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Informational Interview Technique

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1 månader
Tid att lära sig
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Svårighetsgrad
12
Karriärer
I korthet

Informational interviews are conversations with people working in roles/industries you're interested in. You ask open questions, listen, and build relationships. Mastery takes 2-3 weeks of practice. You earn 15-25% advantage in career transitions (info interviews reveal job realities, insider paths, hiring managers who might hire you). It's rare because most job seekers skip it (jump to applications) and miss the 'hidden job market' (50% of hires happen through relationships, not job boards).

Vad är Informational Interview Technique

An informational interview is a structured conversation with someone working in a role or industry you're interested in. You ask open questions about their job, how they got there, what they like/dislike, and what advice they'd give. The goal is insight, relationships, and understanding if a path is right for you, not pitching yourself for a job. It's research, not job hunting. But paradoxically, many job offers come from informational interviews.

🔧 VERKTYG & EKOSYSTEM
LinkedInEmail outreach templatesNote-taking systemCalendarFollow-up tracking

📋 Innan du börjar

Communication

💰 Lön per region

OmrådeNybörjareMidErfaren
USA$50k$85k$130k
UK£30k£52k£80k
EU€35k€60k€90k
CANADAC$48kC$82kC$125k

⚖ Jämför med

Communication

❓ Vanliga frågor

What's the difference between an informational interview and a job interview?
Informational: you're learning about their job/industry, not applying. Goal: insight, connection. Job interview: they're evaluating you for a role. Goal: hire you. Informational interviews are low-pressure, exploratory. Treat them as research, not sales.
How do I approach someone I don't know?
LinkedIn message (mention mutual connection or their work): 'I admire your work in [specific thing]. I'm exploring [field] and would love 20 minutes of your time to learn about your path.' Most say yes (5-10% response rate is normal, expected). Cold email is harder; LinkedIn is easier.
What if they offer me a job during the informational interview?
Say yes! You weren't expecting it, but if they're offering, they see potential. Don't feel obligated to accept, but take the conversation seriously. Some best jobs come from casual conversations, not job postings.
How many informational interviews should I do?
3-5 for a field you want to explore. 10-15 if considering a major career change. Each interview reveals something new. After 10, you'll see patterns and have enough insight to decide. Quality > quantity (one deep conversation > five surface ones).
What if the person is too busy to meet?
Respect their time. Suggest 15 min call (vs 30 min coffee). Or email exchange. Many busy people prefer async. You're asking for their help; accept whatever they offer.
Should I ask for job leads during the informational interview?
Only after you've genuinely learned. End with: 'Do you know anyone else in [field] I should talk to?' Most will suggest 1-2 people. That's warm introduction > cold outreach.

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