Informational Interviews: How they can be a game changer in your career change
To be successful in transitioning careers, you have to create a strategy that utilizes a lot of different tools. One of your best tools will be leveraging an informational interview. It’s a great way to narrow down your options, figure out what your ideal career might be, and gain valuable insights. Basically, informational interviews can give you a make-it-or-break-it insight into your next career move.
WHAT IS AN INFORMATIONAL INTERVIEW?
An informational interview is a 20–30-minute meeting (virtual or in-person) with a person working in a field or company that interests you. It is spent learning about what that career or company is like by asking them questions.
To be clear though, this is not a job interview. It is simply meant to gather information regarding a job and/or company. An interview/job offer might be a bonus to this conversation but should not be your primary motivation.
ADVANTAGES OF AN INFORMATIONAL INTERVIEW
Get relevant information and critical insights that can help you see if the job fits your needs and values.
Discover career paths that you did not know excited.
Get tips and insider information about how to prepare and land the job that you want.
It can help you better understand if the environment is a place that you will thrive in.
It helps you build connections in your targeted industry and/or company.
HOW TO DO AN INFORMATIONAL INTERVIEW
Research Potential Contacts
Find and create a list of people that you would like to talk to. This includes people with the job title you want and those working in the companies and/or industries that you would like to target.
Pro Tip: Create a list of 20-30 people varying in job level, seniority, company, and industry.
Make Contact
Email or send them a message on LinkedIn. Introduce yourself by providing a brief description of yourself and your background and why you are contacting them. Ask them to meet with you for 20-30 minutes on a specific date/time and provide your phone and email address.
Pro tip: Not everyone will respond to your request. Don’t take this personally. Just keep sending out requests until you find a handful of people to meet with.
Conduct the Interview
Research the contact/company
Review their LinkedIn profile, company website, and any bios to have. Utilize this information in the questions that you ask.
Prepare your questions
Take some time to think about what you want to learn about. Here are a few sample questions:
How did you get your start in this field?
What’s it like working at your company?
How did you choose this company or position over others in your field?
What is the most rewarding thing about working in this industry? The most challenging?
What experiences, skills, or personality traits does your company look for in new hires?
Dress
Regardless of if you are doing this meeting in person or virtually, you still want to look your best. You don’t want to be too casual but also not overdress. Business attire should be appropriate.
Breath & Relax
Remember that this is just a conversation so try not to be nervous. This person wants to help you and is giving up valuable time to meet with you so, show your enthusiasm and your interest in learning about them and what they do.
Ask
At the end of the interview, remember to always ask two important questions:
What job search advice would you give to someone in my situation?
Is there anyone else you would recommend I talk to?
Thank & Follow Up
Not only should you end the interview thanking them for their time and help but also never forget to follow up with them with a thank you email or letter! This person is a valuable connection and should be treated as such.
I always say that the more information you have, the better your decision will be. Skillfully used, an informational interview is one of the most valuable sources of career information as it presents opportunities for a flexible inside view of a job field unmatched by other sources.