How to prepare for an informational interview
As with any other interview, an informational interview is something you should prepare for. The main difference is that rather than worrying about the perfect answers, you’ll be preparing questions and discussion points.
To make the most of your conversation, it’s smart to have a checklist of topics and key points to guide you. You can also prepare for your interview by researching interview conduct and practicing relaxation techniques.
Practicing good interview conduct
Even if you’re not specifically applying for a job, proper interview conduct is important. Common interview protocols include understanding how to introduce yourself and what to wear.
Informational interviews let you practice professional conduct and gain knowledge at the same time. Come prepared to give an overview of your career goals, passions, and why you’re seeking advice about this field.
If you don’t have much experience interviewing, you can ask a friend or family member to do a mock interview. Role-playing beforehand will help you feel more at ease when it’s time to talk in the actual interview.
Asking the right questions
An informational interview aims to gather insights into a given profession. For this reason, you will want to ask questions about the person’s career and organization. Your questions should reflect what’s important to you about the potential career field.
Some good questions to consider when preparing for an informational interview include:
- Why did you choose this field?
- What do you love about this profession?
- How would you describe yourself?
- What kind of skills are necessary for success in this job?
- How did you get your current job?
- Is a relevant degree or certification needed for this profession?
- What does your typical day at work look like?
- What is the work culture like?
- What have you learned from the role you’re in?
- Are there opportunities for career growth?
- Is there anything you wish you’d known before entering this field?
- What are the most challenging things about your position?
- What surprised you about this field?
- How is the work-life balance in this profession?
Preparing for a virtual interview
Indeed’s 2021 hiring trends report states that 82% of employers now use virtual interviews, so why not get some practice before a job interview?
Preparing for a virtual interview is similar to preparing for an in-person interview. One main difference is that it requires you to find a clutter-free communication space. Your interview room should have adequate lighting so other members (the interviewee, company’s owner, etc.) can clearly see you. Choose a peaceful location that will be free of loud background noise to avoid distractions during the interview.
Before you join the virtual meeting, test your camera, microphone, and internet connection. Come into the meeting a few minutes early to be extra prepared. There may be a software update or other incident that delays you joining the meeting. Even though it’s not a job interview, it’s important to be professional.
If you suddenly experience connectivity issues and are unable to resolve them quickly, let the other person know. This way you can reschedule or find a backup form of communication. It’s important to be mindful of their time and not keep them waiting.
Conducting your informational interview
After you’ve prepared for your interview, it’s time for the real thing. Come to the meeting with a friendly smile, positive attitude, and intellectual curiosity.
Cultivating productive conversations
You may be worried about the pressure of carrying the conversation, especially at first. However, the discussion tends to flow naturally when someone is talking about their life’s work. There’s plenty to cover, especially if you keep your notes on hand.
Remember to be mindful of the time in case your conversations get too off-topic. Don’t be afraid to circle back to a question you asked earlier for clarity and to ensure you’re getting what you need out of the conversation.
Closing out the interview
How long should informational interviews last? An interview should last however long you and the interviewee agree to. However, the person may be passionate about their job and want to keep talking longer than planned.
To close the interview, emphasize how much you’ve learned from your conversation. Explain to the interviewee how this will help you with your career planning. Thank the interviewee properly for sharing what they do.
Paying your respects
After the informational interview is over, writing a thank you letter is a lovely way to show gratitude. A formal thank you note shows you appreciate the person’s time and expertise and that you value their advice.
Making a habit of gratitude in work settings will set the bar for excellent future professional relationships. Respect goes a long way in any industry, and employers value candidates who go the extra mile to be courteous.
Leveraging your informational interview for career growth
As mentioned, there’s no rule that says informational interviewing can’t lead to a job interview. Whether you’re just starting in your career or are looking to advance, increasing industry connections can be a beneficial part of your networking plan. Remember that your contact may be valuable for pointing you toward industry connections, job events, or online networking communities.
If you decide to pursue the interviewee’s line of work, having them as a contact person in your field of interest may help your job search. Their company or organization may even be hiring entry-level candidates.
As you continue on your career path, building relationships with companies and industry professionals will increase your chances of career advancement. If you’re already in your target industry, a contact from an informational interview may be able to help you grow by connecting you to their current or previous employers.
Transitioning from informational interviews to action
Finding the best job for you and planning your next career move may not be a quick task. There are many career paths to choose from, each with pros and cons.
Choosing a career based on an educated assessment rather than guessing how you think the job will be is important for success. An informational interview gives you the knowledge to make that educated decision.
Informational interviewing is a fantastic start. However, these interviews can lead to something much greater. Take what you learn and reflect on what your next steps should be. It may be time to make your resume stand out or brush up on professional skills.
Career coaching can help you figure out what those next actions should be and create a work plan to fulfill them. A work plan might involve furthering your education, taking on an internship, or establishing new professional goals. With a 1:1 coach, you can take actionable steps toward landing a new job with career planning.
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