One of my favorite parts about assisting with Marcia Katz’s Launching Your Global Career (LYGC) course is sitting in on presentations by her wonderful guest speakers. A few weeks ago, Angela Tribus Ramos, Associate Director of English Language Programs at Brandeis, and frequent flier for both the various LYGC courses and the MBA Career Strategy course, joined our discussion on Informational Interviews.
Her exercise covering Informational Interview Practices was so informative (pun intended) that – with her permission of course – I had to share it with you all. Check them out!
Informational Interview Practices by Angela Tribus Ramos
Informational interviews can be valuable opportunities to learn more about a specific career, industry, or company by speaking with professionals who have firsthand experience. Here are some tips to make the most of your informational interview:
Set Clear Goals
Define what you hope to gain from the interview. Are you looking for career advice, industry insights, or information about a particular company or role?
Choose the Right Interviewee
Research potential interviewees who have the knowledge and experience you’re seeking. LinkedIn, professional networks, and alumni organizations are great places to find suitable contacts.
Request the Interview
Send a polite and concise email or message requesting an informational interview. Be clear about your intentions and respectful of their time. When possible, mention the name of the person who sent you. Consider adding a Name Coach badge and your LinkedIn URL to your email signature.
Prepare Thoughtful Questions
Ask about their career path, job responsibilities, challenges, and advice for newcomers. Develop a list of open-ended questions that will elicit meaningful information and delve into the person’s experiences and expertise. Avoid questions that can be answered with a simple “yes” or “no.”
Do Your Homework
Research the interviewee, their company, and the industry beforehand. This will help you ask informed questions and show your genuine interest. Mentioning a few questions or topics you’d like to discuss ahead of time can add structure.
Dress and Act Professionally
Treat the informational interview as if it were a job interview. Dress appropriately and be punctual. Show respect for the interviewee’s time and acknowledge the value of their insight.
Listen Actively
Focus on what the interviewee is saying, and don’t interrupt. Take notes if necessary, but maintain eye contact and engage in the conversation.
Be Curious and Flexible
Be open to unexpected insights or directions in the conversation; sometimes, the most valuable information comes from unexpected sources or conversational turns.
Respect Time Limits
Keep the interview within the agreed-upon time frame. If the interviewee offers to extend the conversation, that’s great, but respect their initial commitment.
Express Gratitude
Send a thank-you note or email after the interview to express your appreciation for their time and insights. This helps maintain a positive professional connection. Don’t forget to include any building-blocks or personal connections!
Follow Up
If you received valuable advice or contacts during the interview, follow up on those leads. This demonstrates your commitment to your career goals.
Build and Maintain Relationships
Informational interviews can lead to valuable connections. Stay in touch with the interviewee, update them on your progress, and leverage your professional platforms.
Stay Organized
Keep notes and records of your informational interviews, including contact details, key takeaways, and action items.
Respect the Scope of the Meeting
Avoid asking for a job during an informational interview. The primary goal is to gain knowledge and insights.
Learn from Each Interview:
Reflect on what you’ve learned from each interview and how it can shape your career decisions. Use this information to refine your career goals and strategies.
Finally…
Remember that informational interviews are about building relationships and expanding your knowledge. Approach them with genuine curiosity and respect for the people you’re speaking with, and you’ll likely find them to be a valuable resource in your career journey.
