How can informational interview help?

Informational interviews are separate to job interviews.

But you can convert them into finding a job interview. Here is how:

It’s a form of interview that you have with an industry professional within or outside your network to learn about the kinds of roles that you are interested in, the industry trends and also learn about their experience. It’s a real-life opportunity to learn from people who are way ahead in the career ladder than you are.

To set up an interview there are lots of ways, if you know someone within your network, you can ask for an introduction. Or you can go the colder way of looking up people on LinkedIn and asking for one. Lots of ways to set this up. Please note: do not ask for a job. It gets uncomfortable, you are here to learn about the role and their experience.

You need to introduce yourself and have a discussion with them about the best way to have a conversation.

I remember my first informational interview and I learned so much about the marketing industry of New Zealand. My interviewer helped me find out some great resources  including articles and websites that can support me. She mentioned about the certificates that are trending in the market and how to complete them. In the end I asked her , who else does she know would be willing to do the same thing she did so that I can learn more? She introduced me to her contact. This is how you meet new people and learn deeper.

I know it is hard and dispiriting sometimes but keep it up you will get there. Working out what you need by the way of support. This activity alone will allow you to expand more than just thinking about work. It will help with your own personal development, emotional intelligence development and managing things like anxiety, inner critic and self sabotage. Nothing like personal experience to understand what it is. Nothing ventured, nothing gained.

As international students — once we move to New Zealand, we immediately go into survival mode. We stop taking risks. We have to go out there and take risks. You will have some good times and you have some lessons learned.

In summary informational interview is a chance to talk about your own journey and also learn about other professional’s journey. It is research about the companies that you have worked for and they have worked for. How do professionals who are senior than us change careers and explore the kind of work that you are interested in. Good luck!