Though you may think that the best way to carry out your job search is to respond to a job ad by submitting your resume and a cover letter. Here, the reality is that many of the best work opportunities are never advertised. Meanwhile, some specialists estimate that approximately 80 percent of the job market is made up of these ‘hidden’ jobs.
So how can you tap into these off-the-radar roles?
Informational interviews and networking are two of the most active ways to secure these kinds of coveted positions.
If there’s a position or career path that interests you and you want to learn more. Then, an informational interview might be ideal. Considering the basics of informational interviewing can help you exploit the benefits of this professional tool.
However, in this article, we provide a guide that can help to explain everything known about informational interviews.
What is an informational interview?
An informational interview is a useful procedure for learning about potential careers that involve asking skilled experts questions about their professional experience. For instance, the expert may be someone who has worked in their field for several years, such as an executive, a professor, or a career analyst. However, you can conduct your informational interview in person, over the phone, or even via email if the interviewee is unable to meet during your availability. Informational interviews tend to be more unexpected than job interviews because they are low-stress and are exclusively for educational and networking purposes.
What is the importance of an informational interview?
Conducting informational interviews requires preparation and an investment of your time, but you can enjoy a range of benefits from your efforts. luckily, depending on the questions you ask, you can gain information on a variety of subjects while making an authentic connection with someone who works in the same industry. However, some of the positive results of hosting an informational interview include:
It helps to receive Specific advice.
Because you’re the person asking the questions in an informational interview, you can curate the questions to your unique professional and personal goals. Hence, you can learn about the aspects of a career path that directly relate to your life, interests, and values. Therefore, the more you personalize the interview questions, the better guidance you can gain from the interviewee’s answers.
Gaining inside details
An informational interview can teach you details about a company, industry, or position that you may not be able to find on your own. Meanwhile, researching career paths and employers online can gather some vital information, an informational interview can give you someone’s experience, which is often more accurate and realistic. For instance, if you’re interviewing someone from a company that you’re interested in working for, ask them about the company’s interview process and what qualifications can impress the employer. You can also ask the person you’re interviewing if they’re willing to refer you for a role in the company.
Rehearsal interviewing
By interviewing someone else, you can gain valuable practice interviewing others in a professional context. It allows you to see the interviewer’s perspective, helping you improve your interview strategies for your job search
How lengthy is an informational interview?
The length of an informational interview can vary, ranging from as short as fifteen minutes to over an hour. Hence, it’s a good idea to discuss how much time the interviewee can dedicate to an informational interview ahead of time so you can plan an appropriate number of questions. For instance, a successful informational interview might lead to an extended conversation based on your rapport with the interview subject if you have extra time and want to learn more.
Can I pay for an informational interview?
No, because informational interviews are generally unpaid opportunities. When someone agrees to meet for a meeting, they’re essentially doing you a professional favor by taking time out of their day to help you learn about your career. However, you can thank them for their time by paying for their coffee or a meal if you meet them in person, or even give them a small present as a token of appreciation.
How to find an informational interview subject
You can find an informational interview subject by contacting employees of companies you want to work at. Also, by asking colleagues for connections, messaging industry experts through online platforms. Either by asking professors and friends for introductions to their industry contacts. Sometimes, you might even contact the author of an article or book related to the career path you want to explore. Therefore, compile a list of people whom you want to interview and gather their contact information as a starting point for finding one or more people to meet.
How to ask for an informational interview.
One of the best ways to ask for an informational interview is to send a polite email or message. Use a polite, professional tone and carefully proofread your message. For example, include a subject line with your name and the words “informational interview request” to help your message stand out. When preparing your message, include the following information:
. How you learned about the interview subject
. Why do you want to interview them?
. How much time do you want to reserve for the interview?
. Suggested dates and times
. A polite thank-you with your name
If the person you ask doesn’t respond within a week or two, you can send one polite follow-up if they have a busy inbox and didn’t see your message. After that, consider a lack of reply as them declining the invitation and moving on to another possible subject. However, remember that top industry experts have hectic schedules and you may have to contact multiple people before securing a meeting.
What are the types of questions likely to be asked during informational interviews?
Your informational interview questions can cover a variety of professional topics based on what you want to learn. Asking thoughtful questions on a range of subjects guides the interview and helps you develop a holistic understanding of a person’s career path. Brainstorm professional and appropriate questions to ask. Some popular subjects to cover include:
Job Responsibilities
Most positions have additional responsibilities that the job description doesn’t reflect. Ask questions about the interviewee’s daily duties to understand what your workflow could look like in that job. Examples include:
. How do you spend a typical workday?
. What skills do you use every day at work?
Professional History
Learning about someone’s professional history can provide you with information about what qualifications you may need for a similar position. Education, accomplishments, jobs, internships, and other professional opportunities are all great topics to discuss. Here are some sample questions that target history:
. What accomplishments and experiences set you apart in this field?
. How did your education impact your career path and prospects?
Growth opportunities
When deciding whether or not to pursue a career path, it’s important to know how you can grow and advance within the field. Therefore, asking about growth opportunities can give you an honest perspective on how hard it is to gain a leadership position in a field or business. Hence, these questions about career growth can provide you with insight into how candidates in your field get promoted:
. What do you see as the next step in your career?
. How long did it take to receive your first promotion?
Work-life balance
Understanding how a job impacts your personal life is essential for choosing a career that suits you. Nevertheless, lifestyle and work-life balance questions can help you decide if you’re willing to make the necessary sacrifices to succeed in a specific industry. For instance, Examples of work-life balance questions for an informational interview include:
. How does this job fit in with your lifestyle?
. Have you made personal sacrifices to succeed in this industry?
Company culture
An informational interview is a perfect opportunity to learn about the culture of a workplace from someone within that culture. Each company has its unwritten expectations and rules for how employees accomplish work and interact with one another. You can learn about these cultural attributes with these questions:
. How can you describe the management style at your company?
. What do you want to change about your current company culture?