities, and that has never been truer than now. Soak up all the knowledge about a company, breathe in their air, and if only for a moment, drink their Kool-Aid. You'll be able to see perspectives you never thought possible with this simple philosophy. Your eyes will be open. Did that paragraph have enough clichés for you?
Everyone loves being thanked and recognized
Best of luck, and remember to keep your head up. That dream job is coming.
