Get Industry Info, Career Tips and Professional Wisdom from Leaders – Without the Pressure of a Job Interview  

An informational interview is a top tool for many new or anticipated graduates.  A simple conversation with a person already in the field in which you are hoping to work usually consists of an easy exchange of information — and can lead to prime networking opportunities.

Informational interviews with friends or colleagues offer formal job interview preparation and practice – after all, what better way to practice formal job interview skills than when the pressure is off, yet in a similar setting?  In addition to that, you can make use of the countless websites, books, and workshops out there that offer advice and techniques to practice for an effective in-person face-to-face, for whenever that day arrives.

Also, it is important to consider the value of informational interviews for those who have been in the professional world for five, ten, or twenty-five plus years. No matter the industry, it is important to make the effort to constantly learn from others and gain key knowledge for personal growth; for example, with full-time commitments and work priorities, it can be difficult to identify the latest trends. An informational interview can help both parties to understand current happenings and concepts.

So how do you get started? LinkedIn, school alumni groups, or professional associations are a perfect way to take advantage of a common bond and begin a conversation. Also, it never hurts to reach out to a stranger and ask for a few moments of their time – you have nothing to lose!  Following are some ways to ensure that you prepare ahead of time and maximize the experience. 

Tips and Hints About Conducting a Great Informational Interview 

Depending on the situation, an informational interview can take anywhere from fifteen minutes to a couple of hours, but will almost always have a positive outcome.  Here are some ways to guarantee that things run as smoothly as possible:

• Whether it’s at a nearby coffee shop or even via a quick phone call, try to set up the meeting in whatever format is easiest for the person you have contacted.
• Just remember to be yourself, ask thought-provoking and engaging questions, and express gratitude for your colleague’s time.
• When you invite another to take part in an informational interview, the understanding is that you will guide the discussion and propose buzz-worthy topics. The challenge becomes, how do you inspire conversation and prompt helpful answers from your contact? These recommended questions are a great way to begin a dialogue:
  • • What is your background? How did you end up where you are today?
    • What does your typical day look like?
    • Where do you get your industry news? How do you stay on top of current events?
    • What would have you done differently with your career?
    • What do you see happening in this field over the next couple of years? Where is it headed?

Prepare Key Conversation Topics Ahead of Time

Depending on the purpose of your interview, following are some potential topics, and ideas on the best way to discuss them:

Key Industry Meetings & Events
Ask your interviewee if he or she has ever attended any conferences or workshops, and what their experience was like – was it worth the time out of the office? Would they attend again? Gain awareness about the top events where insiders in your industry are regularly seen and heard, and the best ones to attend.

Corporate Culture Insights
Without digging too deep or jeopardizing confidential information, utilize your pre-interview research to ask questions about corporate strategy and environment. How has this interviewee’s company changed since their first day on the job, and how is the company expected to grow in the future? Don’t be afraid to ask specific questions about certain aspects that are important or valuable to you.

Vendor Referrals
Are you unsure about which partners you should be outsourcing certain services to? Ask your prospects for a referral list, and make a point to reach out to each past client or customer. A vendor is another great example of a common link that will spark conversation. Be sure to invite honesty and express your interest in a truthful testimonial.

Whether you are new to the business world or have twenty years’ worth of experience, the corporate world is fast-changing, and and an informational interview offers free advice on how to handle industry changes or challenges. A final tip: remember to practice active listening skills and take plenty of notes as to track your thought process. Above all, never forget to send a follow-up thank you note!