What do you do if you want to expand your network in problem-solving careers using informational interviews?

1 Define Goals

Before diving into informational interviews, it's crucial to have a clear understanding of what you hope to achieve. Define your goals by considering what aspects of the problem-solving industry you're interested in and what kind of information would be most beneficial to your career development. Are you looking to learn about specific roles, companies, or industry trends? Or are you seeking advice on career advancement? Knowing your objectives will help you identify the right people to reach out to and formulate questions that are aligned with your career aspirations.

2 Research Contacts

Once your goals are set, the next step is to identify professionals who can provide the insights you're seeking. Research potential contacts through LinkedIn, industry forums, or professional associations related to problem-solving careers. Look for individuals with experience in areas you're interested in or those who hold positions you aspire to attain. Reach out to them with a personalized message explaining your interest in their work and requesting a brief informational interview. Remember to be respectful of their time and express genuine curiosity about their career journey.

3 Prepare Questions

Preparation is key to a successful informational interview. Craft a list of thoughtful questions that reflect your interest in the problem-solving field and demonstrate that you've done your homework. Inquire about their career path, the challenges they face in their role, and the skills they find most valuable. Avoid questions that can easily be answered through a quick online search. Instead, focus on gaining deeper insights that can only come from personal experience. Your preparedness will not only help you get the most out of the conversation but also leave a positive impression.

4 Conduct Interviews

When conducting informational interviews, be professional, punctual, and respectful of the interviewee's time. Start by expressing appreciation for the opportunity to speak with them and briefly introduce your background and interests in problem-solving careers. Engage in a genuine conversation, actively listen to their responses, and be open to any advice or perspectives they offer. Remember, the goal is not to ask for a job but to learn and build a connection that could potentially lead to future opportunities.

5 Follow Up

After the interview, it's important to follow up with a thank you note expressing gratitude for their time and the information shared. This not only shows your appreciation but also helps to solidify the relationship you've begun to build. Keep the note concise and personalized, highlighting any particular advice or insight that was especially helpful. Additionally, suggest keeping in touch and offer to reciprocate the favor should they ever need information or assistance in your area of expertise.

6 Expand Network

Leveraging the connections made through informational interviews can significantly expand your network within problem-solving careers. Stay engaged with your new contacts by periodically updating them on your career progress and sharing relevant articles or events that might interest them. This ongoing communication keeps you top-of-mind and can lead to introductions to other professionals, recommendations, or even job leads. Remember that networking is a two-way street; always look for ways to provide value to your contacts as well.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?