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Informational Interviews (TIPS
(#2, 4 and 7 are most important) (Keep…
Informational Interviews
Essential to helping you find out more about the type of industry, company, or role you’re interested in.
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TIPS
(#2, 4 and 7 are most important)
- Keep introductions short
In 3 minutes MAX: here's my background, here's what I'm thinking, here's what I need your input and feedback on.
- Clearly Identify your areas of need
- Why are you speaking to this person, what kind of information or insights do you want from them, what advice do you need, which of their contacts do you want to connect with?
- BE SURE to mention that you're not looking to grow, 'It's time for me to move from Mobisol; I've helped grow the customer fin. department from a team of 5 to 70+, establishing the systems and processes, managing, etc. This was similar to my work in Afghanistan as well, so I have a solid foundation there. And now I'm looking to build on that, exploring opportunities in the XYZ space.
- Set the tone
- Smile and be positive
- Establish that you're in an explorative phase and plan on speaking with industry experts, so they know that you're asking for information AND contacts.
- Also, be natural, set it up as a two-way conversation; you are peers.
- Think like a journalist
- Be prepared; read about the person you're speaking to, their company/ work
- Have a few questions about them: How do you get into this line of work? What do you enjoy/ not enjoy about it?
- Have a few questions about the sector: What's changing in the sector? What are the biggest gaps or opportunities that will become significant in the next 5 years?
- Have a few questions about the expertise that will be needed: What kids of programs/ approaches are currently working? What kinds of people will do well in the industry?
- Test your hypothesis
- What are some of the things you wish you knew when you got started?
- Based on what you know about my background and experience, where do you think I can add the most value, and also grow in my career? ...how do you think I should position myself?
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- Always ask/ lead to referrals.
One of the outputs of this conversation should be her introducing you to other industry experts for advice in one of the topics you're interested in. Don't be pushy, something like,
- "I was wondering if you might know anyone in the XYZ industry/ company that might be willing to connect with me — I've very interested in learning about their ABC possibilities/ impact?", or
- "During our conversation, did you think of any other industry professionals or organizations that you think would be useful for me to connect with?"
- Be grateful; follow up with an email.
Potential Questions
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Business
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What is it like working for a __ company in this space? / What's the best part about the role/ position of ___ company/ your role in this space?
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