Informational interviews more popular today than 10 years ago: Survey

CFOs then alert candidates to job openings

The informational interview has not gone the way of the flip phone, according to an Accountemps survey of more than 270 Canadian CFOs. 

Fifty-three per cent said these meetings are becoming more common, with 58 per cent receiving informational interview requests at least once a month and 11 per cent receiving them every few months. 

And 93 per cent of executives said when someone impresses them in a meeting, it's likely they will alert that person to job openings at the company. 

"Informational interviews allow job seekers to turn the tables on the typical interview structure, and direct the discussion through their own line of questioning," said Dianne Hunnam-Jones, Canadian president of Accountemps. 

"Instead of treating this as a job interview, candidates should recognize this conversation as a more personal opportunity to build a business relationship that may be formative in their future career." 

Are informational interviews more or less common today versus 10 years ago?"

Much more common

9%

Somewhat more common

44%

About the same

41%

 

"How often do you get requests for informational interviews from professionals who are interested in careers with your company or in your industry?"

Once a week

23%

Once a month

35%

Once every few months

11%

Once a year

4%

 

"When hiring, how likely are you to alert someone who impressed you during an informational interview about a job opening?"

Very likely

57%

Somewhat likely

36%

Not very likely

2%


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