NTFB guide to Informational Interviews

What are informational interviews?

Informational interviews are conversations that you have with people in your industry or field of interest to learn more about their experiences and careers. These interviews are typically informal and are not meant to lead directly to a job or other opportunity. Rather, they are designed to allow you to gather information and gain insight into different career paths and industries.

Informational interviews can be a valuable tool for exploring your career options and building your professional network. They can provide you with a chance to learn about different jobs and industries, and to get advice and guidance from experienced professionals.

It is also an effective research tool for anyone. You may be looking to find out more about a particular type of job, you might be doing research for a book or a product that you are developing or you might be doing it as part of your own personal/business development.

What are the benefits of informational interviewing?

There are a number of benefits to conducting informational interviews:

1. Get personal and up to date information. Informational interviews can provide you with insights into a particular industry, organisation or person.
2. Learn about different career paths: Informational interviews can provide you with the opportunity to learn about different career paths and industries from experienced professionals. This can help you explore your options and make informed decisions about your career.
3. Build your network: Informational interviews can also help you build your professional network and connect with people who may be able to provide valuable advice and guidance as you pursue your career.
4. Enhance your skills: Informational interviews can also help you enhance your skills and knowledge by providing you with the opportunity to learn from experienced professionals.
5. Gain Understanding: learn more about industry pain points or problems you could potentially solve.
6. Gain exposure: Informational interviews can also help you gain exposure to new opportunities and connections that may not be readily available through other channels.
7. Practice your communication skills: Informational interviews can provide you with the opportunity to practice your communication skills and learn how to effectively convey your interests and goals.
8. Get feedback: Informational interviews can also provide you with valuable feedback on your career goals and aspirations. By seeking out the insights and advice of experienced professionals, you can gain a better understanding of what it takes to succeed in your field and identify areas for improvement.
9. Increase your confidence: Informational interviews can also help you increase your confidence and become more comfortable networking and talking about your career goals.
10. Enhance your job search: Informational interviews can also be a valuable tool for enhancing your job search. By building relationships and gaining valuable insights through informational interviews, you can increase your chances of finding the right job or opportunity.

How to: Prepare for an Informational Interview

Here are a few tips for preparing for an informational interview:

1. Research the person you are interviewing: Before the interview, do your research and learn as much as you can about the person you are interviewing. This can help you tailor your questions and make the most of the conversation.
2. Prepare a list of questions: Consider preparing a list of questions to ask the person you are interviewing. These can include questions about their career path, their current job or industry, and their advice for someone interested in pursuing a similar career.
3. Practice your communication skills: Before the interview, practice your communication skills and think about how you will introduce yourself and explain your goals and interests.
4. Dress appropriately: Make sure to dress appropriately for the interview. Consider the dress code of the organisation where the person works and aim to look professional and polished.
5. Bring copies of your resume: If you are looking for a job or internship, consider bringing copies of your resume to share with the person you are interviewing. This can help you showcase your skills and experience and make it easier for them to follow up with you after the interview.

How to: Conduct an Informational Interview

While there are no hard and fast rules about what you should say, here is a suggestion of the format/how you should conduct an informational interviews:

1. Introduction: Begin by introducing yourself and explaining the purpose of your conversation. Be sure to mention any common connections you may have or explain how you learned about the person you are interviewing.
2. Questions: Prepare a list of questions to ask the person you are interviewing. These can include questions about their career path, their current job or industry, and their advice for someone interested in pursuing a similar career.
3. Listen: During the interview, be sure to actively listen and pay attention to what the person you are interviewing is saying. Take notes and ask follow-up questions to clarify any points or to dig deeper into a particular topic.
4. Conclusion: At the end of the interview, thank the person for their time and ask if they have any further advice or suggestions. You may also want to ask if they are willing to continue the conversation in the future or if they are open to connecting on LinkedIn or other social media platforms.
5. Follow up: After the interview, be sure to follow up with a thank-you note or email to show your appreciation and to reiterate your interest in the person’s experiences and advice.

How to: Follow up after an Informational Interview

Here are a few tips for following up after an informational interview:

1. Send a thank-you note or email: Within a day or two of the interview, be sure to send a thank-you note or email to the person you interviewed. This is a professional gesture that shows your appreciation for their time and insights.
2. Recap your conversation: In your thank-you note or email, be sure to briefly summarize the key points of your conversation and mention any specific advice or suggestions the person provided. This can help you remember the highlights of the conversation and keep your notes organized.
3. Express your interest: In your thank-you note or email, be sure to express your interest in the person’s experiences and insights, and let them know that you value their advice.
4. Follow up on any action items: If the person you interviewed provided you with any specific suggestions or recommended any resources, be sure to follow up on those action items and let them know what you have learned or accomplished.
5. Keep in touch: After the interview, consider adding the person to your LinkedIn network or following them on social media to stay connected and informed about new opportunities. You may also want to consider sending a monthly or quarterly email to keep in touch and update them on your progress.