Etiquette and best practices for conducting informational interviews

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Approaching informational interviews with the right mindset can help you make genuine (online) connections and gain valuable insights.

Here are some key best practices to keep in mind:

Focus on mutual value: Think about how you can contribute to the conversation. Share relevant articles, ideas, or connections that might be of interest to them. This shows that you are thinking beyond your own benefit.
**Instead of relying solely on traditional questions, ask them for advice they wish they had received or lessons learned from unexpected experiences. This can reveal unique and valuable insights.
Listen more than you talk: Treat the conversation as a learning opportunity. Prioritize their stories and insights before sharing your own, showing that you are genuinely interested in their point of view.
Use open-ended questions: Ask your questions in a way that encourages detailed responses, rather australia whatsapp number data than simple yes or no answers. This enriches the information and prompts the interviewee to share his or her experiences.
Pro Tip: Ask how to spot red flags in job interviews ? Here are some strategies to follow:

Look for vague or contradictory answers about the company culture
Beware of negative language when talking about previous employees or projects
Notice if they avoid answering questions directly
See if they are reluctant to talk about career growth opportunities
Notice if they have unprofessional behavior or poor communication skills during the interview
How to end the interview gracefull
Concluding an informational interview smoothly is just as important as starting it.

Here's how to leave a positive impression:

Confirm their follow-up preference: Ask them if they prefer to be contacted by email or LinkedIn, indicating that you respect their communication preferences
Express genuine gratitude: Thank them for their time and insights, highlighting a specific point or something that caught your attention.
**Offer to reciprocate: Mention that you would be happy to share with them any relevant industry information or resources that might be helpful to them.
End with a compliment: End with a genuine compliment about their work or career, showing that you appreciate their experience.
Learn more: 10 Career Map Templates to Boost Your Team's Growth Trajectory