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Your Interview Should be Exploratory. Come Prepared!

Exploratory interviews are often for informational purposes for the interviewer and the interviewee. Typically, the employer wants to find out more about the candidate and if that candidate might fit into an organization. Some companies PrideStaff Las Vegas | Exploratory Interviewing Tipswill be willing to grant an exploratory interview even if there are no positions available.

Susan Adams of Forbes writes that information interviews can also take the form of business introductions or meetings. A chat over coffee with a contact in a company may lead to a referral and a potential job, and any business meeting is an example of networking. Because there may be no specific position identified, it is important that the job seeker deliver the best impression possible and show knowledge about the overall company operations.

  • Unless the employer has identified a particular position, it is better not to target a specific role within the company. Highlight your skills and experience broadly to maximize any opportunities. However, if the employer has a particular role in mind, speak to that role specifically because the conversation is no longer simply exploratory.
  • A high level of interest in the company can be exhibited by asking questions about the company and future hiring opportunities. Prepare suitable questions beforehand. Adams recommends trying to identify where the company has needs and how you might meet those needs.
  • A formal thank you letter should be sent to all of the people that you meet ideally within 24 hours. A written letter is appropriate because an informational interview is considered a courtesy. Include your business card so that the interviewers can keep in touch with you. Maintain contact yourself via social media such as LinkedIn.

Following an exploratory interview you may be invited to interview for a specific position. This is the time to focus on how your skills can be applied in a particular context. Ensure that you fully understand the role and limit your appropriateness for other roles. Use the information that you gathered initially to highlight your suitability and what you can offer the company.

Looking for Additional Job-Search Resources?

Contact a PrideStaff Las Vegas recruitment professional to learn of temporary and permanent vacancies. We can arrange exploratory interviews with firms more likely to want to hire someone with your particular skillset.

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