What is an Informational Interview?
Quick answer: an informational interview is an interview you hold with someone who works in an industry or job that you are interested in.
The goal of an informational interview is not to discuss a particular job opportunity but to learn more about a potential industry or job type that may be of interest to you as you develop your career-path and plan.
Informational interviews also help you to build relationships and your professional network, which may one day lead to future job and business opportunities.
We found this great article by The Job Window regarding Informational Interviews. Following are a few highlights from that article.
How to get an Informational Interview
An informational interview can be with anyone. Someone you know personally like a parent, aunt or friend. It all depends on what you’re aiming to learn. If you don’t know anyone personally who works in a place you’re interested in, asking friends if they have connections is another way to find people.
Don’t forget social media. LinkedIn is a great resource for finding people with jobs you’re interested in. Send someone you don’t know on LinkedIn an InMail explaining you’re looking for the opportunity to have an informational interview.
You’ll be surprised how many people are willing to share perspectives about their work with interested students and job hunters.
One Key Thing to Remember
You are asking a favor of the individual you’re interviewing. Be willing to move your schedule to fit theirs. Offer to do it by phone, or if they work/live near you and suggest meeting in person and be willing to travel to their location.
What to Ask During an Informational Interview
Prepare for an Informational Interview like you would for a real job interview. Research the person’s company and their position. Learn what you can about what they do before you go in.
Your interviewee will appreciate the time you put in. Keep the interview professional. Avoid questions about money or salary. Ask them what their day-to-day is like. Ask where their job leads. Ask them what led them to the job they are currently in.
Again, remember that the interviewer is giving you their time. Respect that by keeping the interview short; usually aim for under 20 minutes. If it seems the interviewee is not in a rush, offer to end the interview but feel free to continue if they suggest they aren’t in a hurry.
Once the Interview is Done
Thank them for their time. One of the most important things to do after an informational interview is follow up. It can be as simple as an email thanking them for their time. If they gave you suggestions let them know if those suggestions helped. Staying connected with your informational interviewee is a great way to build your network and stay ahead of the curve.
Source Credit
View the Original Article by, The Job Window