What is an informational interview?
Baking bread is a delicate and difficult task, especially if you’ve never done it before. You don’t go to a florist or a mechanic to learn how to make the best bread. You go right to the source and request that the best baker you know teach you how to make bread. You get to profit from their knowledge and learn tips and tactics that aren’t included in the recipe!
That’s how an informational interview works. It’s a fast, informal interview with a specialist to help you learn more about various jobs that you’re interested in. As you define the skills you wish to gain, it might assist you in making informed judgments about which degree to pursue.
An informational interview can help you get the information you need to make smarter decisions regarding your certificate, profession, and future options. Even if it isn’t a job interview, it can help you find the direction, tools, and contacts you’ll need when the time comes. It will even assist you in gathering information that is not readily available on the internet. To conduct an informational interview, follow these five tips.
1 Find Someone To Interview
Don’t be intimidated by this step! Putting yourself out there can be intimidating, but you’ll find that there are individuals willing to help you all around you. The trick is to reach out to people and leverage your connections.
Getting Ideas
- Talk to your relatives and friends about your job goals and check if they know anyone who has followed a similar path.
- Find shared connections, individuals on a similar path to yours, or someone on an interesting path using LinkedIn or similar networking tools. It’s fine to reach out to people you don’t know in a professional manner.
- Look for things that interest you. When you’re both passionate about the issue, it’s easy to find and talk to someone.
2. Initiate Contact
Send an email, a LinkedIn message, to the person you wish to interview. Your aims should be succinct, precise, and specific. Don’t give up if you haven’t gotten an answer. Follow-up with a pleasant message.
FOR EXAMPLE
Hello Mr. Omondi,
My name is Bundi, and I’m a computer engineer who is now pursuing a degree.
I’m considering getting a business management certificate or degree.
Ann Wangare, my supervisor, recommended that I speak with you after we spoke. I’m interested in learning more about how you were able to successfully combine your passion for technology with a profitable and meaningful business.
I’d like to understand more about your work and the skills you’ve relied on the most as you’ve grown your company.
Would you be available for an informational interview on Wednesday at 1:00 p.m. or Thursday at 3:00 p.m.? I want to be respectful of your time. Please let me know if you are available on one of those days or if you have a better time available.
Thank you for your time and consideration.
John Mwangi.
3. Come Prepared
Nothing establishes your credibility more than being well-prepared. Find out everything you can about the person, their job, and their industry. Prepare questions to ask at the interview as well, and consider providing them ahead of time so the person has time to prepare. This will allow you to take the lead in the conversation while also respecting their time.
4. During The Interview
Be curious and enthusiastic about what they have to say when you interview them. Involve yourself in the conversation by asking follow-up questions. Share a little about yourself, but keep the conversation centered on them. Last but not least, show respect by being kind, nice, and considerate of their time. Although this is merely an informational interview, it could lead to further chances in the future.
5. Build A Connection
Make use of the interview to form meaningful connections. Ask for recommendations for people to talk to next at the end of the interview. They may be able to refer you to other people who can assist you.
Send a thank you note after the interview, expressing your appreciation for their time and the insights they shared.
