Informational Interviews

Career changes is one of the options available for job seekers. If you have invested years in your current profession and the jobs seem to be dried up, consider what else you can do. You are not stuck, and you are not a victim of the foolishness happening in the market. Evaluate what else you could potential do and use your network to help set up Informational Interviews.

The purpose of the Informational Interviews is to conduct research before you jump into another job, in a new industry you have never worked. You are an information gatherer, so that you can determine if you want to make a career change to the new industry. Make sure that you set up your Informational Interview with seasoned professionals from the industry or business you are exploring. Your preparation prior to the meeting is critical. Make sure you use your time wisely. No more than an hour should be spent asking questions. Make sure contact you are meeting with understands your purpose for meeting. You are not asking for a job. Prepare a minimum of 10 questions, no more than 15.

Here are some things to keep in mind as your prepare for your Informational Interview:

1. Learn how the person got into the business

2. Ask what the person enjoys about what they do, and what they don’t enjoy and why

3. Ask about their greatest challenge

4. Ask about skills and abilities needed to be successful in the industry

5. Ask about current job opportunities in the industry for someone who has your skill set – transferable skills

6. Ask about professional organizations for people in the industry

7. Ask about the future of the industry

8. Ask about minimum requirements for entering the industry

9. Ask about books, magazines or journals you could read to learn more about the industry

10. Ask for any additional information they believe you should know before making a decision to change careers

Make sure you thank the contact for taking time to answer your questions. Thank you notes are still critical for you to include while in your job search. Handwritten thank you notes are still the best, however email thank you notes are effective and acceptable.

Image Credit: sxc.hu