Informational Interviews, a quick tutorial.

A number of transition snippets and mentors mention conducting Informational Interviews. I know when I used the term during the old 3-Day TAP workshops, I supplemented the book with a handout, as the guide book did not use the correct terminology. Here also are a couple of articles to offer some different view points on the subject, and lists of things to do. You may want to conduct a quick search and obtain a short list of things "not to do" in Informational Interviewing.

For a soon to be transitioning service member the two major goals of Informational Interviewing for you would be 1) learn about and network in your transitional career field or 2) gather information from working individuals in a career with a similar degree or certificate/advanced training you are looking into obtaining. i.e. speak to people with IT Cyber Security Degrees about the career field.

Individuals working daily in the career you are contemplating entering or seeking to enter after a degree or training is the best means to learn what the "real" career is about. This is also a great way to improve your interaction with the private sector and your introduction skills of obtaining the interview. This could be titled a mini elevator pitch as you need to be polite, to the point and emphasize you are seeking information versus attempting to gain employment. Transition guru Michael Quinn is not bashful about admitting after his transition from a CSM (E-9) into the private sector was not going as planned indicates he owes his transitional success on conducting over 200 informational interviews and follow ups regarding his transitional career.

Keep in mind as you start the transition process, you will be learning a whole new language and the learning curve will be fairly steep. A great tip is listen more than you speak. That does not mean you do not ask questions or seek further clarification. Both articles emphasize you are asking for a favor, so polite and thank yous will be standard. Believe it or not, hand written thank you notes will take you a long way in being remembered. The underlying goal in this process is to network with people, as it is suggested after each interview see if the interviewee would recommend someone else you could speak to. All in all it is important to create an atmosphere where they will be comfortable sharing with you "their career" story. Do not be shy, I remember a young first term separating airman who reached out to IT companies in the area asking about what skills were needed in the area. On his fourth company the person requested of him a face to face interview. Keep in mind many first term service members carry much heavier technical skills that many mid to senior service members move away from.

Be sure to combine this interviewing with networking on professional groups on social media. LinkedIn has a large number of professional groups for careers that actively exchange ideas and conversations on a daily basis regarding the career. The more comfortable "language, metrics, etc" you become, it will be to your benefit to join in many of the online conversations. Between learning learning about the career, you will also gain more confidence in speaking "private sector" career discussions. Sign up for one of the USO's Understanding LinkedIn workshops with Michael Quinn. Understanding how to upgrade your profile as your career knowledge grows will greatly assist you networking. It is very important to remember humility and gratitude will lead to many more open doors over too much confidence in your leadership experience combined with rank. It is not uncommon for the informational search to lead to a tip or direct connect about an open position. People do not do this right out of the gate, it takes a while for "people" to become familiar with your name and your reputation, but all of this can be done, by never meeting someone face to face.

The following two articles provide good lists of questions and tips on how to conduct the Informational Interviews. Keep in mind to sneak a peak at a list interview do nots i.e.run over on time, ask about open positions.

https://www.dhirubhai.net/pulse/informational-interviews-how-linkedin-can-help-you-get-olslf?trackingId=GJtnpqHpTCSPthjskdPVdQ%3D%3D&lipi=urn%3Ali%3Apage%3Ad_flagship3_company%3Brii3O8hOQei1w1YPGQnHAQ%3D%3D

Provided by HireMilitary, a Michael Quinn connected company

A Complete Guide To Informational Interviews

By Indeed Editorial Team

Updated June 9, 2022

Published January 13, 2021

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What Is an Informational Interview? And How to Make the Most of It

Written by Coursera ? Updated on May 31, 2022?

Embrace the informational interview to gain industry insights and build connections.