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What are the best ways to use informational interviews to build your network?

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Informational interviews are a powerful tool for networking and building professional relationships in any field, especially in accounting. They allow you to learn from the experience and insights of others, explore different career paths and opportunities, and showcase your skills and interest. However, to make the most of informational interviews, you need to plan, prepare, and follow up effectively. Here are some of the best ways to use informational interviews to build your network.

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1 Identify your goals and target

Before you reach out to anyone for an informational interview, you need to have a clear idea of what you want to achieve and who you want to talk to. Your goals could be to learn more about a specific role, industry, or company, to get feedback on your resume or portfolio, or to find out about potential openings or referrals. Your target could be someone who works in your desired field or organization, who has a similar background or career path as you, or who is connected to someone you know. Having a focused and realistic goal and target will help you craft a personalized and compelling request for an informational interview.

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Karim Farah

Accounts payable Team lead at CMA CGM
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To build your network through informational interviews: target relevant professionals, prepare thoughtful questions, show genuine interest, seek advice, be respectful of time, express gratitude, follow up with a thank-you email, connect on LinkedIn, attend suggested events, and offer assistance if possible.

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Peter Luthers

Management/Commercial Accounting Professional
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Clearly define your objectives for conducting informational interviews. Are you seeking career advice, industry insights, or potential job opportunities? Target professionals whose experiences align with your goals. Consider individuals in roles, industries, or companies you find intriguing.

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2 Research and prepare your questions

Once you have secured an informational interview, you need to do your homework and prepare your questions. Research the person you are interviewing, their company and industry, and their current projects or challenges. This will help you show your interest and respect, and avoid asking obvious or irrelevant questions. Prepare a list of open-ended and specific questions that relate to your goal and target, and that can spark a meaningful conversation. For example, you could ask about their typical day, their career journey, their advice for someone in your position, or their opinion on a current trend or issue in accounting.

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Peter Luthers

Management/Commercial Accounting Professional
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Thoroughly research the individuals you'll be interviewing. Understand their background, career trajectory, and any recent achievements. Develop thoughtful and specific questions that demonstrate your genuine interest. Inquire about their experiences, challenges faced, and advice for someone aspiring in their field.

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3 Conduct the interview professionally

The way you conduct the informational interview will determine how you are perceived and remembered by the person you are interviewing. Treat the interview as a professional opportunity, not a casual chat. Dress appropriately, be punctual, respectful, and attentive. Thank the person for their time and interest, and introduce yourself briefly and confidently. Follow your prepared questions, but also be flexible and responsive to their answers. Listen actively, show enthusiasm, and ask for clarification or examples if needed. Avoid dominating the conversation, asking for a job directly, or being negative or critical. Aim to keep the interview within the agreed time frame, unless they offer to extend it.

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Peter Luthers

Management/Commercial Accounting Professional
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Begin with a concise introduction, expressing your appreciation for their time and highlighting your interest in their expertise. Keep the conversation focused and well-paced. Avoid taking up too much of their time and ensure the discussion remains professional. Be an active listener. Take notes, ask follow-up questions, and show gratitude for the insights shared. Respect their schedule. If you were granted a specific amount of time, stick to it. If the conversation naturally extends, seek their approval.

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4 Follow up and stay in touch

The informational interview is not the end of your networking process, but the beginning of a potential relationship. To maintain and strengthen that relationship, you need to follow up and stay in touch with the person you interviewed. Send a thank-you note within 24 hours, expressing your appreciation and highlighting what you learned or enjoyed from the interview. If they suggested any action steps, such as contacting someone else, reading a book, or applying for a program, follow through and update them on your progress. Keep them informed of your career development and achievements, and look for ways to add value to them, such as sharing relevant information, inviting them to events, or offering help.

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Peter Luthers

Management/Commercial Accounting Professional
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Send a personalized thank-you email expressing gratitude for their time and insights. Mention key takeaways from the interview to demonstrate your engagement and appreciation. If appropriate, inquire about the possibility of staying in touch or seeking further advice as your career progresses. Remember, the goal is to build genuine connections, so approach these interviews with sincerity and a willingness to learn.

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5 Expand your network strategically

One of the benefits of informational interviews is that they can lead to more networking opportunities and connections. To expand your network strategically, you need to leverage the contacts and referrals you gained from the informational interviews. Ask the person you interviewed if they can introduce you to someone else who can offer more insights or guidance on your goal or target. If they agree, thank them and follow up with the new contact promptly and professionally. Repeat the process of researching, preparing, conducting, and following up on the informational interview, and keep building rapport and trust with your network. You never know when a connection might turn into a mentor, a partner, or a employer.

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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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What are the best ways to use informational interviews to build your network?

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1 Identify your goals and target

2 Research and prepare your questions

3 Conduct the interview professionally

4 Follow up and stay in touch

5 Expand your network strategically

6 Here’s what else to consider

Accounting

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