Unlocking Opportunities: Informational Interviews

Read time: 4 minutes

Imagine landing a job even when there aren't any open positions. Sounds unlikely, right? Yet, that's the power of informational interviews.

You see, great talent doesn't go unnoticed. Even if a company isn’t actively hiring, a manager can create a position for someone they see as valuable.

If a manager can’t hire you directly, they might refer you to others who can. Plus, internal referrals often come with incentives, making them even more willing to help. So how do you leverage these interviews effectively?

Preparation is Key

Treat an informational interview with the same seriousness as a formal one. Here’s a simple approach:

1. Be respectful: Acknowledge the time and effort of the person you're meeting. They're going out of their way to help you.

2. Learn: Start by giving a quick overview of yourself and your career goals. Then ask questions. Soak in as much information as possible about the company, its culture, and the industry.

3. Network: Aim to leave with at least one new contact. This way, you can continue expanding your professional network.

How to find and set up an Informational Interview

Identify target companies - Make a list of companies you’d like to work for and search for your potential manager on LinkedIn.

Send a message - Reach out to them using this template:

Hi [Manager's Name], pleased to meet you virtually. I’ve sent a connection request. Keenly interested in learning about your [industry] experiences and your journey to [Company Name]. Looking forward to hopefully chatting soon (max 30 min). Let me know if possible.

Best regards,

[Your Name]

Follow-up email: Once they accept your connection request, send this:

Thank you for responding, [Manager's Name]. I’d be glad to set up a 30-minute Google Meet to chat. Could you please share your email address and a suitable date and time so I can schedule it at a convenient time for you? Alternatively, you can reach me on [number or email]. Looking forward to our conversation.

Questions for Guidance

Here’s a list of questions you can ask during the interview to guide the conversation:

• Can you describe your role and its key responsibilities?

• What skills or qualifications have been most valuable in your career?

• How did you navigate your path to this position?

• What trends do you see shaping this industry in the near future?

• What do you enjoy most about working at this company?

• What challenges do you face in your role, and how do you overcome them?

• How does the company support professional growth and development?

• Do you have any advice for someone starting out or advancing in this field?

In essence, informational interviews are more than just conversations—they're opportunities.

So, prepare, engage, and explore the untapped job market that awaits.

Have a great week ahead.

Keith