Mastering the Art of How to Request an Informational Interview: A Step-by-Step Guide
Looking for a job or planning a career shift can be daunting, to say the least. While there are many resources available to job seekers, informational interviews can provide valuable insights that go beyond what you’ll find online. By connecting with professionals in your desired industry and learning about their experience and advice, you’ll gain a unique understanding of your target market, enabling you to make more informed decisions about your future.
But how do you go about requesting an informational interview without coming across as pushy or inauthentic? Here are some simple steps to help you prepare, make contact, and get the most out of the experience.
Step 1: Research
Your first step is to research people in your target industry who you would like to connect with. You can use LinkedIn or other social media platforms, industry associations, or company websites to identify professionals who might be willing to share their experience with you. Look for people with job titles, companies, or experience that relate to your desired field.
Once you’ve identified possible contacts, take a closer look at their profile or resume. What are their skills, experiences, or education highlights? Look for commonalities between you and the professional that could be useful conversation starters or reasons for why you think speaking with them could benefit your career.
Step 2: Prepare Your Request
Your request should always be polite and respectful. Keep in mind that professionals in your target industry may be busy and receive many requests already. Make sure that your email is concise, clearly stated, and highlights why you think speaking with them would be mutually beneficial.
Start with a personalized salutation and reference something specific about their experience or background that drew you to them. Explain why you’ve decided to reach out and what you hope to gain from the conversation. Be clear that you’re interested in hearing more about the individual’s experience, rather than just trying to get a job with his/her employer.
In addition, make it clear that you respect the person’s time and are willing to work around their schedule. Offer a rough timetable that you hope to connect and mention that you’d be open to any suggestions the person may have.
Step 3: Follow Up
Your first email may not get an immediate response. If you haven’t heard back within a week or so, it’s appropriate to follow up with a polite reminder. Keep your reminder respectful and professional and explain how much you’d appreciate the opportunity to talk with them.
If you still don’t hear back, don’t take it personally. Professionals in your desired field may be busy and may not have the time to connect. Keep looking for other contacts and try again with someone else.
Step 4: Prepare for the Interview
Once you’ve secured an informational interview, preparing for the conversation is essential. Make sure you’ve researched the person’s experiences and job responsibilities thoroughly. Take some time to think about the questions you want to ask and topics you’d like to explore.
Remember, this isn’t a job interview. You’re there to learn more about the industry and the person’s experience. Don’t use the opportunity to pitch yourself or sell yourself. Instead, be curious, ask thoughtful questions, and listen attentively.
Step 5: Follow Up Again
After the interview, be sure to thank the contact for their time. It’s worth following up with future updates on your career and other developments that have come up since you spoke with the person. This will help keep the connection alive and remind the contact of your interest and willingness to learn.
In conclusion, requesting an informational interview can be a valuable tool in your job search or career development. By following these steps and committing to being respectful and professional in your interactions, you can gain valuable insights and build your professional network.
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