Informational interviews can be a valuable tool in your career development journey. They allow you to gain insider knowledge about an organization or industry, while also giving you the opportunity to showcase your skills and experience. However, it’s important to navigate these conversations thoughtfully to ensure they are beneficial for both you and the person you’re speaking with.

What is the Purpose?

Informational interviews can serve a few key functions:

Career Discovery

If you’re exploring different career paths, an informational interview can help you learn more about a role or industry that interests you. You can ask questions like:

  • What was your career progression to get to this position?
  • What does a typical day look like for you?
  • What do you enjoy (or dislike) most about your work?
  • What kind of skills or experience are important for success in this field?

Organizational Fit

Informational interviews can also be used to assess whether a particular company or work environment would be a good match for you. Appropriate questions to ask include:

  • What do you like about working here?
  • Does the organization live up to its mission and values?
  • Are there opportunities for internal advancement and growth?

Regardless of the primary purpose, it’s crucial to remember that an informational interview is not a chance to sell yourself or overtly pursue a job. The focus should be on listening, learning, and building connections.

Discussing Your Own Skills

That said, you may be asked to share information about your own background and skills. When this happens, be strategic in your responses. Highlight the skills and experiences that are most relevant to the type of role you’re interested in. Use concrete examples to demonstrate how your abilities could be applicable.

It’s also important to align your skill level to the position you’re discussing. If you’re aiming for a management role, emphasize the decision-making, strategy, and team leadership skills you’ve developed. For more hands-on, specialized roles, dive deeper into the technical work you’ve performed.

To prepare, consider the STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) framework for crafting concise, impactful stories that showcase your competencies. Having a few of these ready-to-go can make it easier to tailor your responses during the interview.

Be Aware of Time

Finally, be mindful of time. Informational interviews should generally be kept to 30 minutes or less. If you find the conversation running long, politely check in and see if the other person would be open to continuing the discussion via email.

By approaching informational interviews with the right mindset and preparation, you can leverage these conversations to advance your career exploration and development. Good luck!