INFORMATIONAL INTERVIEWS ARE YOUR GOLDEN PATHWAY TO CAREER SUCCESS

INTRODUCTION:

Have you considered using an informational interview to boost your job search and career advancement goals? If you haven’t done so, don’t overlook the positive impact that it could have on your job search and career advancement efforts.

WHAT IS AN INFORMATIONAL INTERVIEW?

An informational interview is a meeting that gives you access to seasoned professionals who already work in your chosen field of expertise. You ask them questions about their career. The questions can include inquiries about how they became interested in the career field? What was their first position in the area of expertise? What do they enjoy most about their job and career? What would they do differently during their career to advance their career more quickly? What did they learn about their career field that they did not know before they started working in the field? What would they advise you to do, or to not do, for your career success?

As we all know, knowledge, when used correctly, is positive power. So, the knowledge that you gain from an informational interview is truly golden.

Five Advantages Gained from Informational Interviews

Five career changing advantages that you can get by taking advantage of this awesome resource include:

1. Gaining Insider Knowledge

Informational interviews provide you with a unique opportunity to learn about your industry, company, career field, or role of choice, from someone who is already in the field. This insider knowledge can help you understand the day-to-day realities of the job, the skills required, and the challenges you might face. This information is invaluable to a person who is new to the field or who wants to land their first job in the field. It can also help you to tailor your resume and prepare for job interviews even better.

2. Expand Your Network

Building a professional network is crucial for any job seeker. So, the targeted connections that Informational interviews allow you to make can grow your network in big ways. You’ll be in contact with professionals who can offer advice, mentorship, and potentially even job leads. I’m sure you heard the saying, “It’s not what you know, but who you know.” Well, these curated connections can possibly open doors to opportunities that you might not find through traditional job search methods.

3. Refine Your Career Goals

Talking to professionals in your desired field can help you clarify your career goals. You can learn about different career paths, the potential for growth, and what it takes to succeed. This can help you make more informed decisions about your career direction and ensure that you are pursuing a path that aligns with your interests and strengths. It might also help you to avoid or navigate some career pitfalls that those before you may have encountered.  It might even help you decide if your current field of expertise is right for you.

4. Improve Your Interview Skills

Informational interviews are a low-pressure way to practice your interviewing skills. You can learn how to ask insightful questions, engage in professional conversations, and present yourself confidently. This practice can be incredibly beneficial when you face formal job interviews, as you’ll be more comfortable and prepared. If your informational interviews are recorded, you’ll also come away with better on-camera skills. It can be your pathway to greater public presence.

5. Discover Hidden Opportunities

Many job openings are not advertised publicly and are filled through networking and referrals. By conducting informational interviews, you could learn about some hidden opportunities. Because the professionals you speak with might know of upcoming openings, they may refer you to hiring managers. This will give you a significant advantage over your competition.

Conclusion

Informational interviews are a strategic way to gather information, build relationships, and position yourself for success in your job search. So, don’t underestimate its power.

I’m on a mission to help you live your best career life. So, if you’ve gotten value from this content, please like, share, and subscribe. That will help me to reach more people. If you’d like to work more closely with me, check out the links below.

Remember to visit often and join me for my Friday morning lives on YouTube (@hrbynnamtique167), where we’ll discuss another career-impacting topic of interest. Until next time…Career Success to You!

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