What are Informational Interviews? U.S. Veterans Magazine

I tend to tell folks too much. That can work both ways for you. 8-)

Informational interviews are valuable tools for career exploration and networking. Unlike traditional job interviews, these meetings are initiated by you to gather insights about a specific industry, role, or company. Here's an expanded guide on how to make the most of informational interviews:

## Preparing for the Informational Interview

### Research Thoroughly
Before the meeting, conduct extensive research on the person you're interviewing, their company, and the industry. This preparation will help you ask more informed questions and make a strong impression[2].

### Craft Thoughtful Questions
Prepare a mix of standard and thought-provoking questions. Some examples include:

- "What does a typical day in your role look like?"
- "What are the biggest challenges facing your industry right now?"
- "If you could go back to the start of your career, what would you do differently?"
- "What skills or experiences do you think will be most valuable in this field in the next 5-10 years?"[4]

### Set Clear Objectives
Determine what specific information you want to gain from the interview. This could include understanding career paths, industry trends, or company culture[1].

## Conducting the Informational Interview

### Break the Ice
Start the conversation by asking about the interviewee's personal experiences in the field. This helps build rapport and gets them talking about a subject they're comfortable with[2].

### Listen Actively
Pay close attention to the interviewee's responses and ask follow-up questions. This shows genuine interest and can lead to more in-depth insights[3].

### Be Mindful of Time
Respect the interviewee's schedule by keeping the meeting to the agreed-upon length, typically 20-30 minutes. If the conversation is going well and they seem willing to continue, you can ask if they have time for a few more questions[4].

## Following Up After the Interview

### Send a Thank-You Note
Always send a thank-you email within 24 hours of the interview. Personalize it by referencing specific points from your conversation[4].

### Maintain the Connection
Keep in touch by occasionally sharing relevant articles or updates about your career progress. This helps build a long-term professional relationship[3].

## Additional Tips and Tricks

### Use LinkedIn Effectively
LinkedIn can be a powerful tool for finding potential interviewees. Look for second-degree connections and ask for introductions from mutual contacts[3].

### Practice Your Elevator Pitch
Be prepared to succinctly explain your background and career goals. This helps the interviewee understand how to best assist you[2].

### Consider Informational Interview Chains
At the end of each interview, ask if the person can recommend one or two other professionals in the field who might be willing to speak with you. This can help you expand your network exponentially[1].

### Be Open to Different Perspectives
Seek out professionals at various career stages and in different roles within your target industry. This will give you a more comprehensive understanding of the field[3].

### Record Key Insights
Take notes during or immediately after the interview to capture important information and advice. Create a system to organize these insights for future reference[3].

By following these guidelines, you can maximize the value of informational interviews, gaining crucial industry knowledge and building a strong professional network that can support your career growth.

Citations:
[1] https://hbr.org/2016/02/how-to-get-the-most-out-of-an-informational-interview
[2] https://www.livecareer.com/resources/interviews/prep/informational-interviewing
[3] https://ocs.yale.edu/channels/informational-interviewing/
[4] https://www.themuse.com/advice/5-tips-for-nonawkward-informational-interviews