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How can you learn about career paths and opportunities from interviews?

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If you are looking for a new career or want to advance in your current one, you might be wondering how to explore different paths and opportunities. One of the best ways to do that is by conducting informational interviews with people who work in the fields or roles that interest you. Informational interviews are not job interviews, but rather informal conversations that allow you to learn from the experiences, insights, and advice of others. In this article, you will discover how to prepare for, conduct, and follow up on informational interviews to gain valuable knowledge and connections for your career development.

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1 Identify your goals

Before you reach out to potential interviewees, you need to have a clear idea of what you want to learn from them. Think about your career goals, your skills and interests, and your gaps and challenges. Then, write down some specific questions that will help you understand how the interviewee got to where they are, what their typical day looks like, what skills and qualifications they need, what they enjoy and dislike about their work, and what advice they have for someone like you. You can also research the interviewee's background, company, and industry to tailor your questions and show your interest.

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Lesa Edwards, MPA, CJSS, MRW, ACRW, CELDC

When the bar is too high to settle for “good enough” - it’s time you had the support of a ? Master Resume Writer ? Certified Job Search Strategist ? Executive Coach and ? award-winning career podcaster in your corner! ?
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Keep in mind that you are asking someone to take time out of their busy day to speak with you - so respect their time. Do your homework so you aren't asking questions you could have easily found on your own.

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2 Find and contact interviewees

The next step is to find people who are willing and able to share their career stories with you. You can start by tapping into your existing network of contacts, such as friends, family, colleagues, mentors, alumni, or professional associations. You can also use online platforms, such as LinkedIn, to search for and connect with people who have relevant profiles. When you contact them, be polite, concise, and respectful. Explain who you are, why you are interested in their career, and what you hope to learn from them. Ask them if they would be available for a 15-30 minute informational interview at a convenient time and format for them.

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Jen Clark

Careers Engagement Manager, working with a transnational team offering F2F and virtual service, focussed on talent pipeline development and engagement.
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Identify your goals: in addition, please let me add, you don't know what you don't know. Go in with goals, the clearer the better... but also, be open to new information and options. Last week I held an event for accounting students to network across tables based on service lines (eg Audit, Tax, Business Advisory, Insolvency, Forensics etc). In the student feedback, one student commented that she came with her mind set on starting her career in either Audit or Tax, but after meeting and chatting with the Business Advisory Chartered Accountants attending, she is now excited by this previously not understood career pathway. She was thrilled to have more understanding and clarity to shape her career decisions.

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Ramya Sivakumar Bala

LinkedIn Community Top Voice-Career Management | Empathethic Career Strategist | Partnering with International Students & Migrants towards Inclusive & Equitable Employability | DEI & C.N.B.C Advocate
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Informational meetings are a great way to know more about the organisation, culture and hiring process as well as observe if the person that you are meeting with genuinely likes their role and enjoys working with that organisation. Some questions to ask: -How did you get this job? Did you apply, have someone refer you etc? -What was the hiring process like? How many rounds of interviews did you attend? What were the key hiring expectations of your role ? - What do you enjoy most about your role and the organization that you work in? How supportive has the company culture and leadership been in your career development?

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3 Conduct the interview

Once you have scheduled the interview, make sure you are prepared and professional. Choose a quiet and comfortable location, whether it is in person, by phone, or online. Dress appropriately, have your questions and notes ready, and arrive or call on time. During the interview, be respectful, curious, and attentive. Start by thanking the interviewee for their time and introducing yourself briefly. Then, ask your questions in a conversational and flexible way, listening actively and following up with clarifications or comments. Avoid asking for a job or a referral, as this is not the purpose of the interview. Instead, focus on learning and building rapport.

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4 Follow up and stay in touch

After the interview, don't forget to express your gratitude and appreciation. Send a thank-you note or email to the interviewee within 24 hours, highlighting what you learned and how you will apply it to your career. You can also ask them if they have any suggestions for other people or resources that you can explore. Additionally, you can keep in touch with them by updating them on your progress, sharing relevant information or articles, or congratulating them on their achievements. By doing so, you can maintain a positive and lasting relationship that can benefit both of you in the future.

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Bruce Thompson, MBA

Non-Profit Executive / Community Builder / Advisor / Challenge Solver / Veteran & Military Spouse Advocate / Marine Corps Veteran
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The power of a good 'Thank you' note after an interview cannot be understated. It is the interviewee's opportunity to add a bit more to the interview. A way to clarify or add to a part of the conversation that was had. But most importantly, it is a way to show professionalism for the opportunity to be considered for the position. A well-done thank you note can be the difference between candidates. So, I say you should always send a thank you note after an interview. Set yourself apart from the other candidates.

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5 Reflect and act on your learning

Finally, you need to reflect on what you learned from the interview and how you can use it to advance your career. Review your notes and identify the key takeaways, such as new insights, skills, opportunities, or challenges. Then, think about how you can apply them to your own situation, such as updating your resume, expanding your network, pursuing further education, or exploring new options. You can also set some specific and realistic goals and action steps to track your progress and keep yourself motivated.

Informational interviews are a powerful tool to learn about career paths and opportunities from people who have been there and done that. By following these steps, you can conduct effective and meaningful informational interviews that will help you gain clarity, confidence, and connections for your career development.

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6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?

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How can you learn about career paths and opportunities from interviews?

1

2

3

4

5

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1 Identify your goals

2 Find and contact interviewees

3 Conduct the interview

4 Follow up and stay in touch

5 Reflect and act on your learning

6 Here’s what else to consider

Career Management

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How can you learn about career paths and opportunities from interviews?

1

2

3

4

5

6

1 Identify your goals

2 Find and contact interviewees

3 Conduct the interview

4 Follow up and stay in touch

5 Reflect and act on your learning

6 Here’s what else to consider

Career Management

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感谢您的反馈

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