The Importance of an Informal Conversation

Are you looking for your first job? Are you close to completing your major but actually don’t know if you want a job in that field? Or are you looking for your next job but not sure about what you want to do? If you answered yes to any of the above, it’s time to consider an informational interview.

Tip #1: Questions to consider

It is called an interview because you will be asking another professional about their career. What is their day to day job like? How did they progress to that position? What do they like about it? What don’t they like about it?

Tip #2: Be conversational

The key, though, is to have a conversation. You might have questions prepared, but you also need to be an active listener and converse based on the information this person is sharing with you.

Tip #3: Landing an informational interview

How do you get an informational interview? First, find a person who has a job doing what you may be interested in doing or who is working at a company where you want to work. Do you have any mutual connections? If so, ask for an introduction. If a third party introduces you, be sure to keep them informed if you meet the contact. Follow-up with a thank you note to both the professional and the person who introduced you.

If you do not have a mutual connection, do not be afraid to reach out directly via LinkedIn. Message the person and ask if they would be able to spare 30 minutes of their time. (See our tips for writing a message to an unknown connection).

Tips:

• Be prepared – review their LinkedIn and google search

• Listen actively

• Write a thank you note that includes a specific part of your discussion

• Ask if there is anything you can do for them to return the favor