If you’re interested in learning more about a company or industry, informational interviews are a great place to start. In an informational interview, you sit down with an experienced member of your profession in order to learn from their knowledge of the field. Many professions are filled with experts ready to share their experiences and advice with up-and-comers.
What Is An Informational Interview?
An informational interview is an informal conversation between you, the job seeker, and another person who has knowledge of your desired career. It allows you to learn firsthand about a job or industry, gain insight into career options, and build connections. The goal is to ask questions about how a professional performs his/her job in order to better understand the expectations of that role. This can also be done with new contacts through networking opportunities such as LinkedIn or university alumni networks. An informational interview is not meant to secure you a job, but rather give you information that will allow you to make informed decisions when applying for jobs. The goal of an informational interview is to learn and network, not to land a specific job. Despite this, informational interviews have many benefits that you may have not been aware of.
What’s An Example of An Informational Interview?
An example of an informational interview is when someone asks a professional in their desired field to talk about their career and industry. This conversation can take place over the phone, through email, or in person. During the interview, the interviewer will ask questions ranging from what it’s like to work in the field, day-to-day job tasks, skills needed to succeed, and tips for getting into that line of work. The goal of this type of interview is not to get a job offer but instead to gain knowledge and insight from professionals already working in the field.
How To Ask For An Informational Interview
Asking for an informational interview involves setting up a meeting to discuss a potential career path and gain advice from somebody who has previously taken the same path. First, think carefully about who you would like to speak with and find their contact information. Then reach out via email, introducing yourself politely and explaining why you have contacted them in particular. Make sure to explain that you are not asking for a job, just their expertise and advice. Finally, be mindful of their time by offering specific dates and times that suit your needs, as well as theirs.
Questions To Ask During An Informational Interview
During an Informational Interview, it is important to ask the right questions in order to get the most useful information. Some questions you might ask include: What led you to your current position? What do you like most and least about working in this company or industry? Are there any challenges that are unique to your role or workplace? What advice would you give someone who wanted to pursue a similar career path? Do you know anyone else who I can speak with for more information or insights? These are just a few of many possible questions you could ask during an Informational Interview.
5 Benefits of An Informational Interview
Learning About an Industry
For career changers and recent college grads, informational interviews are a solid way to learn what it’s really like to work in a new profession. Meeting with someone who has been in an industry for years can help you learn information that you wouldn’t be able to find through a google search or even a college textbook.
The expert that you’re meeting with can help you understand the following:
- recent and expected trends in the industry
- leading companies to consider applying to
- an idea of their day-to-day work.
If you’re not sure whether a career switch is really for you, conducting an informational interview will help you find out.
Expanding Your Network
Informational interviews are a way for both parties to expand their professional networks, which can provide many benefits in your career. If you end up applying to their company someday, you’ll already have a leg up in the application process. Even if you end up working for another company, your connection could offer opportunities for business or professional development.
In order to turn an informational interview into a permanent part of your network, make sure to follow up. Thank the expert for their time and reach out to them again when you have additional questions and thoughts.
Gaining an Inside Perspective on a Company
Experts can also help you gain insight into their specific company. Since you aren’t currently applying to a job with the company, there’s less pressure for you and the expert to “sell” yourselves. Instead, you’ll gain candid insights about what their company culture is really like. Informational interviews are a chance to discover what the expert does and don’t like about their company.
While asking about their company, it’s important to remain respectful and professional. Questions about their work life are fine and expected. Make sure you avoid anything that could be construed as gossip.
Discovering Job Leads
The purpose of an informational interview is never to land a specific job. They can, however, still end up generating solid leads. Since informational interviews are typically conducted with experienced professionals, they will often know of job leads that you wouldn’t be able to find through a recruiter or job board.
Even if the professional you’re speaking with doesn’t have job openings in their company, they’re likely to know which companies in the field are hiring. They may even be able to leverage their network to put in a good word for you.
Building Interview Skills
A final benefit of informational interviews is that they can help build your interviewing for any type of interview you may encounter. Many professionals find interviewing awkward. Unfortunately, it can be hard to get a chance to practice and improve your interview skills. Informational interviews are a great solution to this. They have the same professional environment as a traditional interview, but without the pressure. You can practice speaking about yourself and asking questions about their company. Through this process, you’ll learn to feel more comfortable in an actual job interview.
Contacting an Expert
Informational interviews are an easy way to network and learn more about your chosen field. These interviews lead to benefits and opportunities that can benefit professionals at all levels. If you’ve never conducted an informational interview before, try reaching out to experts through your alumni network, friends, or even social media. You’ll be pleasantly surprised to learn how many experts are ready to help you.
