How to Informational Interview Your Next Role

𝚆𝚑𝚊𝚝’𝚜 𝚝𝚑𝚎 𝚙𝚞𝚛𝚙𝚘𝚜𝚎 𝚘𝚏 𝚊𝚗 𝚒𝚗𝚏𝚘𝚛𝚖𝚊𝚝𝚒𝚘𝚗𝚊𝚕 𝚒𝚗𝚝𝚎𝚛𝚟𝚒𝚎𝚠?

An informational interview is a conversation between a job seeker and someone who is working in a field or at a company that the job seeker is interested in. The purpose of an informational interview is for the job seeker to gather information and advice about the industry, the specific company, and potential job opportunities, as well as to learn more about the day-to-day responsibilities of the role they are interested in. Additionally, it also serves as a networking opportunity for the job seeker to make a connection with someone who may be able to help them with their job search or even recommend them for a job in the future.

How can this be beneficial to your career?

An informational interview can be beneficial to your career in several ways:

🤏Gathering information: By talking to someone who is currently working in a field or at a company that you are interested in, you can gain valuable insights and information.
🤝Networking: Informational interviews can also serve as a valuable networking opportunity.
🧑‍🔬 Identifying specific skills or qualifications: By learning about the day-to-day responsibilities of a specific role or position, you can get a better idea of the specific skills and qualifications that are required.
🗣️ Improving your interviewing skills: Informational interviews can also help you practice your interviewing skills.
✅Confirming or altering career path: Informational interview can help you to validate the company or the field of your interest, see if the reality match with your idea, if it does not it might make you change your mind about your career path.

Who is the ideal person that you recommend to do an informational interview?

The ideal person to do an informational interview with is someone who is currently working in the field or at the company that you are interested in, and who has the knowledge and experience that you are looking to gain. Some examples of ideal people to do an informational interview with include:

👩‍🚀 Someone who is working in the specific role or position that you are interested in
🏢 Someone who is working at the company or organization that you are interested in
👩‍⚖️ Someone who is a leader or expert in the industry that you are interested in.
👨‍🏫 Someone who have experience and can provide insight on a specific topic you’re looking to research on
👨‍⚖️ Someone who is a mentor or a friend that can provide you with guidance and advice

How do you best ask someone for an informational interview?

Asking someone for an informational interview can be a bit nerve-wracking, but it is a great way to gain valuable information and make connections that can help you in your job search or career development. Here are a few tips to help you ask someone for an informational interview:

Do your research: Before you ask someone for an informational interview, make sure you know who they are and what they do. Look them up on LinkedIn, research their background and experience, and identify what they can specifically offer you. 🕵️‍♂️

Personalize your request: When you reach out to someone, make sure to personalize your message. Use their name and make it clear that you have done your research and know who they are. 💌

Explain your reasons: Make sure to explain why you are interested in talking to them and what you hope to gain from the interview. Show that you have done your research and know about the field or industry you want to know more about. 💡

Be professional: Use a professional tone and format, such as email or LinkedIn message, to ask for the informational interview. 👔

Be respectful of their time: Be aware that the person you are reaching out to is busy and may not have the time to meet with you. So, make sure to be respectful of their time and schedule, and make it clear that you understand if they are unable to meet with you. ⏰

An example of a good way to request an informational interview:

“Hello [Name],

I hope this message finds you well. I came across your profile on LinkedIn and was impressed by your experience and accomplishments in [specific field or industry]. I am currently a [student/job seeker/career changer], and I am very interested in learning more about the field of [specific field or industry] and the day-to-day responsibilities of [specific role or position]. I would greatly appreciate the opportunity to speak with you and learn from your experience and insights.

I understand that you are busy, so I am flexible with times and happy to work around your schedule. Let me know if this is something you would be open to and we can set up a time that works for you.

Thank you for your time and consideration,
[Your name]”

Remember that the most important thing is to be polite, respectful and professional, when you are asking for the informational interview, and don’t be discouraged if they say no. 👍

How can you prepare, or prepare to interview someone for, this type of interview?

Preparing for an informational interview is important to make the most out of the opportunity and to make a good impression on the person you are interviewing. Here are a few tips to help you prepare for an informational interview:

Research the person and their company/industry: Before the interview, research the person you will be interviewing, their company and the industry they work in. This will help you to ask informed and specific questions. 📖

Prepare a list of questions: Before the interview, make a list of questions that you would like to ask the person. Try to focus on open-ended questions that will allow the person to give detailed and informative answers. 📃

Practice the interview: Practice your questions with a friend or family member, it will make you more comfortable with the format and the flow of the conversation. 🗣

Dress professionally: Even though this might not be a traditional job interview, it’s always a good idea to dress professionally as it will show your respect and professionalism. 👔

Be punctual: Be on time and respect the other person’s schedule. Be prepared to start and end the conversation on time. ⌚️

Be respectful and professional: Remember that the person you are interviewing is taking time out of their busy schedule to talk to you, so be respectful and professional throughout the conversation. 🤝

Bring a notebook and pen: take note of the important points and ideas, it will help you to remember the details after the interview, it will also make you look more organized and professional. 📝

Follow up: After the interview, make sure to send a thank you note or email to the person, it will also show your gratitude and will keep you in the person’s mind for future opportunities. 📨

By preparing beforehand, you will be able to make the most of your informational interview and gain valuable insights and advice from the person you are interviewing. You’ll also be able to make a good impression which may lead to future connections and opportunities.

Ultimately, How can an informational interview be beneficial to your career?

An informational interview can be beneficial to your career in many ways:

Gaining valuable information: An informational interview can provide you with valuable information about the industry, specific companies, and job opportunities. 💡

Networking: An informational interview is also a great networking opportunity. Building relationships can help you learn about potential job openings and provide an inside look. 🤝

Identifying specific skills and qualifications: By learning about responsibilities, you can get a better idea of required skills and qualifications to tailor resume/applications. 📝

Improving your interviewing skills: Informational interviews can also help you practice your interviewing skills 🗣

Confirming or altering Career path: Informational interviews can help validate interests or reveal needed changes. 🚧

Gaining visibility: Building relationships can open opportunities to be exposed to more people and positions in the future. 👀

Overall, informational interviews are a valuable tool for understanding fields/industries, finding opportunities, building connections, and advancing careers. 📈

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