Get career clarity: the power of informational interviews

Feeling stuck in your career and unsure of your next move? Whether you're just starting out or considering a career shift, the best insights often come from real conversations with people in the industry. That’s where informational interviews come in - genuine, informal chats that can help you explore career paths, uncover opportunities, and gain insider knowledge.

Why Conduct an Informational Interview?

Informational interviews are a powerful tool for career exploration. They’re not about asking for a job; they’re about gathering valuable insights, understanding industry trends, and making meaningful connections.

If you’re at the start of your career, these interviews can help you understand different roles, work environments, and skills needed to succeed. If you’re changing careers, they offer a way to assess whether a new field aligns with your existing skills, values, and long-term goals.

Using LinkedIn and Your Network to Find and Connect with Professionals

LinkedIn is a valuable tool for setting up informational interviews. You can search for professionals in your desired industry, send personalised connection requests, and politely ask for a short conversation to learn more about their career path. Engaging with their posts and content before reaching out can also help build rapport.

Beyond LinkedIn, tapping into your existing network is another great way to find opportunities for informational interviews. Speak to colleagues, mentors, friends, and even family members who may have connections in your field of interest. Attending industry events, alumni meetups, and networking sessions can also open doors to valuable career conversations.

What to Ask in an Informational Interview

The key to a great informational interview is asking the right questions based on what you are seeking to get out of it. I recommend focusing on some key categories when deciding on what questions to ask:

1. Understanding the role and industry

2. Assessing fit and interest

3. Exploring growth and opportunities

4. Getting practical advice

Here are some ideas of questions to to guide your conversation:

For Early-Career Professionals:

• What does a typical day in your job look like?

• What skills and experience are most valuable in your field?

• How did you get started, and what advice would you give to someone new?

• What are some common career paths in this industry?

• What do you love most about your job, and what do you wish you could change?

• What challenges do newcomers in the industry often face?

• Are there any specific courses, certifications, or experiences you recommend?

For Exploring a Career Change:

• How can someone transition into this industry, and what challenges could they face?

• What skills from my current career would transfer well into this field?

• What’s the biggest adjustment when switching careers later in life?

• What are the risks and rewards of moving into this industry?

• What realistic steps can I take to transition into this field?

• How does the work-life balance compare to other industries?

Making the Most of the Conversation

Making the most of an informational interview helps you gain insider knowledge, discover hidden opportunities, and expand your network. It’s a chance to learn about industry trends, workplace culture, and key skills from experienced professionals while assessing if a role, organisation or industry aligns with your values and work style. These conversations can uncover unadvertised roles, build confidence, and lead to valuable connections. By approaching them with curiosity and preparation, you can gain clarity on your career path and open doors to new opportunities. You should:

• Be prepared: Research the person and their industry beforehand. Prepare your questions beforehand and take notes.

• Be curious: Keep the conversation natural and engaging.

• Use LinkedIn and your network to stay connected: Engage with their posts and send a thank-you message.

• Follow up: Maintain the relationship and look for future opportunities to learn.

This is a great YouTube video (3 mins) by Stanford Life Design Lab that may also help you conduct an informational interview.

Informational interviews are a low-pressure way to explore new possibilities and refine your career direction. So, reach out, start the conversation, and take control of your career journey today! If you’d like more guidance on how to do this plus a comprehensive list of informational interview questions, please contact me.