What is Informational Interviewing?
An informational interview is an informal conversation, usually lasting 20-30 minutes, with someone who’s working in a field you’re interested in.
The purpose isn’t to find job openings, but to explore a certain field and gain insights into an organization that might interest you later on.
These informal chats can even extend up to an hour if you hit it off well with the person.
Remember, informational interviews are not job interviews, although they can help open doors to future job prospects.
The main aim is to gather information. However, they are also great for establishing connections that may lead to job interviews down the road.
Unlike job interviews, these conversations focus on general questions about industries, companies, or career paths. The term “informational interview” was coined by Richard Nelson Bolles, the author of “What Color Is Your Parachute?“
Benefits of Informational Interviewing
- Gain firsthand information about what it’s really like to work in a specific role, field, or industry.
- Discover new career paths that you might not have previously considered.
- Receive insider tips on how to prepare for and secure your first career position.
- Learn about the work environment at a specific organization.
- Initiate professional relationships and expand your network for potential job leads.
The Six Steps of Informational Interviewing
- Research career fields, industries, and organizations.
- Identify people to interview, such as existing contacts and alumni.
- Prepare by developing a brief intro and open-ended questions.
- Reach out via email or LinkedIn and clarify you’re looking for information, not a job.
- Conduct the interview—dress appropriately, show up on time, and guide the conversation.
- Follow up after the interview to express appreciation and nurture the connection.
Informational interviews can be especially helpful for anyone looking to switch careers or apply for a specific program by talking to individuals who’ve experienced similar journeys.
Networking through these interviews can sometimes lead to unexpected job openings at companies.
When approaching potential interviewees, it’s best to exhibit genuine curiosity and respect for their time. Starting your quest on social platforms like LinkedIn or Twitter can be very effective.
Be ready with specific questions, and do some background research ahead of your meeting.
During the interview, practice active listening, take notes, and engage in a natural conversation.
Lastly, following up on any advice given and sharing positive outcomes is often appreciated by those you interview.
The insights you gain from informational interviews can greatly enhance your ability to make informed career decisions.
Overall, these interviews serve as a potent networking tool for exploring career paths while building valuable relationships.
Definition and Purpose of Informational Interviewing
An informational interview is a meeting aimed at uncovering the real-life experiences of someone actively working in a specific field or company that piques your interest.
The key purpose here is to gather valuable information about a career or organization rather than to seek job offers. It’s all about learning and networking.
Setup Process
- Find Contacts: Leverage your network to locate contacts in a field, company, or job that intrigues you. Tools like the Business Finder can also help identify professionals in your desired industry.
- Make Contact: Reach out through a call or email, and introduce yourself. You could say something like, “Mrs. Smith, Brad Johnson suggested I speak with you… Do you have time in the next two weeks to meet for about 20 minutes?”
- Hold the Meeting: Start with a brief summary of your career aspirations or what you hope to learn. It’s crucial to prepare a list of questions to ensure you make the most of their time.
Sample Questions for the Meeting
Consider asking questions such as:
- What’s a typical day like in your job?
- What do you enjoy the most and least about this career?
- Is your role representative of others in this field?
- How are current job prospects looking?
- Are there related fields worth exploring?
- What stands out on a resume in your industry?
- How do you keep your skills updated?
- What do employers prioritize in candidates for this career?
- How can one find job opportunities in this field?
- What does the career ladder look like for this position?
- What steps would you recommend I take to break into this field?
- Any upcoming trends I should be aware of?
- Who else would you suggest I speak with regarding this industry?
Company-Specific Questions
Dig deeper with questions tailored to the organization:
- How would you describe the corporate culture?
- What’s the hiring process like for this occupation?
- What’s the average turnover rate in this role?
- Who do you consider your toughest competitors, and what sets your company apart?
- What else should I be aware of regarding this industry?
Post-Meeting Actions
Wrap up by mentioning any follow-up actions you’ll take based on their insights. Be sure to express gratitude for their time and information, and don’t forget to send a thank-you note afterward.
Benefits of Conducting Informational Interviews
Informational interviews serve as informal conversations to learn about a career field that piques your interest.
The primary goal is to soak in knowledge from the individual rather than to secure a job offer.
These discussions give you firsthand insights into what it’s really like to work in a specific career position or industry.
Additionally, you’ll collect insider tips regarding qualifications required for certain roles and how to gear up for them.
This process also enables you to evaluate if a particular company aligns with your values and work style.
During an informational interview, you might discover that the career path you had in mind isn’t the right fit, prompting you to explore other options.
These conversations are key for forging professional relationships and expanding your network, which could lead to job prospects in the future.
Conducting informational interviews fosters connections as individuals share their experiences and valuable insights regarding their professional journeys.
You can learn about new and intriguing careers while building rapport with professionals.
Furthermore, they allow you to sharpen your interviewing skills, broaden your professional network, and clarify your career objectives.
Think of them as a chance to grab insider knowledge and stay updated on the latest career information.
Exploring different career paths, you gain relevant insights into the realities of working within a specific position, field, or industry.
Informational interviews also serve the purpose of gathering valuable information that can support your resume writing and interview preparation. Moreover, they provide details about specific job types or an individual’s career trajectory.
In essence, these discussions present an opportunity to learn, connect, and grow professionally.
They pave the way for ongoing networking, ensuring you remain in the loop within your field of interest.
- Gaining firsthand experiences and impressions from individuals in various occupations.
- Feeling less stressed compared to traditional job interviews.
- Discussing daily responsibilities and how they reflect personal interests.
- Boosting self-confidence for managing job interviews more effectively.
- Engaging in candid conversations about typically taboo topics such as salary and benefits.
- Receiving valuable tips that can enhance your job application.
- Expanding your network, reaching unposted job opportunities, or valuable introductions.
Steps to Conduct an Informational Interview
Informational interviewing serves as an effective networking method for gaining insights into career paths while fostering relationships. To make the most of your time during these meetings, follow these steps:
Identify the Interviewee
Start by considering your network for potential interviewees. Family, friends, professors, advisors, alumni from your school, or LinkedIn connections can all be excellent choices.
Contact
When reaching out, clearly express why you want to meet. Request a meeting via Zoom, phone, or in person, and state that you’re looking for about 20-30 minutes of their time.
Scheduling
Be flexible with your schedule and ask them when it would be convenient for them to meet. Adjust your timing accordingly to accommodate their availability.
Confirm
Once you’ve agreed on a date and time, send a brief confirmation note to ensure you’re on the same page.
Research
Do your homework on the field, company, or industry prior to the interview. This will equip you with a better understanding and deeper insights during your conversation.
Preparation
Prepare thoughtful questions ahead of time and, if it’s appropriate, bring along your resume to share. This provides context for your discussion.
Appearance & Arrival
Dress in business casual or professional attire. If the meeting is in person, aim to arrive 10-15 minutes early to show respect for their time.
Keep Records
Create a spreadsheet to log essential details like names, meeting dates, contact information, and notes. This will help you track your networking efforts effectively.
Thank You
Before leaving the meeting, ask for a business card. Don’t forget to send a thank-you note afterward to express your gratitude for their time and insights.
Key Questions to Ask During the Interview
Curate questions that encompass various aspects of the field you’re interested in. Here are some categories and examples:
- Job Requirements and Experience:
- How did you get started in this field?
- Describe a typical workday/week.
- What skills are most important for success?
- Job Environment:
- How would you describe the professional climate in your office?
- What parts of your job involve interaction with others?
- Benefits and Challenges:
- What are the greatest rewards and frustrations of your work?
- What is the typical starting salary range for new professionals in this field?
- Growth Opportunities:
- What opportunities for advancement exist in this field?
- What are some growth areas in this field?
- Seeking Advice:
- What education or training best prepares one for this field?
- Where do people in this field look for internships and job opportunities?
Ways to Engage Your Interviewee
Encourage your interviewee to share stories by asking them to recount specific instances. Use “Why?” to dig deeper and allow for pauses before prompting additional questions.
Avoid yes/no questions; instead, keep your inquiries open-ended to foster a more engaging dialogue.
Process Overview
- Identify a career field of interest and potential contacts.
- Prepare for and make contact with professionals in your field of interest.
- Research the industry and the organization.
- Prepare a list of questions.
- Conduct the informational interview, ensuring you set the tone and manage small talk.
- Follow up appropriately, thanking them for their time.
Engaging conversations provide both valuable information and an opportunity to evaluate the insights shared.
Preparation is key to making your informational interview a success. The first step is researching the background of your interviewee to tailor your questions effectively. You should scope out their professional journey, which can give you valuable insights when formulating thoughtful inquiries.
Young professionals are encouraged to schedule at least one informational interview to dive into various career paths and learn about the skills that are in high demand in their industry. This proactive approach can provide you with a clearer direction for your career.
When reaching out, it’s beneficial to provide context by attaching your resume to your email. This can help establish your background and intentions, giving the interviewee a clearer picture of who you are and what you’re hoping to learn.
Make sure to keep your questions relevant and engaging. For example, asking about their career path or what skills are important to develop as a college student can lead to fruitful discussions that are more helpful than generic queries.
If you haven’t heard back after a week, don’t hesitate to follow up. This shows your professionalism and flexible attitude, and it might just prompt a response. Expressing gratitude keeps the door open for future conversations.
During your research, tools like Career Cruising can help you glean insights on various career options. It features interviews with multiple professionals across over 450 career entries, enhancing your understanding of different fields.
Prepare by drafting a list of questions that cover essential topics. Inquire about entry-level positions, required skills, and what a typical workday entails. This practice can clarify what you want to achieve during the meeting.
If you plan on meeting over food or drinks, remember to bring cash, as this can often break the ice and help in keeping the conversation light. Additionally, be ready to share about your background; a two-way conversation is always more enriching.
Practice active listening during the interview. Engaging fully will not only make the conversation flow but also allow you to catch valuable insights that might not come from prepared questions alone.
After the interview, don’t underestimate the power of a thank-you note. Expressing appreciation can set the stage for ongoing communication, ensuring you maintain that new professional connection.
