Over the past month, we’ve been supporting you in your post layoff world with these posts:

Now that you’ve identified your criteria, and the stories you want to tell (verbally and in writing), it’s important to spread the word about it to your network!

As you’ve been going through this process, what are the ideas you’ve had about what or where you’d like to go next?

Think about people you may know who are doing work you’re interested in or who are at companies/industries you like. Reach out and consider doing some informational interviews.

Informational interviews are a way of gathering additional information about potential roles, industries, and even specific companies that you might be interested in.

The people you meet with will be providing you knowledge and guidance about their experiences—not jobs they may have available. You’re not asking them for a job, you’re getting curious about them, their work, or who they know.

Here are some of our suggestions for adding in some informational interviews to your job search:

1. Create a list.

  • Think about the people who you’re connected to who have wisdom to share and are involved in fields or organizations that interest you.
  • Consider adding in other people you know who could be good brokers for you. Brokers are people who are well connected and while they may not have the direct experience or knowledge you’re looking for, they likely have people they can connect you to.

2. Ask to connect.

  • Give them a sentence or two of detail about the skills you want to use, type of company that would be a great fit, or industry you’re interested in.
  • Remember, you’re not asking them for a job, you’re getting curious about them, their work, or who they know.
  • Example: I’ve been doing some career strategy thinking and getting clear about the work I love/type of company where I thrive. I’d love to meet with you to get your insight and wisdom about XYZ type of work/company. Would you be open to grabbing 30 minutes? Thanks in advance for your time.

3. Connect.

  • When you meet with them, be sure to thank them before the meeting starts and after it ends.
  • Reiterate why you want to meet.
  • Come prepared to ask a few questions that could help you get a better idea of whether this could be a fulfilling path for you. Some examples are:
    • What has your career journey looked like?
    • What are some things you like best about your work (or working for this company)? What would you change if you could?
    • What do you think are the most important skills or competencies to be successful in your field (or this company)?
    • What kind of experience (paid or unpaid), would you encourage for someone pursuing a career in this field (or industry)?
    • Do you have any recommendations for other people I should talk to?

4. Follow-up.

  • Write a brief thank-you note email, immediately. If you really want to stand out, consider sending a note in the mail as well.
  • Give specific positive feedback about your encounter (learnings, insights, takeaways, and new contacts, etc.).

NOTE: We recommend creating a spreadsheet at the beginning of this process so that you can keep track of your connections, meetings, follow-up items, and other notes.

Consider crafting a few different scripts, depending on who you’re talking to and the information you’re trying to gain. Then, practice with a close friend or colleague so that you can conduct yourself with a sense of curiosity and openness in your meetings.

We know we’ve already mentioned this a couple of times but feel it’s important enough to say again. You’re not actually asking for a job in your informational interview.

Think of this as a fact-finding mission
as well as practice runs
for talking about the work you’d love to do
and the environment where you thrive.

We’ve found that clients are more effective in their job search, and tend to find more fulfilling work, when they start connecting with other people for informational interviews.

Try it out and let us know how it goes!

Whether you’re out of work because you needed to do so for your mental or physical health or you’ve been let go (for whatever reason) . . . it’s a difficult space to be in. AND, we know that hiring a career coach can be challenging on a tight budget.

To support you, we’ve put together various options, in hopes of fitting your needs.

Please contact us today if you’re interested in learning more about any of our free or paid options:

Stay tuned for our post next week when we’ll provide you with some guidance on growing your network.

If you’d like support
with next steps in your career,
contact us today.