What are the benefits of conducting informational interviews for product development careers?

Networking is very important in one’s professional life. Like they say ‘who do you have that’s speaking up on your behalf’ and this comes from networking. This could start from you commenting on their LinkedIn post, you build a rapport this way before reaching out to them. And when you reach out, please be polite in your approach and do not come across as entitled. You can use this format - ‘Hello Florence, I have been following you for a while now and I am a great admirer of your work. I am X and I just recently started my product journey. If you don’t mind, I’d love for us to have a quick chat about product management as your insights will be helpful. I am willing to work with your schedule. Hope to hear from you soon’

Informational interviews is powerful networking tool and great way to learn about your field of interest and expand your network. In an informational interview, you will connect with a professional in one ?eld of career interest and ask them questions to learn about career paths and industries. It will help to build the confidence and offer the opportunity to learn, connect and develop

Networking can be a bit daunting for those of us who are a bit more shy. Networking is really about creating authentic connections so that you can build a supportive community that will enable you to learn what's out there, as well as learn about potential opportunities. For me, I have found volunteering for causes that I care about or attending tech meetups where I learn from others as better opportunities for building my network. When you volunteer for a cause, you accomplish things with others and get to know them. When you attend meetups or talks, you find others who have same interests as you. This kind of deeper engagement can make "meeting and networking" a less intimidating task.

Expanding the network is obvious but the key question is who are you in the network: 1. Are you a consumer only?- Are you consuming the network by asking your question or consuming other's content? 2. Contributor: Are you generating value for your network? If you are generating value for your network, your network will automatically grow

To start informational interviews in product development: 1. Identify professionals via LinkedIn or industry groups. 2. Craft a concise message explaining your interest and seeking advice. 3. Set goals for what insights you want. 4. Research the individual and their industry beforehand. 5. Prepare open-ended questions. 6. Request the interview politely, respecting their time. 7. Be punctual, professional, and an active listener during the interview. 8. Send a thank-you note afterward. 9. Reflect on the insights gained. 10. Use this knowledge to continue networking and learning in the field. Remember, these interviews are for learning, not job hunting.

This is how exactly I mastered the product/software development. In the initial days when I was learning the basics of programming I started following some Software Gurus who were already successful in the industry eventually from their advice, experiences, and knowledge I tightened my grip on the industry. Pro tip: find one successful mentor in product development and learn every ups and downs of his journey.

Drawing from my role as VP of Product at an AI firm, I've found informational interviews to be treasure troves of insight. In one, a conversation with a seasoned engineer steered us towards a minor yet impactful algorithm adjustment, substantially enhancing our product's accuracy. It's these genuine stories that truly depict the fabric of product development—a blend of technical prowess, unexpected turns, and the perpetual pursuit of improvement. Engaging with the lived experiences of professionals offers a lens into the pragmatics of success in this dynamic field, far beyond theoretical knowledge.

Product development is challenging when you are creating things that are new and novel. Learning from someone else's mistakes is a lot less time consuming and certainly a lot less expensive than making them yourself. One great thing about most people that choose to work in this space, they tend to want to talk about what they do just as much as they want to learn from others. Porduct developers are some of the most inquisitive people you will ever meet. That sense of wanting to explore ideas is often what brings them to product development.

Learning from the real experiences of professionals in the field, you can understand the day-to-day tasks, challenges, and successes that come with the job. This information can help you make informed decisions about your career path, identify areas of interest, and determine the necessary skills and qualifications for success in product development. Additionally, by understanding the different roles and specializations within the field, you can focus your efforts and pursue opportunities that align with your interests and goals. Ultimately, conducting informational interviews empowers you to make informed decisions and take meaningful steps towards a successful career in product development

Learn from people actually doing the job. Sometimes job titles don’t mean the same thing across industries or even within the same industry. So engage with people building experiences that are similar to what you want. But before this get really clear on what you want. A lot of times individuals enter product management only to consider that they would prefer product marketing instead. So get clear on what is it you want and then ask the questions to gather whether the learnings you want is what individuals in these roles are actually gaining.

Taking the time (and opportunity) to learn from others is an awesome way to understand about what it takes to enter or be successful in product development. Start with your own network and ask for some mentoring or coaching time from a peer or someone who you know will listen to you and give you honest feedback. I always like to start with getting feedback on Linkedin. Set up a review or working session to review your Linkedin profile together makes it easier to give and get feedback. I have also really liked sessions where we review a journey map of interests and experiences because it gives us a chance to connect the dots. Sometimes, it just takes that one open and honest feedback session to see transferrable skills.

Feedback is crucial for personal and professional growth. It provides valuable insights and perspectives from others, especially those with expertise in the field. Feedback helps identify areas for improvement, enhances skills, and guides decision-making. It can also validate strengths and identify opportunities for advancement. By actively seeking feedback, individuals can continuously learn, adapt, and develop their capabilities, ultimately increasing their chances of success in their chosen career path.

The power of confidence in product development is incredible important. One of the biggest reasons why is that to be successful, you need to fail. It takes confidence to endure cycles of failure, picking one's self back up and trying again. If you're not failing in product development, you're not developing something new!

Confidence is highly important in personal and professional success. It is the belief in one's abilities and value, which positively impacts various aspects of life. Confidence enhances communication skills, promotes assertiveness, and enables individuals to take risks and pursue opportunities. It helps overcome obstacles, handle challenges, and adapt to new situations. Confidence also influences how others perceive and respond to individuals, leading to increased opportunities and positive outcomes. By building confidence, individuals can present themselves effectively, make a lasting impression, and excel in their chosen field, such as product development.

Enhance Your Resume and Interview Skills: The process of conducting informational interviews helps you develop essential communication and interpersonal skills that are highly sought after by employers. These skills can also enhance your resume and make you a more competitive candidate for product development positions.

Thoroughly prepare by researching the individuals and organizations you'll be speaking with to ask insightful questions and demonstrate your knowledge and interest. Second, prioritize building genuine relationships with the professionals you interview, showing a genuine interest in their work and aiming for mutually beneficial connections. Third, tailor your approach by customizing your questions and conversation to each person's role in product development, showcasing your understanding and how your skills align with their needs. Finally, after the interview, send a personalized thank-you note and maintain contact by periodically sharing industry updates or news, nurturing the relationship over time.

Referrals and recommendations are the most effective way to enter the product development industry. As much as it seems like and open system where everyone has the same probability of successs, I can tell you that my first hand experience says otherwise. The majority of my hires over the last 20 years have been through recommendations and referrals from folks in my network. That is true in many industries, but it is of particular importance within product development.

Discover Hidden Opportunities: Informational interviews can sometimes lead to unexpected job opportunities or referrals. By connecting with professionals in the field, you may uncover hidden opportunities that you might not have found through traditional job search methods.

You have to love being in product development because it is a challenging space. Failing and failing fast is part of the process and you need to be okay with that. When you get it right, however, you can be having a major social impact. One thing that is hyper important in choosing where to work within product development is choosing who to work for. While most leaders in the sector appreciate failure is part of the process, many don't build that into the processes or internal culture. Entering the space, you want to find yourself working in an environment that encourages and supports and iterative process and the business constraints equally.

Other benefits: - Expanded industry knowledge: Informational interviews can provide a deeper understanding of industry trends, emerging technologies, and market dynamics. You can gain insights into the current and future challenges and opportunities in the field of product development. - Insight into emerging roles: Product development is a dynamic field, and new roles and specializations constantly emerge. Informational interviews can introduce you to these evolving roles and help you position yourself for future job opportunities. -Exposure to different company cultures. -Personalized guidance: based on your unique background and career goals, including how to leverage your existing skills and experiences to excel in product development.

Informational interviews are the windows into the soul of the industry; they're where you glean the nuances of the product landscape, not from reports, but from the human spirit that drives it. It’s here, in the stories of those who've walked the path, that you find the pulse of innovation, the real-world insights that textbooks simply can't teach. In these conversations, you're mining the most precious resource – experience. Each dialogue is a thread in the larger tapestry of knowledge, teaching you not just how to build, but what to build, ensuring the products we create are not just functional, but deeply, intrinsically human. It's about capturing the essence of what people need before they know they need it.