Understanding Informational Interviews
In today’s competitive job market, traditional job search methods often fall short. Enter the informational interview – a powerful yet underutilized tool that can open doors to hidden opportunities and provide invaluable insights into your chosen industry. Unlike a formal job interview, an informational interview is a casual conversation with a professional in your field of interest, allowing you to gather information, expand your network, and potentially uncover unadvertised job openings.
What Is an Informational Interview?
An informational interview is a meeting you initiate with a professional to learn more about their career path, industry, or organization. It’s not a job interview, but rather an opportunity to gain insider knowledge and build relationships. These conversations typically last 20-30 minutes and can be conducted in person, over the phone, or via video call.
The Benefits of Informational Interviews
- Gain Industry Insights: Learn about trends, challenges, and opportunities in your field of interest.
- Expand Your Network: Build relationships with professionals who can offer advice, mentorship, or job leads.
- Discover Hidden Opportunities: Uncover unadvertised job openings or potential career paths you hadn’t considered.
- Improve Your Interview Skills: Practice asking questions and presenting yourself professionally in a low-pressure setting.
- Clarify Career Goals: Gain a better understanding of various roles and organizations to refine your career objectives.
How to Prepare for an Informational Interview
Proper preparation is key to making the most of your informational interview. Follow these steps to ensure a productive and memorable conversation:
1. Identify Your Goals
Before reaching out to potential interviewees, clarify your objectives. Are you looking to:
- Learn about a specific industry or role?
- Understand the career path of successful professionals in your field?
- Gain insights into a particular company’s culture and hiring practices?
- Explore potential career transitions or new opportunities?
Having clear goals will help you select appropriate interviewees and craft targeted questions.
2. Research Potential Interviewees
Identify professionals in your field of interest through:
- Professional associations
- Alumni networks
- Industry events and conferences
- Personal connections and referrals
Look for individuals whose career paths align with your interests and goals.
3. Craft a Compelling Outreach Message
When reaching out to potential interviewees, be clear, concise, and professional. Your message should include:
- A brief introduction
- How you found their contact information
- Why you’re interested in speaking with them
- A specific request for a 20-30 minute informational interview
- Flexibility in scheduling
Example outreach message:
Dear [Name],
I hope this email finds you well. My name is [Your Name], and I’m a recent graduate in [Your Field] from [Your University]. I came across your profile on LinkedIn and was impressed by your experience in [Their Area of Expertise].
I’m currently exploring career opportunities in [Industry/Field] and would greatly appreciate the chance to learn from your insights and experiences. Would you be willing to spare 20-30 minutes for an informational interview at your convenience?
Thank you for considering my request. I look forward to the possibility of speaking with you.
Best regards,
[Your Name]
4. Prepare Thoughtful Questions
Develop a list of open-ended questions that demonstrate your genuine interest and research. Some examples include:
- How did you get started in this field?
- What does a typical day in your role look like?
- What skills or experiences have been most valuable in your career?
- What are the biggest challenges and opportunities in this industry?
- What advice would you give to someone looking to break into this field?
5. Research the Company and Industry
Before the interview, thoroughly research the interviewee’s company and industry. This will help you ask more informed questions and demonstrate your genuine interest and preparation.
Conducting the Informational Interview
Once you’ve secured an informational interview, follow these best practices to make the most of the opportunity:
1. Be Punctual and Professional
Arrive early or log in to the video call a few minutes before the scheduled time. Dress professionally, even for virtual meetings, to make a positive impression.
2. Start with a Brief Introduction
Begin by thanking the interviewee for their time and briefly introducing yourself. Reiterate the purpose of the meeting and your career goals.
3. Ask Thoughtful Questions
Use your prepared questions as a guide, but be flexible and allow the conversation to flow naturally. Listen actively and ask follow-up questions based on their responses.
4. Take Notes
Jot down key insights, advice, and any potential leads or resources mentioned during the conversation.
5. Be Mindful of Time
Respect the interviewee’s schedule by sticking to the agreed-upon time frame. If the conversation is going well and they seem willing to continue, you can politely ask if they have a few more minutes to spare.
6. Ask for Referrals
Towards the end of the interview, ask if they can recommend other professionals in the field who might be willing to speak with you.
7. Don’t Ask for a Job
Remember, the purpose of an informational interview is to gather information and build relationships, not to ask for employment directly. However, if the interviewee mentions job openings or expresses interest in your background, you can follow up on those leads.
Following Up After the Informational Interview
The steps you take after the informational interview are crucial for maintaining the relationship and maximizing the benefits of the conversation.
1. Send a Thank You Note
Within 24-48 hours of the interview, send a personalized thank you note. This can be an email or a handwritten note, depending on the formality of your interaction.
Example thank you note:
Dear [Name],
Thank you for taking the time to meet with me yesterday. I greatly appreciated your insights into [specific topic discussed] and found your advice on [another topic] particularly valuable.
Your suggestion to [specific recommendation] is something I plan to act on immediately. I’m also looking forward to connecting with [referral name] as you suggested.
Thank you again for your generosity in sharing your time and expertise. I’ll be sure to keep you updated on my progress.
Best regards,
[Your Name]
2. Connect on LinkedIn
If you haven’t already, send a LinkedIn connection request with a personalized message referencing your conversation.
3. Follow Up on Referrals and Recommendations
Act on any referrals or recommendations provided during the interview. This shows that you value their advice and are proactive in your career development.
4. Keep Them Updated
Periodically update your interviewee on your progress, especially if you’ve acted on their advice or connected with their referrals. This helps maintain the relationship and keeps you on their radar for potential opportunities.
Leveraging Informational Interviews for Job Opportunities
While the primary purpose of informational interviews is not to secure a job directly, they can lead to valuable opportunities if approached strategically.
1. Build a Strong Network
Each informational interview is an opportunity to expand your professional network. Cultivate these relationships by staying in touch and offering value when possible.
2. Uncover Hidden Job Openings
Many jobs are filled through networking before they’re ever advertised. By building relationships through informational interviews, you position yourself to learn about these opportunities early.
3. Gain Referrals and Recommendations
As you build rapport with professionals in your field, they may be willing to refer you for job openings or provide recommendations.
4. Improve Your Industry Knowledge
The insights gained from informational interviews can help you tailor your resume, cover letter, and interview responses to better align with industry needs and expectations.
5. Enhance Your Personal Brand
Consistently engaging in informational interviews and following up professionally can help establish you as a motivated and well-connected professional in your field.
Tools and Resources for Informational Interviews
To maximize the effectiveness of your informational interview strategy, consider utilizing these tools and resources:
1. LinkedIn
LinkedIn is an invaluable resource for identifying potential interviewees, researching companies, and staying connected with your network. Use LinkedIn’s advanced search features to find professionals in your target industry or role.
2. Informational Interview Tracking Spreadsheet
Create a spreadsheet to track your outreach efforts, scheduled interviews, follow-ups, and key takeaways. This will help you stay organized and ensure you’re maintaining your new connections effectively.
3. Professional Association Directories
Many professional associations offer member directories that can be excellent sources for finding potential interviewees in your field.
4. Alumni Networks
Leverage your school’s alumni network to connect with professionals who share your educational background. Many universities offer alumni databases or networking platforms.
5. Informational Interview Question Templates
Websites like The Muse and Indeed offer comprehensive lists of informational interview questions that you can customize for your specific needs.
6. Networking Events and Virtual Conferences
Attend industry events and conferences (in-person or virtual) to meet professionals and potentially set up informational interviews.
7. Interview Scheduling Tools
Use tools like Calendly or Doodle to streamline the process of scheduling informational interviews, making it easier for busy professionals to find time to meet with you.
Common Mistakes to Avoid in Informational Interviews
To ensure you’re making the most of your informational interviews, be aware of these common pitfalls:
1. Being Unprepared
Failing to research the interviewee, their company, or the industry can make you appear uninterested or unprofessional.
2. Asking for a Job
Remember, the primary purpose of an informational interview is to gather information, not to secure employment directly.
3. Dominating the Conversation
While it’s important to share some information about yourself, the focus should be on learning from the interviewee’s experiences and insights.
4. Neglecting Follow-Up
Failing to send a thank-you note or follow up on referrals can leave a negative impression and waste the opportunity to build a lasting relationship.
5. Being Inflexible
Be accommodating with scheduling and be prepared to conduct the interview in various formats (in-person, phone, or video call) based on the interviewee’s preference.
6. Asking Easily Researchable Questions
Don’t waste the interviewee’s time by asking questions that could be easily answered through a quick internet search.
7. Overstepping Boundaries
Respect the interviewee’s time and privacy. Don’t ask overly personal questions or push for information they’re not comfortable sharing.
Success Stories: Turning Informational Interviews into Job Opportunities
To illustrate the power of informational interviews, consider these real-life success stories:
Case Study 1: Sarah’s Career Transition
Sarah, a marketing professional looking to transition into the tech industry, conducted a series of informational interviews with product managers at various tech companies. Through these conversations, she gained insights into the skills she needed to develop and the best ways to position her marketing experience for a product management role. One of her interviewees was so impressed with her proactive approach that he referred her for an open position at his company, which ultimately led to her landing her first product management job.
Case Study 2: Michael’s Hidden Opportunity
Michael, a recent graduate in environmental science, reached out to a local environmental consulting firm for an informational interview. During the conversation, he learned about an upcoming project that would require additional staff. Although there was no formal job posting, Michael expressed his interest and followed up with a tailored resume highlighting his relevant coursework and internship experience. The firm created a position for him, citing his initiative and enthusiasm as key factors in their decision.
Case Study 3: Emma’s Network Expansion
Emma, an aspiring UX designer, conducted informational interviews with professionals in various design roles. One interviewee, impressed by Emma’s thoughtful questions and genuine interest, invited her to an industry meetup. At the event, Emma met several other designers and eventually secured a mentorship opportunity that led to a full-time position at a startup.
These success stories highlight how informational interviews can lead to unexpected opportunities, valuable connections, and insider knowledge that can give you a competitive edge in your job search.
Conclusion
Informational interviews are a powerful tool in your career development arsenal. By approaching these conversations with genuine curiosity, thorough preparation, and professional follow-through, you can unlock hidden job opportunities, gain valuable industry insights, and build a robust professional network.
Remember that the key to successful informational interviewing lies in the value exchange – while you’re seeking information and advice, also consider how you can provide value to your interviewees, whether through fresh perspectives, relevant articles, or connections of your own.
As you embark on your informational interview journey, keep in mind that every conversation is an opportunity to learn, grow, and potentially uncover your next career move. Be patient, persistent, and always maintain a professional demeanor. With time and practice, you’ll find that informational interviews become an invaluable part of your ongoing career strategy, opening doors to opportunities you might never have discovered through traditional job search methods.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: How many informational interviews should I conduct?
A: There’s no set number, but aim to conduct at least 3-5 interviews in your target industry or role. The more interviews you conduct, the broader your perspective and network will become.
Q2: Is it appropriate to ask for an informational interview with someone I don’t know?
A: Yes, it’s perfectly acceptable to reach out to professionals you don’t know personally. Be sure to explain how you found them and why you’re interested in speaking with them specifically.
Q3: How should I dress for an informational interview?
A: Dress professionally, as you would for a job interview. Even for virtual meetings, maintaining a polished appearance demonstrates respect for the interviewee’s time.
Q4: What if the person I want to interview is too busy?
A: If someone is unable to meet, thank them for their response and ask if they can recommend someone else in their field who might be available. You can also offer to send your questions via email if that’s more convenient for them.
Q5: How long should I wait before following up after an informational interview request?
A: If you haven’t received a response within a week, it’s appropriate to send a polite follow-up email. If you still don’t hear back after another week, it’s best to move on to other potential interviewees.
Q6: Can I conduct informational interviews if I’m employed and not actively job searching?
A: Absolutely! Informational interviews are valuable for ongoing career development, industry insights, and network building, regardless of your current employment status.
Q7: How can I make the most of a short (15-minute) informational interview?
A: Prioritize your most important questions and be concise in your own responses. Focus on making a positive impression and ask if you can follow up with additional questions via email.
By incorporating informational interviews into your career strategy, you’ll be well-positioned to uncover hidden opportunities, build meaningful professional relationships, and navigate your career path with confidence and clarity.
