Ready to embark on an exciting new career journey? Informational interviews can be your secret weapon to explore new roles, and work environments, and build a professional network that will help you succeed. Even if you find networking challenging as an introvert, you can still leverage these conversations to your advantage.
Talk with professionals, hear their stories, and gain insights into their backgrounds, experiences, and credentials. Discover what they love about their jobs and the challenges they face.
What is an Informational Interview?
Informational interviews are casual conversations with professionals in your field of interest. They provide an insider's perspective, helping you gain valuable insights into industries and roles that you are considering.
You're not just asking questions; you're learning from experienced professionals and discovering how to break into your chosen field.
Make the most of informational interviews
When you request an informational interview, let the person know that you admire and respect their career path and would love to ask a few questions to guide your career decisions. Most people enjoy sharing their experiences and offering advice. They'll appreciate your interest and be glad to help.
Here are some sample questions to ask during an informational interview:
How do you spend your time at work?
What do you enjoy most about your job?
What challenges do you face in your role?
What’s it like to work for this company/organization?
What experiences best prepared you for your current position?
Which trade or professional associations are most beneficial?
How do you see the future of this industry?
Who are your professional heroes?
What changes have you witnessed throughout your career?
These conversations can provide valuable insights and help you expand your professional network. For instance, one of our clients transitioned from retail sales to museum exhibition planning by connecting with 30 professionals in his new field, including a Director at the Art Institute of Chicago.
How did he set up these conversations? He requested information and advice by sending gracious, concise, and complimentary emails. People were happy to help him, remembering the support they received when they started their careers. He maintained contact with everyone, nurturing these trusted and respectful relationships. He learned about and interviewed for a job before it was posted, which led to a job offer. He couldn't be happier.
Related: Unlock the Hidden Job Market
3 Ways for Introverts to Approach Informational Interviews with Ease
1. Balance Preparedness with Flexibility
Do your homework before the interview. Learn as much as you can about the industry, company, and person you’ll be speaking with so you can ask targeted, informed questions. To show respect for the other person's time, you’ll want to avoid asking questions that could be answered through a quick LinkedIn search or a Google query.
Don’t use your questions as a rigid script and be open to discovering new information. Let the conversation flow naturally and follow where it leads.
2. Relax
It’s natural to feel uneasy about taking up someone's time, but most people enjoy sharing their experiences, especially when it helps someone learn about a career, role, or company.
Think about ways to relax before the informational interview, such as deep breathing exercises, a quick walk, or playing with your pet. Engaging in these activities 15 minutes before the conversation can help you unwind. Remember, the goal is to build a genuine professional relationship.
Some people also find that Amy Cuddy's "power pose" in her TED talk helps build their confidence and increases their chances of success.
Keep the goal of the conversation in mind: to build a trusting professional relationship. You're not asking for job leads but seeking advice, information, and referrals. Focus on listening and learning. Make a genuine connection with another person. You might work together someday; you never know what the future holds!
3. Build Your Extrovert Muscle
Related: Let Your Natural Abilities Lead the Way
Informational interviews may feel awkward initially, but practice will help you be more comfortable. Incorporate self-management strategies, such as not scheduling back-to-back meetings, to allow time to recharge. Use this opportunity to enhance your people skills, and you'll find that stepping out of your comfort zone can lead to new experiences and relationships.
Why Informational Interviews are Worth the Effort
Despite the challenges, informational interviews are a valuable tool for career exploration and networking. They provide a platform for genuine connections and insights that can guide your career decisions.
One of our clients, a veterinary technician, is considering a career change. As an introvert, she prefers working behind the scenes, providing support to patients who need special attention, such as post-surgical care, rather than interacting with their human owners. She overcame her initial nervousness and found the courage to reach out to a few individuals at a local university to learn about their roles and experiences. She talked with three people, one of whom even joined her for lunch. This led to enriching conversations and new opportunities. When I asked her what advice she would give someone hesitant about reaching out, she said, "Just do it. You will learn so much!"
Taking the Next Step
Remember, landing your dream job is a numbers game. The more people you know, the wider the net you cast. One of the most important questions you can ask at the end of an informational interview is, “Can you think of anyone else I should talk to?” This keeps the momentum going and expands your connections.
Related post: Embracing Change: How to Navigate Career Transitions
Why do Introverts Find Informational Interviews Challenging?
Introverts are individuals who gain energy from spending time alone or in small, intimate groups rather than large social gatherings. They are not necessarily shy or quiet but prefer to think before they speak and enjoy deep, meaningful conversations.
In contrast to extroverts who thrive on social interactions and easily fill awkward pauses, introverts are more reserved and thoughtful, making them excellent listeners and observers.
These traits can be advantageous in networking and informational interviews, as they allow introverts to build genuine connections and ask insightful, well-researched questions. For these reasons, introverts can learn to manage—even enjoy—career research conversations.
Read The New York Times #1 Bestseller: QUIET: The Power of Introverts in a World That Can’t Stop Talking
Final Thoughts
Informational interviews are a powerful way to explore career options and build a professional network, even for introverts. By preparing, relaxing, and practicing, you can turn these conversations into valuable learning experiences. Ready to start your journey? Schedule your free consultation, and let us help you reach your career goals!
We're here to support you on the path to a new and fulfilling career!
All the best,
The Life Working® Writing and Career Coaching Team