Informational Interview: an effective approach to building networking

Informational Interview is an important networking opportunity for career advancement, which requires dedication from you to make it happens. However, with the right approach you can land these interviews and get a lot of information and professional advices.

What good reasons would we have for conducting informational interviews? This is a good opportunity to clarify your career goals, identify your strengths and weaknesses, expand your professional networking, build on your knowledge in the area of your choice and also gain practice in performing interviews.

At first it may seem like an uncomfortable activity, some people may feel shy to start a conversation with someone they don't know, or even feel unmotivated when they don't get answers. Nonetheless, do you know what is the severity or worst-case scenario in your professional life? Staying in your comfort zone. Networking is a key to success these days, and you must remember that it is a two-way communication. Just as you can acquire a lot of information from other professionals, you also have a lot of knowledge to offer people, so why not enter this universe of communication, learning and exchange of experiences?

STARTING A NEW PATH CAN BE SCARY, BUT THEN YOU REALIZE THAT IT IS MUCH WORSE TO REMAIN STILL.

You may be asking yourself: How exactly does an informational interview take place? How is this process and how to be prepared for it? I had the privilege of talking to some incredible professionals and it was extremely rewarding and enriching. Each advice received helped me in self-awareness and in my professional career development. Given the experiences I had I would like to recommend 3 steps that I consider important in this process:

STEP 1: IDENTIFY YOUR TARGET

Before creating connections with professionals in your area, take the time to identify your target, that is, reflect which professionals you want to interview, with whom you can build a mutual relationship and acquire relevant advice for your growth. In addition, do your research about the company that they work and their career path.

STEP 2: CREATE CONNECTIONS AND PERSONALIZE YOUR MESSAGES

After identifying the professionals targeted for the interview, contact them through a personalized message. That is, show gratitude for the time dedicated to you, be direct about your goals and the reasons that made you contact that person and how much they can provide meaningful information for you, show interest in learning and be flexible to accommodate the interviewee's schedule.

STEP 3: BE PREPARE TO THE INTERVIEW AND REGISTER ALL THE INFORMATION THAT YOU GOT

Once you've got an informational interview, make sure you have reviewed the information about the professional and the company he/she works for, create the right questions that can generate good advice and insights, and dress appropriately if the interview is in person or per video.

Below are some possible questions to be asked in an informational interview:

• Can you tell me about your career path and what led you to the role you're in today?

• What do you like most about your work?

• What are some of the biggest challenges you face day-to-day?

• What current issues and trends in the field should I be aware of?

• What skills, abilities, and personal attributes are essential to success this field?

• What advice would you give someone who is considering this type of job?

I highly recommend the practice of informational interviews, as it provides a lot of learning, information and career development opportunities. In addition to be an incredible and current effective approach in the practice of networking.