An informational interview is a meeting between a job seeker and someone who currently works in the field or occupation the job seeker is interested in. Informational interviews are often seen as an opportunity for the job seeker to learn more about a particular career, gather the information that can help with their job search, and make professional connections.
Informational interviews can be extremely beneficial for job seekers, as they provide an opportunity to learn more about a potential career, gather information and resources that can help with the job search, and make professional connections.
Informational interviews – what are they and why you should do them
If you’re looking to learn more about a particular career or company or to make important industry contacts, informational interviews can be a great way to do so. Here’s what you need to know about these types of interviews and how they can benefit your career:
What are informational interviews?
Informational interviews are meetings with professionals in a particular field or industry, during which you ask questions and gather information about their work and experiences.
Why conduct informational interviews?
Informational interviews can be beneficial for both parties involved. For you, it’s an opportunity to learn more about a specific career or company, and to gain insight from someone with first-hand experience. For the person you’re interviewing, it’s a chance to connect with someone who may be interested in their work and to help further their career goals.
How informational interviews can help your career
Informational interviews are a great way to learn about a particular career or company and to make important industry contacts. They can also be a great way to boost your own career. Here’s how:
- Informational interviews give you the opportunity to learn about a particular career or company from an insider’s perspective. You can get first-hand information about what the day-to-day reality of the job is like, what kind of skills and experience are necessary to succeed, and what the advancement prospects are.
- Informational interviews can also help you make important industry contacts. By talking to people who are already working in your field of interest, you can get introduced to other professionals who might be able to help you further your career.
- Finally, informational interviews can be a great way to boost your own career. By doing your research and preparing for the interview, you’ll show that you’re serious about your career goals. And by impressing the person you interview, you may even be able to get your foot in the door at their company.
If you’re looking to learn more about a particular career or company or to make some important industry contacts, informational interviews can be a great resource. So start doing your research and reaching out to people in your field today.
How to find an Interviewee
If you’re looking to learn more about a particular career or company, informational interviews can be a great way to get first-hand insights. But how do you go about finding someone to interview?
There are a few different ways to find potential interviewees. You can start by reaching out to your personal and professional networks. Ask your friends, family, and colleagues if they know anyone who works in the field you’re interested in.
If you don’t have any direct connections, you can also try searching online. LinkedIn is a great resource for finding potential interviewees. You can also try using Google to search for industry-specific forums and groups where you can connect with potential interviewees.
Once you’ve found a few potential interviewees, the next step is to reach out and request an informational interview. When reaching out, be sure to explain the purpose of the meeting and why you’re interested in speaking with them. Most people are happy to help if they have the time, but it’s always best to be respectful of their time and schedule.
By taking the time to find and connect with the right people, you can gain valuable insights that will help you boost your own career.
Tips for conducting an informational interview
When conducting an informational interview, there are a few key things to keep in mind in order to make the most of the opportunity. Here are some tips:
1. Do your research. Informational interviews are not the time to ask basic questions about the industry or company that could easily be answered with a little bit of research. Come prepared with thoughtful, specific questions that will give you the information you’re seeking.
2. Be respectful of your contact’s time. Informational interviews are not job interviews, and should not be treated as such. Keep your questions focused and to the point, and try to limit the interview to 30 minutes or less.
3. Follow up. Be sure to send a thank-you note after your informational interview. This is not only good manners, but it also shows that you are truly interested in the information and advice your contact has provided. Additionally, be sure to keep in touch with your contact and let them know how you’re progressing in your career – they may just be the key to your next great opportunity!
Examples of successful informational interviews
Examples of successful informational interviews can be found in a variety of industries. In the medical field, for instance, an informational interview with a doctor could provide you with insight into what it takes to succeed in the field and what the day-to-day reality of the job is like. In the business world, an informational interview with a successful CEO could give you an inside look into what it takes to run a successful company.
Informational interviews can also be helpful in your personal life, giving you the chance to learn about different careers and lifestyles from people who have firsthand experience. No matter what industry you’re interested in, there are likely to be examples of successful informational interviews that can help you boost your own career.
A request for an informational interview template
when you are requesting an informational interview, it is important to be courteous and professional. Here are some templates you can use to request an informational interview:
Subject Line: Request for Informational Interview
Hello (name), I am writing to see if you would be available for a brief informational interview. I am interested in learning more about (career field) and would greatly appreciate the opportunity to speak with you about your experience. If you are unable to meet, I understand. Thank you for your time.Sincerely,(Your name)(Your contact information).
Here is another template that can help you request an informational interview.
To Whom it May Concern,
I am writing to request an informational interview with ___________. I am very interested in ___________ and would greatly appreciate the opportunity to speak with someone who is working in the field/at the company.
I am a ___________ major at ___________ and I am confident that I have the skills and qualifications that would make me a valuable asset to ___________. I am eager to learn more about ___________ and I believe that an informational interview would be immensely beneficial.
Thank you for your time and consideration,
Sincerely,
Your name _________________
Your contact information _________________
Questions to ask During Informational Interview
When conducting an informational interview, there are a few things to keep in mind. First, come prepared with questions to ask your interviewee. This will show that you are truly interested in learning about their experiences and what they have to say. Some good questions to ask include:
- What led you to your current career/position?
- What does a typical day involve?
- What are the most important skills and qualities necessary for success in this field?
- What have you found to be the most challenging part of this career/job?
- What are the advancement prospects like in this field?
- Do you have any advice for someone just starting out in this career/field?
- What is the most important thing you have learned in your career so far?
Asking questions such as these will give you a much better understanding of what the reality of the job is like, and what it takes to succeed. By coming prepared with questions, you’ll be sure to make the most of your conversation. Informational interviews can be a great way to boost your own career by learning from the experiences of others.
Sending an appreciation email
After you’ve had an informational interview with someone, it’s important to follow up with a thank-you email. This is not only polite, but it’s also a great way to keep the door open for future opportunities. In your email, be sure to mention something specific that you learned from the conversation and how it will help you in your career. Thanking the person for their time and expressing your interest in staying in touch are also good ways to end the email.
By following up with a thank-you email, you’ll show that you’re grateful for the opportunity to learn more about the person’s career and company. You’ll also keep the door open for future opportunities, such as networking or even a job interview. So don’t forget to send a thank-you email after your next informational interview!
Thank-you email template
Include a personalized message
Thank you for taking the time to speak with me yesterday about your career in _____. It was really helpful to get an insider’s perspective on what the day-to-day reality of the job is like, what kind of skills and experience are necessary to succeed, and what the advancement prospects are.
Mention something specific that you learned
I was particularly interested in hearing about your experience with _____. It sounds like a really valuable skill to have in this industry. I’m going to make sure to brush up on my _____ so that I can be better prepared for a career in _____.
express your interest in staying in touch
I enjoyed our conversation and I would love to stay in touch. I’m going to add you to my professional network on LinkedIn and I’ll be sure to keep you updated on my career journey. Thank you again for your time and insight.
Sincerely,
Your name
Here is another template for a thank-you email after an informational interview:
Subject Line: Thank you for your time!
Dear ____,
Thank you so much for taking the time to meet with me yesterday. I really appreciate it. I found our conversation to be very informative and helpful. I am now even more excited about the possibility of pursuing a career in ____.
Again, thank you for your time and advice. I will definitely keep in touch.
Sincerely,
Your name
Conclusion
While Informational interviews can be a great way to learn about a specific career or company, they can also have many benefits for your own career. By taking the time to meet with someone who is already working in the field you’re interested in, you can gain valuable insights and knowledge. You can also make important industry contacts that could help you in your own career by asking questions and following up with a thank-you email, you can make the most of your conversation and boost your own career in the process. So if you’re looking for a way to boost your career, consider conducting an informational interview.
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