As discussed in my previous blog (Part I), informational interviews are one of the best – and most under-utilized – ways to enhance your knowledge and network in a particular business or leadership area. By seeking ideas from people who are successfully doing what you’d like to do, you’ll gain rich, quality insights that you can’t match with an internet search or motivational speech.
In addition, you strengthen your relationship with your interviewee (or perhaps *create* a relationship, if you’ve never met!) and increase your network in a field that matters to you.
Now that you have prepared for the interview, prioritized your questions, and set up your meetings, here are a few additional tips to ensure terrific results:
Respect her time.
Above all, show the utmost respect for your interviewee. You can demonstrate your appreciation by honoring her time: If you invite her for coffee for 30 minutes, wrap up in 30 minutes. You may not have addressed all your questions, but since you’ve prioritized them, you’ll get what matters most.
Do your homework.
You want to ask relevant questions and get richness that you can’t find elsewhere. Therefore, you need to do your homework on your interviewee before you meet. Don’t ask a question like, “How long have you worked at ABC Company?” if you can easily find that information on LinkedIn. Use your time wisely (and again, respect your interviewee’s time) by asking specific, unique questions.
Ask permission to take notes.
I strongly encourage you to take notes so you capture key points in the moment, but you definitely want to get their approval first. Let them know your notes are for you only and keep that promise.
Thank them!
Thank everyone for their time – even if it was only the initial telephone call where someone said, “Sorry, but no.” For those who meet with you, either by telephone or over coffee, follow up with a handwritten thank you.
For an added touch, periodically keep your interviewee posted on your success. For example, if you meet with your interviewee because you’re considering starting a business, then 3 months later you do, let him know. Consider how wonderful it would feel to receive a note saying, “I just wanted to let you know that, in part because of our conversation, I’ve decided to do what I love!”
Remember, you can employ informational interviews for a whole host of reasons: to learn about a specific field or industry, to gain tips for making a career change, to begin building relationships within a company, or even to find a leadership mentor. Your interviews will benefit you for years to come, so take the necessary steps to ensure they benefit those with whom you’re meeting, too!
What is your experience with informational interviews? What tips would you add? Feel free to comment below or on Facebook or Twitter!
Dr. Christi Hegstad helps you successfully do what you love! As President of MAP Professional Development Inc., she coaches business owners and leaders to get unstuck and reach meaningful results with clarity, confidence, and meaningful action. Learn more at www.meaning-and-purpose.com and follow Dr. Christi on Facebook and Twitter.