Leveraging Informational Interviews for Career Growth at Any Stage
Many people view informational interviews as a helpful activity at the start of their career. “I got the job talking to someone who works for my company” is not an unusual observation. And yet — it is a tool that professionals at every stage of their career can use, it is not limited to the early years.
Career paths are increasingly non-linear and “traditional”. Human beings change and so do their professional preferences. A former management consultant trains to become a teacher and several years later, joins a startup. A baker starts his own wedding cake business. The World Economic Forum, a Geneva-based think tank that hosts the annual leadership talks in Davos, predicts that 97 million new jobs will be created by 2025. Some of the jobs we know today will cease to exist.
Informational interviews serve as invaluable resources not only for those embarking on their professional journey but also for seasoned professionals seeking to navigate career transitions effectively. Career trajectories are evolving, and professionals are increasingly exploring non-traditional paths. As highlighted by the World Economic Forum, the landscape is poised to witness the creation of 97 million new jobs by 2025, emphasizing the importance of adaptability and continuous learning in today's workforce.
Having traversed various professional domains myself, from organizing high-level policy dialogues to founding a fashion brand, I've come to appreciate the significance of informational interviews in shaping career trajectories. For example, prior to launching the fashion brand, I interviewed founders of brands to develop a comprehensive view on what could go wrong and what their success stories were. All of these interviews provide insights into diverse industries, offering invaluable perspectives for individuals contemplating career shifts or seeking to enhance their current roles.
Conducting informational interviews offers a low-pressure avenue for expanding professional networks and gathering insights that can inform strategic career decisions. By engaging in conversations with professionals occupying roles of interest, individuals can gain clarity on job requirements, skill sets, and industry trends, thus empowering them to make informed career choices. My advice is: “Talk to people whose job you find interesting”.
Every time you feel boxed in in your current role, interviewing another professional who works in your dream job inspires you.
By conducting informational interviews when you don’t depend on your interview partner for a job, you interact in a no pressure zone. You get to expand your professional network and can tap into this later on, when the time comes for changing roles.
This type of behavior is the equivalent of “smart networking”.
To maximize the benefits of informational interviews, it's crucial to approach them with a spirit of reciprocity and preparedness. Expressing gratitude to interviewees for their time and expertise while remaining open to offering assistance in return fosters meaningful professional relationships. Be mindful of time. I recommend 20-25 minutes per interview.
Here's a step-by-step approach to setting up informational interviews:
Identify potential career interests for the next 2–3 years.
Seek recommendations from friends and professional contacts for individuals in relevant roles.
“Do your homework”: Conduct thorough research on recommended contacts or identify suitable professionals through platforms like LinkedIn or alumni networks.
Personalize outreach messages to prospective interviewees, demonstrating genuine interest and preparation.
Prepare a set of insightful questions (three to five) to guide the conversation during the interview.
Follow up with a thank-you note to express appreciation for the interviewee's time and insights.
I currently implement my own advice. For the past four years, I have been interested in careers in venture capital. A former startup founder, I have been exposed to professionals in the VC industry. I recently started conducting informational interviews with female venture capitalists. There is no rush — I am simply mindful of expanding my network and developing a realistic take of what is required for this role.
Sources:
Rebecca Knight: “How to Get the Most Out of an Informational Interview”. Published on February 16, 2016. Harvard Business Review. Link.
Victoria Masterson: “From medicine drones to coral cleaners: 3 ‘jobs of the future’ that are already here”. Published on 25 May 2022. World Economic Forum website. Link.