Informational Interviews and You

**this post is still in production - you are seeing it written in real time**

What is an informational interview?

Have you ever asked someone for a coffee to chat about their career and learn about how they got to where they are? If yes - well congratulations you have done an informational interview! If no - that is okay too, this post will take you through the why and how's of informational interviews.

Benefits to you

The why. Why would you spend your valuable time on informational interviews? Well in our opinion, there is only so much you can learn from blog posts (I know - shocker comer from a blog post!).

Nothing can replace, sitting down with someone 1:1 - and learning from their own personal journey and experiences.

➡️ changing jobs most likely means you are moving into a new environment, how better to learn about what you are moving into and what they are looking for and need - than by talking to people who are currently in that environment

➡️ insiders perspective - from the outside, this new industry or organisation may look all shiny and new. Informational interviews can help prepare you for the realities of your new job hopes. That dream organisation may not be all shiny, and this can help you make decisions about the not-so-good parts, before you have made a commitment!

➡️ find out about new jobs you didn't even know existed.

➡️ foster new connections and expand your networks. You may completely hit it off with your interviewee, don't let that connection dwindle! They could even be a new mentor for you through this change jobs journey.

Setting up informational interviews

Ok, but who do I ask? And how do I ask them?

Let's start with the who.

Have you ever:

• listened to a podcast and thought that you just want to chat to the guest yourself and ask them all the questions in your mind?
• read a blog post and thought ok I agree with X and Y, but Z I still don't get.
• seen someone on LinkedIn just post that they scored your dream job, and wish you knew how they got there

These are ALL people you can ask for an informational interview.

"Oh, but why would they want to talk to me?"

Answer: they may not know you, but people love talking about themselves! And most people are willing to give you 30minutes of their time, especially if you offer to buy them a coffee (or beverage of their choosing).

Online chats make buying them that coffee harder, but it does mean you can connect with more people - all across the world. So don't limit yourself close to home.

How to ask for an informational interview?

I admit, I have never called the informational interviews I have done: 'informational interviews'. I normally ask them if they'd be willing to share their career journeys with me over a coffee, my shout.

1. Contact details. Try finding their email, or if you know someone that knows them, ask for an introduction. If you can't find their email, then LinkedIn is also a great place to try to make connections.

2. Write a clear and concise message that is communicates what you are asking for. People are time poor, and they won't read a long email. Keep it simple and to the point.

3. Make it easy for them. This will look different depending on the person. If they are a super busy professional, don't say I am free at 1-2pm on Thursday this week to meet. This portrays your time as more important than theirs, which can come off a bit rude if you are the one asking for a favour! Try to have larger time slots available, and be flexible to work around their schedule. I usually like to say: "please let me know a time convenient for you."

Preparing for your informational interview

They have said yes and you have a coffee booked in next week! Well done - but the work doesn't finish here. You want to go into your informational interview prepared - they have gifted you this time, it is your job to make sure you make the most of it!

Read up

So many people have an online history, whether it be their twitter, personal blog, or LinkedIn. These are all sources of information to aid you in your interview.

Don't go in blind. By knowing their history, at least what is shared online, can give you a starting point for your discussion. Example below:

I saw you worked at X organisation for 5 years before making the transition to Y new field. This is a transition I am looking to make myself, and I wondered if you could share how you did this.

Don't worry, they won't think you're stalking them. They'll be impressed you did your research. You likely have less than an hour together, and you just saved 2minutes of them telling you how they worked at X organisation for 5 years before... you get my drift.

Question time

The questions you ask are of course going to be context specific, but they should always be guided by your values.

If you are interviewing someone at a company that you think you'd love to work for. Here are some great questions to get a true vibe for your potential new professional home.

• What drew you to this company in the begging?
• Did this hold true after working there? Is there anything you're less excited about now you have been there for X years?
• What is the work atmosphere like on your team?
• How are wins and milestones celebrated?
• How would you rate the work/life balance?
• What types of people excel on this team (or at this company)?
• What professional development support have you been given since working there?

Your ask

While this isn't always necessary in an informational interview, and sometimes may even be inappropriate - there are situations where have your ask clear in your mind can prove beneficial.

If you are talking with someone, who you'd love to work for in the future. Your ask may be:

Would you please keep me and my skills in mind when you're looking to expand your team in the future?

As said above, informational interviews aren't meant to be a place where you are asking for any more than someone sharing their experience. But I have been asked in the passed, by the person I am interviewing:

What would you like me to do for you?

or

How can I help you?

And having some prepared ways to answer these questions, are always good to have up your self.

After the informational interview

You have said thank you, goodbye, and paid for their coffee. Phew you are done!

But again - your work doesn't finish here. ALWAYS make sure you follow up. There are a few reasons for this:

1. It is polite.

2. It helps continue connection.

3. It solidifies you in their memory.