4 Reasons to Say “Yes” to Informational Interviews
Believe me when I tell you, informational interviews are where it’s at.
I know it can feel daunting and out of character to slide into a stranger’s DMs and ask for a 15-minute conversation about their career portfolio.
BUT, when it comes to thinking about what’s next for your career – whether it's a full transition or you’re looking for that next step – informational interviews can offer you an incredible glimpse into a new career field or what your current role looks like at the next level.
Here are 4 reasons to reach out to your network for informational interviews:
Increased clarity on career goals
Informational interviews allow you to reflect on your career goals and help refine your job search strategy. Through these meetings, you’ll get personalized guidance (maybe even a new mentor or someone to refer you to a future role) for career advice, skill development, and inside access to what’s happening within that field.
Insights
Especially for those looking to make a career transition, informational interviews allow you to gain insights into new industries, organizations, and the job market. Research by the Harvard Business Review 🤓 emphasizes the importance of understanding the day-to-day responsibilities, challenges, and expectations of a job role before pursuing it. What better way to discover all of this than through informational interviews?!
Access to a hidden job market
Informational interviews provide a platform for expanding your professional network. The more people you establish a relationship with, the more people there are looking out for you. So, as your network grows through informational interviews, you might just gain a competitive edge in your job search.
Practice Interviews
Informational interviews also allow you to practice your interview skills. No brainer! 🧠 It’s a low-pressure environment to improve how you articulate your experiences and goals, which will prepare you for those formal job interviews!
If you’re starting to think about what comes next or want to make that jump into a new career, start reaching out to your network and see how they might be able to help with your journey.
Continue to see networking as community building, not a chore. It’s important to cultivate your connections continuously so you have a solid foundation when you reach out to them with a need in the future.
Not sure what comes next? I’d love to talk to you about Clarity Coaching, where we work together to determine your goals, how to get there, and how to tackle landing and prepping for informational interviews. With the Land Your Dream Job package, you’ll even get a discounted Résumé Upgrade!
Sending you all the courage to begin these conversations,
🥂 nicole:)
