Best Practices for Preparing for Informative Interviews

In their simplest form, informational interviews are about gathering information about the interviewee, their job, and the company they work for. The goal often extends to sharing information about yourself, with the hope of finding a potential role within the organization.

Strategies for Effective Preparation

The best preparation for an informational interview is a combination of thorough research and thoughtful questioning.

Deep Research

Begin by researching the individual and the company. Understanding their background, the company's culture, recent projects, and overall mission can give you a solid foundation for your questions and discussion.

Investigate Career Paths: Look into different career paths within the company to understand the progression and requirements. Study Company History: Research the company's history and evolution to gain insights into its current direction. Review Recent Achievements: Familiarize yourself with recent projects or milestones that the company has achieved.

Generating Specific Questions

Based on your research, develop specific questions that target the information you need.

Company Culture: What is the company culture like, and how does it support innovation and growth? Career Advancement: How does the company support career advancement and professional development? Job Requirements: What are the key skills and qualifications needed for the role you are interested in? Industry Trends: What are the current trends and challenges in the industry that the company is addressing? Professional Networking: How does the company foster networking and collaboration among its employees?

Be Ready for the Unexpected

Informational interviews can be unpredictable. Be prepared for the interview to schedule changes, the format of the meeting, and the people you might meet.

Meeting Flexibility

Be open to a variety of meeting formats:

Office Visit: Sit in the person's office for a discussion. Company Tour: If possible, request a tour of the office or facilities. Meet-Up: Consider meeting for lunch or coffee to make the conversation more relaxed. Multiple Meetings: You might meet with one person or a few, so be flexible.

Scheduling

Block off a specific time for the interview and ensure that your interviewer is aware of your availability. If you have time restrictions, communicate them clearly to avoid scheduling conflicts.

Developing a Compelling Pitch

One effective way to prepare for an informational interview is to record and refine your pitch. This can help you clearly communicate your skills, unique selling points, and market fit.

Refining Your Message

Be prepared to be critical of your own pitch. Work on covering the following aspects:

Your Strengths: Highlight what you can do and differentiate yourself from others. Your Market: Explain how your skills and experience align with current market needs. Your Track Record: Share any relevant achievements or experiences that demonstrate your capabilities.

Research First

Before crafting your pitch, conduct extensive research. This can include:

Industry Analysis: Understand current trends and challenges in the industry where the company operates. Company Background: Dive into the company's history and recent projects. Career Transitions: If you are transitioning into the role, research successful career moves within the company.

Securing a Footing

Be cautious when entering a new role or industry. Do not rush into high-level positions; start at a lower level and work your way up.

Conclusion: Preparing for informational interviews requires a blend of research, clear communication, and flexibility. By mastering these strategies, you can significantly enhance your chances of success in your professional pursuits.