The Informational Interview Advantage

Defining the informational interview

Simply put, this type of interview is an opportunity for you to ask the questions. You meet with and get answers from people at the top of your field. Or who have achieved something you desire.

Why should you consider an informational interview?

The value of these interviews is underestimated. In fact, few people even know they can do such a thing. One reason people fail to take advantage of this opportunity to find a new mentor or learn about a field of work is a misconception about leaders. We've been led to think that those in top leadership positions are difficult to meet, somehow untouchable.

That couldn't be further from the truth. Instead, business leaders are constantly on the watch new leaders. They want to find people like themselves with drive and ambition. With goals and a desire to reach the top. If this describes you, consider setting up an informational interview.

Who to interview

If you work in or have an keen interest in a particular field, and desire to be a leader in that field, find someone who already is. It could be the CEO of your company. It could be your supervisor's supervisor.

Don't feel ready to talk to the very top man (or woman)? Then find someone down the ladder a bit. But, make sure you interview someone who has something you would like for yourself. Whether it be wealth, position or some other quality.

At the informational interview

Once you've secured a time and date for the interview, make sure you do everything you can to get the most out of it. This means:

Be punctual.
Being late indicates that you do not respect the other person's time and commitments. That being the case, y our interviewee won't have much respect for your quest for information.

Be professional.
Dress as if you were going to a job interview. Make eye contact, shake hands firmly. Every nuance that belongs at a job interview belongs at an informational one, too.

Be prepared.
Have your key questions ready to go. Don't bumble along making it up as you go. Write down the questions you most want answers for. If the person's answer brings a new question to mind, ask it. But try to stay on track.

Be polite.
At this interview, you are asking the questions, but that does not give you an overly casual relationship with this person. Rather, keep your tone polite and as formal as the other person is comfortable with. If Mr. Smith invites you to call him Joe, call him Joe. Otherwise, call him Mr. Smith.

Be prompt.
No, this is not the same as being punctual. It means that you only take up as much time as you requested. Unless your subject invites you to extend the meeting, if you requested fifteen minutes, be done within fourteen. Like arriving on time and prepared, this shows respect for the interviewee.

After the interview

After the interview, you need to do at least two things.

 First, you need to collect your notes and put them in a format that is useful to you. Maybe as a checklist. Or a file on your computer you can refer to often. The format is up to you. Just don't let this valuable information go to waste.

Even if you felt it was not a good interview, you can learn from it. What didn't you like? Why? Can you avoid this when you are in that person's position? How would you behave differently? In this way, you take everything you can from the experience.

 Second, you need to follow up. Go to the local card shop and buy a sincere, but not cutesy, thank you card. Write a personal note on the inside that makes reference to something in the actual interview. Sign it and mail it. This acknowledgment will make it easier for you to set up later meetings with this person if you choose to do so. Also, it is another sign of your respect.

An informational interview can help you see what it is like to be a leader in your chosen field. It can also help you make connections that can pay off greatly in the future.

Who are you going to interview?