Final answer:
Preliminary interviews allow you to learn about an employer and grab a recruiter's interest by preparing questions and engaging in discussions about the job and industry. They are not for job requests but for gaining insight and networking.
Step-by-step explanation:
Preliminary interviews do indeed give you the opportunity to learn about an employer and capture a recruiter's interest. They serve as a platform for you to gather interview material by asking questions and engaging in conversations that help you understand the job and the company better. Informational interviewing is a technique where you talk to someone with expertise in a field you're interested in, not to request a job, but to gain insight into the industry and make valuable connections.
Conducting research on the labor market before an interview can give you an advantage. This could be through online resources or by striking up informal conversations at job fairs or networking events. Knowing the specific qualifications and skills needed for a job can help you present your own experiences more effectively.
When preparing for an interview, remember that employers are particularly interested in concrete examples demonstrating your skills. They are also trying to assess whether your personality traits and soft skills are a good fit for the company. Hence, informational interviews and solid preparation can significantly increase your chances of making a good impression and eventually getting the job.