Using Informational Interviews to Advance Your Career

Sergey Nivens/123RF.com

So you decide that it is time to take the next step in your career and perhaps expand your professional network or learn more about the experiences of others. You may think to yourself, “How can I do both of these things while continuing to improve my job prospects at the same time?” The most effective way to manage this situation is to seek out an informational interview. An informational interview is a great way to make a solid connection with other professionals and like-minded individuals while letting others know that you are looking for your next opportunity. It is also an excellent way to say that you are looking to move your career to the next step without coming on too strong.

Ideally, informational interviews are a great resource that allows individuals to connect with professionals in an attempt to gain a new understanding and to acquire information about a specific field or company while expanding your network. With the healthcare industry being so diverse, an informational interview can help you make informed decisions while moving your career to the next level.

When it comes to the healthcare industry, constant professional and personal growth is paramount for a successful career. There are a number of steps you need to consider when beginning your search while keeping your objective in mind. First, let’s begin with the objectives of an informational interview, then move on to the steps needed to successfully obtain an informational interview.

Understanding of other people’s experiences – While the informational interview is about you and your career progression, it should also be seen as an advantage for the person you are meeting. When people accept your request for an informational interview, it is because they felt a connection when you initially contacted them. These opportunities can help you work through a crossroads in your career while helping you to learn about other peoples' experiences. Always prepare an objective, such as getting a new job, growing your network, or finding out more about your ideal career.

Learning new strategies - When you are doing an informational interview, you have the opportunity to ask questions that you would not normally have the opportunity to inquire about in your everyday working life. Use your time before the interview to research the person you are meeting, have questions prepared to ask your prospect so you can gather information about what the field is like and how they have progressed through their career. Finally, ask for advice specific to your situation.

Once you understand what it is that you want to gain from an informational interview, you can then begin to plan your course of action. When choosing whom you want to meet for an informational interview, you should thoroughly research your prospects and have a clear understanding as to what they can offer you and vice versa. Let’s take a look at some of the steps you should follow during the informational interview process.

1. Profile – The first thing you want to do is determine the profile of the ideal person with whom you want to meet. Things to consider are the company, credentials, career stage, occupation, and past work history. Once you have this in mind, move on to determine the person with whom you want to connect.
2. Connecting with your prospect – When connecting with your prospects, you want to ensure that you have a set strategy for connecting with them. When contacting your prospect, ensure that you have an engaging message that not only shows the reader a genuine interest in him/her but also thanks him/her for taking the time to read your message.

An example message could be:

Hello “(Reader’s Name)”,

Thank you for taking the time to read my email.

I thought you would be an excellent person to ask questions about (insert field of work or company name), since you are an expert in your field of work and have a very exciting career. I am (provide a little bit of information about yourself here - maximum of two lines). I am currently trying to learn more about your (industry/company/field), and I would love to set up a chance to connect with you to discuss this in more detail. In connecting with you, I would like to learn more about (insert objective here). Please feel free to get back to me at your earliest convenience with your preferred communication method.  If you would like, I could also provide you with my LinkedIn profile or resume/CV for more information about me.

I look forward to hearing from you and once again, thanks for taking the time to connect with me.

Regards,
(Your Name)

3. Preparing for the interview – Once you have the interview, you then need to have questions prepared. Common questions should be about the person's work history, what is it like to work in the company, discuss the company or sector in general, and what the future of the industry/company looks like. Remember, you are going in there to make a connection as well as to gain a stronger understanding of a prospective company or industry.
4. Follow up – When the interview is over, be sure to send a thank you letter to show your appreciation. This letter would be less formal and should mention something that you learned during the conversation, along with an invitation to keep in touch.