Here's how you can build connections and gain insights in your industry through informational interviews.

Craft questions that delve beyond basic information. Inquire about industry trends, challenges, and the interviewee's perspective on future developments.

Prepare well for informational interviews by researching the interviewee's background, crafting thoughtful questions, and understanding industry trends. This demonstrates respect for their time and maximizes the value of the conversation, helping you gain deeper insights and build meaningful connections.

Here are some tips: 1. Reach out to professionals 2. Focus on the interviewee 3. Expand your network 4. Get unfiltered information about the realities of specific careers, companies, and the industry as a whole 5. Uncover hidden paths 6. Learn valuable advice on how to prepare for your target career

Anticipate follow-up questions based on the initial responses you might receive during the interview. This demonstrates proactive thinking and genuine interest in delving deeper into the subject matter.

Make contact by reaching out via email or LinkedIn with a concise, respectful message. Introduce yourself, explain your interest in their work, and request a brief informational interview. Express gratitude for their time and be clear about the insights you're seeking, showing professionalism and genuine curiosity.

I prefer to focus on "Intentional" listening. Every time I engage with another human, my attention is entirely on THEM. My intention is to put myself in their shoes if possible, checking if "I get them" with reference to my relatable experience if appropriate.

As you engage in the conversation, seek practical examples or case studies that illustrate the concepts discussed. Understanding real-world applications can provide clarity and enrich your learning experience.

Listen actively during informational interviews by giving full attention, asking follow-up questions, and summarizing key points. This shows respect, helps you gain valuable insights, and demonstrates genuine interest in the interviewee's experiences and advice.

Follow up after the informational interview with a thank-you email, expressing appreciation. This reinforces the connection, shows professionalism, and keeps the door open for future interactions and potential opportunities.

When starting informational interviews, it can be challenging to know what value you can offer, especially as a junior professional. However, sharing knowledge on a subject you're passionate about, and receiving an enthusiastic response, can be emotionally rewarding in itself for both parties. Additionally, you can offer value by creating content such as a blog shared on LinkedIn or a post summarizing your learnings from the interview. This not only showcases their expertise but also reciprocates their time and insights. It positions them as an expert and demonstrates your appreciation for their expertise, fostering a mutually beneficial professional relationship.

Be okay with people who are non-reciprocal with opportunities. There are plenty of other people wiling to help you build out your generosity.

This is an instance whereby an expert or professional in similar field is interviewed. This therefore presents the opportunity ask all questions relevant to the field to showcase how well you are exploring and ready to contribute in that field. This will in turn create a connection by consistently reaching out to the person for further assistance.

I think informational interviews are an underutilized resource, especially in full remote or hybrid organizations. I worked for a team that made informational interview mandatory but covered the cost of lunch so the two coworkers could go offsite for their conversation and provided resources for the actual interview itself. This model was successful had the added benefit of connecting team member's across all different divisions on a deeper level.