The Power of Informational Interviews
In a recent post I mentioned utilizing your network for informational interviews to gain insights, expand your network and boost your job search.
Today, I want to delve deeper into this topic and provide you with practical tips on how you, as a jobseeker, can effectively utilize informational interviews to give your job search a significant boost.?
In this week's newsletter, we will explore the power of informational interviews and how they can positively impact your career journey.
What do I mean by informational interviews??
To put it simply, an informational interview is a conversation or meeting with a professional in your desired field or industry.?
It's an opportunity for you to gather insights, advice, and knowledge about the industry, specific roles, and potential career paths.
During an informational interview, you can ask questions about the interviewee's experiences, challenges they have faced, their career trajectory, and any advice they may have for someone aspiring to climb the ladder of the accounting and finance industry.
It's an informal yet valuable conversation that can provide you with unique perspectives and a more realistic understanding of what it takes to succeed in your desired career path.
Why you should be conducting informational interviews
Whether you’re actively looking for your next role or just considering your career path, informational interviews are invaluable to you.?
Not only do they provide an opportunity to tap into a wealth of knowledge and experiences of industry professionals, but they also expand your network, offer unique perspectives and chances for personal development, and can ultimately uncover hidden opportunities.
Who should you approach, and how?
Knowing who to approach for an informational interview is crucial for a successful and productive experience, especially when you're considering a career move, contemplating your next steps, or thinking of joining another company.?
Here are a few tips to help you identify the right individuals to reach out to:
Utilize your existing network:
Start by exploring your current network to identify professionals who work in the accounting and finance industry. This can include colleagues, mentors, classmates, or alumni from your educational institution. Reach out to them and express your interest in learning more about their career paths and experiences. They can be an excellent starting point for informational interviews as they already have a connection with you
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Research industry leaders and experts: Take the time to research and identify prominent individuals in the accounting and finance field. Look for thought leaders, influencers, executives or recruiters who have a strong presence in the industry.?
Leverage LinkedIn: Utilize online platforms such as LinkedIn to identify professionals in the accounting and finance industry. Explore different companies and organizations, and pay attention to individuals who hold positions of interest to you. Reach out to them, express your interest in their work and request an informational interview. If you don’t ask, you don’t get - leading onto my final tip
Seek referrals: Don't hesitate to ask your existing connections, whether it’s friends, family members, colleagues, or your LinkedIn network if they know anyone in your field or industry who would be open to conducting an informational interview with you. Referrals can often lead to more fruitful conversations as there is an existing connection or trust between you and the interviewee.
Once you’ve identified someone you’d like to speak with, reach out to them. You don’t need to reinvent the wheel, a simple and to the point message will do.
Example:
I came across your profile and I'm impressed by your expertise in [Industry/Field]. I would love to connect for a brief and informative chat to learn from your experiences and gain valuable insights. Are you available for a quick call or meeting?
Trust me when I say that informational interviews are an underutilized yet powerful tool for job seekers.?
By leveraging your network and connecting with industry professionals, you can gain valuable knowledge, expand your network, enhance your interview skills, uncover hidden opportunities, and embark on a journey of personal and professional growth.?
Your next opportunity may be just one conversation away!
If you're ready to start exploring informational interviews and want to learn more about the accounting and finance industry, don't hesitate to connect with me and reach out.?
My inbox is always open, and I'm here to help you kickstart those conversations.?