Preparing for a successful career involves more than just a good resume and cover letter. Mastering the art of an informational interview is crucial to your career development.
This blog will guide you through the purpose of these interviews, break down key components of effective questions, and offer 10 example questions to elevate your skills. Get ready to enhance your career exploration and networking abilities by asking the right questions. Let’s dive in!
What is an informational interview?
An informational interview is a valuable tool for career exploration and networking. Unlike typical job interviews, its goal isn’t potential employment but rather gathering insights, building relationships, and expanding one’s professional network.
In these conversations, individuals engage with seasoned professionals to ask targeted questions and gain practical perspectives. It’s a proactive approach to career development, allowing individuals to make informed decisions and build meaningful connections for future opportunities.
This type of interview goes beyond job-specific discussions, focusing on the interviewee’s experiences, challenges, and successes.
By seeking advice and building relationships through informational interviews, individuals position themselves as proactive learners and networkers, contributing to their overall professional growth.
What’s the purpose of an informational interview?
The purpose of an informational interview, unlike a traditional job interview, is not to secure employment. Instead, they serve as a proactive tool for career exploration and can even lead to mentorship. Here are some advantages of engaging in informational interviews:
Building professional relationships
By engaging in genuine conversations with experienced professionals, individuals can establish authentic relationships that go beyond typical job interview dynamics. The outcome is not just information exchange but the potential for mentorship and advice.
These connections, fostered through informational interviews, can open doors to future opportunities such as job referrals and collaborations. In essence, networking in informational interviews is a strategic investment, creating a supportive professional network that positively influences one’s career.
Gathering insight into a specific industry or role
Informational interviews offer a direct connection to industry professionals, providing valuable insights into specific roles. These conversations go beyond theory, offering a firsthand understanding of day-to-day operations, challenges, and opportunities within the industry.
This practical insight guides informed career decisions, aligning skills with industry demands, and helps individuals prepare effectively for success in their chosen roles.
Expanding network and opportunities
Networking is essential for career development, and informational interviews are a proactive approach to broaden your professional connections.
These discussions surpass mere information exchange, presenting chances to forge meaningful relationships with industry professionals. Participating in these interviews not only provides valuable insights but also unlocks doors to mentorship and potential opportunities.
It represents a strategic investment in your professional growth, establishing a network that can significantly influence your career journey. You never know when those connections may come in handy!
How long should an informational interview be?
An informational interview should ideally last around 20 to 30 minutes to respect the interviewee’s time. However, flexibility is important, and the duration may vary based on the depth of the conversation.
Striking a balance between getting valuable insights and respecting time constraints ensures a positive and productive interaction during the informational interview.
Before the interview begins, be sure to inform your interviewee about the expected duration to set clear expectations. Stick to the planned time limit, but if the interviewee extends the conversation, stay engaged and conclude it when the discussion naturally comes to an end.
How do you find someone for an informational interview?
Finding someone for an informational interview involves strategic networking and leveraging various resources. Start by identifying professionals in your desired industry through online platforms like LinkedIn, professional organizations, or company websites.
Learn more about job search and networking platforms by reading our blog: Uncovering The Best Free Job Posting Sites in 2024: Your Ultimate Guide
Attending networking events, industry conferences, or webinars to connect with potential interviewees. You can even utilize your existing network by seeking recommendations from colleagues, friends, or mentors.
How to ask someone on LinkedIn for an informational interview
When reaching out to someone on LinkedIn for an informational interview, it’s essential to craft a concise and personalized message. Begin by expressing your admiration for their work or achievements to establish a connection.
Clearly state your intention for seeking an informational interview, emphasizing your genuine interest in their insights. Be specific about your goals and the industry or role you’re exploring.
Request a brief meeting, specifying a flexible time frame to accommodate their schedule. Ensure your message is professional and courteous, and highlights the value you hope to gain from the interview.
What questions should you ask during an informational interview?
The questions you should ask during an informational interview will vary depending on the specific industry and role of your interviewee, however, crafting effective questions during an informational interview is crucial for gaining valuable insights.
Ask questions that encourage detailed responses, such as asking about the interviewee’s journey in the industry or specific aspects of their current role.
Seek insights on trends, challenges, advice for success, professional development, recommended resources, and more. Find a balance between industry-related queries and career development questions, ensuring a comprehensive understanding.
Remember to stay engaged, listen actively, and adapt your questions based on the flow of the conversation for a fruitful informational interview. Keep reading to discover key components of effective informational interview questions.
Key components of effective informational interview questions
Keep them open-ended
Crafting open-ended questions is essential for encouraging detailed and expansive responses. Rather than asking questions with yes/no answers, opt for inquiries that prompt the interviewee to share insights, experiences, and anecdotes.
Open-ended questions invite a more nuanced and thorough exploration of the topic, fostering a rich and engaging conversation.
Do your research
Before the informational interview, invest time and thorough research about the interviewee and their current company. Familiarize yourself with their professional background, achievements, and any recent work or projects.
Tailor your questions based on this information to showcase your genuine interest and ensure that your inquiries are specific and relevant. Research also helps you to avoid asking questions that can be easily answered through publicly available information.
Demonstrate genuine interest
Expressing authentic curiosity about the interviewee’s experiences is a crucial aspect of effective questioning. Beyond merely asking questions, actively listen to their responses, ask follow-up questions, and show enthusiasm for their insights.
Remember, they are likely a very busy individual, so make the most of this time. Demonstrating genuine interest fosters a positive rapport and encourages the interviewee to share valuable and candid information.
Stay engaged and flexible
Throughout the informational interview, maintain active engagement in the conversation. Pay close attention to the interviewee’s responses and be prepared to adapt your questions based on the direction of the discussion.
Flexibility allows you to explore unexpected yet relevant topics that may arise during the interview, ensuring that the conversation remains dynamic and fruitful.
10 questions to ask during an informational interview
- Can you share your journey in this industry and how you got to where you are today?
- What do you find most fulfilling in your current role?
- What challenges have you encountered, and how did you overcome them?
- How has the industry changed since you started, and what trends do you foresee?
- Can you offer advice on the essential skills for success in this field?
- Are there professional organizations or networking groups you recommend for someone starting in this industry?
- Can you share a pivotal moment or project that significantly influenced your career?
- What advice would you give to someone aspiring to enter this field?
- Can you share insights on the company culture within your current organization or the industry in general?
- Is there anyone you think would be a valuable connection for me to continue this exploration with?
What should you avoid asking during an informational interview?
When conducting informational interviews, you should avoid asking questions that are too personal. It’s crucial to be mindful of the questions you ask to maintain a professional and respectful atmosphere. Certain topics should be avoided as they may be perceived as too intrusive or too personal.
Questions related to salary can be considered confidential, and delving into personal relationships might breach professional boundaries, potentially making the interviewee uneasy.
To foster a positive exchange, it’s advisable to steer clear of inquiries that could create discomfort. Instead, focus on questions that are pertinent to the industry, role, or the interviewee’s professional journey.
By being considerate in your choice of questions, you contribute to a comfortable and open environment, enhancing the overall quality of the informational interview. To see some examples of questions not to ask, click here.
Should you follow up after an informational interview?
You should absolutely follow up after an informational interview. Following up is a crucial step in building and nurturing professional relationships.
Sending a thank-you email or message expressing gratitude for the interviewee’s time not only showcases your appreciation but also reinforces your interest in the insights shared. Use this opportunity to reiterate key takeaways from the conversation and express your eagerness to stay connected.
Additionally, inquire about the possibility of future interactions, such as informational updates or networking events. A thoughtful follow-up emphasizes your professionalism, leaves a positive impression, and lays the foundation for continued communication.
How to get the most out of your informational interview
To maximize the benefits of an informational interview, consider the following:
- Prepare thoroughly: Research the interviewee and their background.
- Be respectful of their time: Keep the interview within the agreed-upon timeframe.
- Follow up: Express gratitude and maintain communication with your contacts.
- Apply the insights: Use the information gained to make informed decisions about your career path.
Remember to stay confident, approach each interview with enthusiasm, and view it as a valuable opportunity for both learning and relationship-building.
By consistently applying these strategies, you not only optimize the benefits of informational interviews but also cultivate a strong and supportive professional network over time.
