Informational Interviews

Sounds like something only a vampire would want to do, but let’s get real.  We’ve all seen by now people getting what they want and confirming the old adage, “it’s not what you know, it’s who you know.”

What? Info interviews are short meetings or phone calls so you can learn more about a person, job, or field.

Why? It’s really one of the best ways to expand your network, whether you are looking to change jobs, find professional partners or just get new ideas.

Who? Think of someone whose work you admire. Who has your dream job? Don’t get shy here.

How? It’s always best to get a personal introduction, but cold emails are worth a try too. Do some research on their org, latest project, career path, etc. Shoot an email asking for only 20 minutes of their time, highlight at least one thing you find interesting about them and explain that you want to learn more about their work and career path. Even if you’d love it to be a job interview, it’s really not, so don’t send your resume unless they ask. 

Sample Questions:

1. What were some of the most influential experiences that got you to where you are today?
2. Describe your typical day; what are your daily responsibilities?
3. What are the biggest challenges of your job?
4. What gets you up in the morning and what keeps you up at night?
5. What are some trends in the field that you foresee over the next few years?
6. Where does your organization want to go and how do you want to get there?
7. Who else would you recommend that I talk to?

This last one is key. Pick out one topic that you chatted about to hone in on and ask if they can recommend someone else you can talk to. And thus the networking continues.

Why it works.

• Curiosity and enthusiasm go a long way—people love talking about themselves and giving advice to eager people and reflecting on their own paths.
• They will remember your face (ideally you can meet in person), interest, energy, etc.  Even better if they remember you when there is a job opening they hear about.
• Generally when you ask people about themselves, they’ll return the favor and you’ll get to share your passions, aspirations…or more explicitly what kind of work you are looking for.