I can’t find a journalims job here in New York City and feel that my only option is to be agressive and start cold-calling magazines and newspapers for informational interviews. However, I spoke to one of my old guidance counselors and they said that informationals are A WASTE OF YOUR AND THE EMPLOYER’S TIME! And that an employer would not take the time to interview you without having a specific position to fill. So should I start calling managing editors for informational interviews or is it a complete waste of time? Any advice on the steps to follow in cold-calling to schedule an informational?
Ed2010™
the purpose of informational
the purpose of informational interviews, especially those with hr at a place like conde, is for them to have a reserve of candidates when positions open so they can be filled expeditiously. at least, that’s my impression. so if you impress them and a position opens that you’re qualified for, you are likely to get called in to interview and will be on a short list for the job. if that’s a waste of time, so be it, but those are my impressions of informationals. and i know people who have gotten jobs from them.
Your guidance counselor
Your guidance counselor probably didn’t understand the magazine industry (or publishing) which is different than a lot of info interviews. That said, info interviews aren’t a waste of time—but I feel you should focus more on making a personal connection to people you want to meet, rather than e-mail managing editors. Info interviews are a way of paying things forward, and a lot of editors will do them just because they want to give someone a leg up. So, you have an informational to learn, to expand your network, but they aren’t necessarily going to get you a job in and of themselves—does that make sense?