How to Ask for (& Make the Most of) an Informational Interview
Jenny Foss
Career Coach | Professional Resume Writer | LinkedIn Learning Course Producer | I help people navigate job search, advance their careers, and make career pivots
Informational interviews should be such a straightforward concept, no?
I mean, the name literally spells out what they are: interviews that allow you to gather information. Yet, for the vast majority of people I've coached over the years, they're confusing, intimidating, or both. And this is quite unfortunate because, done well, informational interviews can be wildly beneficial to your job search.
So let's talk how you can benefit, how to ask someone for an informational interview, and what to do once they've said yes.
How Informational Interviews Can Help You
? They may lead to "Inside Scoop"
Sure, sure. You can learn a lot from a job description. But job descriptions aren't always up-to-the-minute accurate, and they certainly don't give you the full dish on what the hiring manager is really looking for. A conversation with someone in-the-know about the team you're looking to join, or the hiring manager themselves, could go a long way in helping you put your best foot forward.
? They may lead to a valuable connection
Of course, the main purpose of an informational interview is to gather information, but these conversations may also result in your establishing connections with people who could help you land an interview. You shouldn't enter the discussion with an expectation of this, but it's certainly possible.
? They may make you rethink your plan
Now, hopefully this isn't the case, but it's possible. If you're envisioning a magical life at a company you've admired forever or thinking about changing careers, I would for sure have at least a couple of conversations with people at these organizations. Make sure your rosy vision for this next career move is grounded in reality.
Who to Ask for an Informational Interview
Honestly, you could ask just about anyone working in a company or career field of interest and gain something from the conversation. But aside from the obvious "recruiter" or "hiring manager" choices, the following types may be very helpful:
How to Ask for an Informational Interview
This is the part that seems to really trip people up. We don't want to be a bother, or we're incredibly shy or introverted (I get it; I'm an introvert), or we find rejection incredibly difficult.
But here's the thing: If you ask five people for an informational interview and only one says yes, guess what? You're already 20% ahead than you'd have been if you had asked no one. (And it's almost never about you when they don't respond or politely decline, so try not to take the no's personally.)
Here's how you can reach out without coming across as overbearing and maximize the odds you'll get a favorable response:
Hi Elena,
I'm a supply chain manager with specific interest in artificial intelligence. In researching potential next employers, I discovered the work you're doing around supply chain AI at XYZ Company and I'm very interested in learning more. Would you be willing to have a brief conversation with me in the next couple of weeks? I'd love to ask you a few questions about your work and the impact you're seeing with AI thus far.
If you're open to a 15-minute chat, here's a link into my calendar. I'd be very grateful for your input: <Insert calender link>*
领英推荐
Thanks for considering!
Jenny
*PRO TIP:
Make it easy for people to set time to meet with you by signing up for free scheduling software (Like Calendly). Then add the link to your request!
How to Make the Most of an Informational Interview
There's no "single best way" to conduct an informational interview, but you should keep top-of-mind that you are the interviewer, not the interviewee. Show up prepared and make the most out of your time.
? Great Questions to Ask
? Final Tips for Success
After the interview is finished, be sure and send an immediate thank you note and, if it feels appropriate to do so, extend an invitation to connect on LinkedIn.
Also, if you follow any advice that the interviewee suggest (and have positive results), always loop back around and let them know what happened. Most people love knowing that they've provided sound counsel. Also, this gives you another opportunity to build rapport.
So go forth and gather -- both information and professional allies.
Thanks for giving this a read. If you'd like to access more of my interviewing, job search, and professional development tips:
This self-paced video course is over on LinkedIn Learning. It'll help you answer all of those pesky questions that come up over and over again in interviews. I've made it free for viewing right through this link .
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Product Designer | UX/UI Designer | Proficient in Figma | Background in Photography & Urban Design
1 个月Trying to break into the industry, I have done my fair share of informational interviews and continue to do so. There are some great questions in there that I have added to my list of questions I usually ask ??
Project Management | Lead Generation | Event Management | Marketing Research and Analysis
6 个月Great Article, thank you for sharing
It’s de riguer for the great ones. The client will always give you your copy if you listen close enough. How easy is that ?
Identifies, Promotes Talent | Servant Leader Coach | Recruiter & Builder of Scalable Teams | Board Member UCLA PAA | Ex-Intuit | Ex-Stanford
2 年Jenny Foss Appreciate you breaking down the script to help take the fear out of this wise approach. Sharing with my friends who are architecting their job search plans.
Inspire; lead and teach our TRN employees to change lives by helping them achieve a new career.
2 年Great article