If you are wondering, “Are informational interviews worthwhile?” you are probably like most of us – busy, over-extended and (let’s be honest) tired. You might be thinking that a meeting that may or may not lead to career advancement is a waste of time. But that is where you are wrong.
In the ever-evolving world of technology, staying ahead of the curve isn’t just about keeping up with the latest programming languages or frameworks. It’s also about understanding the industry landscape, uncovering hidden opportunities, and building a robust professional network.
This is what makes informational interviews worthwhile. Let’s dive deep into why these conversations can be a game-changer for tech professionals like you.
What Exactly is an Informational Interview?
Before we explore what makes information interviews worthwhile, let’s clarify what we’re talking about.
An informational interview is an informal conversation with someone working in a role, company, or industry you’re interested in. To be clear, this is not a job interview – you’re not there to ask for a job. Instead, you’re there to gather insights, advice, and information that can help guide your career decisions.
The Power of Inside Knowledge
As a tech professional, an informational interview can provide you with invaluable insider perspectives on the tech industry and potential employers. Here’s how:
Gaining Industry Insights
When you’re browsing job boards or company websites, you’re only seeing the tip of the iceberg. One of the things that makes informational interviews worthwhile is that they allow you to dive beneath the surface. You get to hear about the day-to-day realities of working in a particular role or company. This insider knowledge is invaluable when you’re trying to decide your next career move.
For instance, you might learn that a certain company is about to launch a new AI division or that a particular role involves more project management than you initially thought.
These invaluable insights can help you tailor your skills and job search strategy more effectively.
Understanding Company Culture
Every tech company has its own unique culture.
While you can get a sense of this from their website or social media, nothing beats hearing it straight from someone who works there. During an informational interview, you can ask questions about work-life balance, team dynamics, and company values.
This information can help you determine if a company would be a good fit for you before you even apply.
Expanding Your Professional Network
Next, informational interviews can help you build meaningful connections and uncover hidden job opportunities in the tech world.
Building Meaningful Connections
Ever heard the expression, “It’s not what you know, it’s who you know”? Informational interviews provide a low-pressure way to build your professional network.
You’re not asking for a job, so the person you’re talking to is likely to be more open and relaxed. This can lead to more genuine conversations and long-lasting professional relationships.
Opening Doors to Hidden Opportunities
Many tech jobs are not posted on job boards. They’re filled through internal recommendations, networking, or a results-driven technical staffing firm such as GTN.
By conducting informational interviews, you’re putting yourself on the radar of professionals in your field. Even if the person you’re talking to doesn’t have a job opening, they might know someone who does. Or they might remember you when a position opens up in the future.
Honing Your Interview Skills
Have you ever gone into an interview only to be stumbled by a question? One thing that makes informational interviews worthwhile is that they can serve as valuable practice for future job interviews and professional conversations.
Practice Makes Perfect
Every informational interview you conduct is practice for future job interviews. You’re getting comfortable talking about your skills, experiences, and career goals. You’re also learning how to ask insightful questions and engage in professional conversations.
This practice can make you more confident and articulate when it comes time for actual job interviews.
Learning the Language of the Industry
Each company and role within the tech industry has its own jargon and buzzwords. Through informational interviews, you can familiarize yourself with this language.
This knowledge can make you sound more well-informed and prepared for future job interviews and networking events.
Clarifying Your Career Goals
Informational interviews can help you explore different career paths and validate your current career choices.
Exploring Different Paths
The tech industry is vast and constantly changing. There might be roles or specializations you haven’t even considered yet. Informational interviews allow you to explore the variety of career paths in tech.
You might discover that a role you thought you wanted isn’t actually a good fit, or you might learn about an exciting new field that aligns with your skills and interests.
Validating Your Career Choices
On the flip side, informational interviews can also confirm that you’re on the right path. Hearing from professionals who are successful and satisfied in roles similar to what you’re pursuing can be incredibly motivating. It can give you the confidence to push forward with your current career plans.
Related: The Skills You Need To Be Successful as a Project Manager on a Managed Field Services Team
Staying Current in a Fast-Paced Industry
Informational interviews can help you stay up-to-date with the latest trends and identify important skills in the tech industry.
Keeping Up with Industry Trends
The tech industry moves at lightning speed.
New tech, methodologies, and best practices are constantly emerging. Informational interviews provide you with the opportunity to learn about these trends from people who are on the front lines. This insider knowledge can help you stay relevant and competitive in your field.
Identifying Skills Gaps
Through these conversations, you might identify skills or knowledge areas that are in high demand in your desired role or company. This information can guide you in professional development, helping you focus on acquiring the skills that will make you most valuable to potential employers.
How to Make the Most of Informational Interviews
Making informational interviews worthwhile for you and for the individual you are talking to is not hard if you follow these practical tips:
Preparation is Key
To get the most out of an informational interview, you need to come prepared. Research the person you’re meeting with and their company. Linked In can be a valuable resource for this research, as well as the company website.
Demonstrate that you have done your homework and are genuinely interested in learning by coming prepared with a list of thoughtful questions.
Be Respectful of Their Time
Remember, the person you’re interviewing is doing you a favor.
Be punctual, stick to the agreed-upon time limit, and be considerate of their schedule. If the conversation is going well and they seem open to continuing, you can ask if they have time for a few more questions, but always be prepared to wrap up when the allotted time is up.
Follow Up and Stay Connected
After the interview, be sure to follow up with a thank you, either via email, text, or a hand-written note, expressing your appreciation for their time and insights. If they mentioned any resources or contacts that might be helpful, follow up on those leads.
Consider connecting with them on LinkedIn to stay in touch. Building a long-term professional relationship can be just as valuable as the information you gained during the interview.
Overcoming Common Hesitations
Sometimes, asking for a stranger to meet with you can be intimidating. To make informational interviews worthwhile, you may have to address your concerns and overcome them.
“I Don’t Want to Bother People”
It’s common to feel like you’re imposing when you ask for an informational interview. But remember, most professionals are happy to share their experiences and insights. Many of them have likely benefited from informational interviews themselves and are glad to pay it forward.
The key is to be respectful, prepared, and genuinely interested in learning.
“I’m Too Junior to Network Like This”
You might feel that you’re too early in your career to be reaching out to established professionals. But the truth is, it’s never too early to start building your network and gathering information!
Many professionals appreciate the enthusiasm and fresh perspective that early-career tech professionals bring to these conversations.
You Might Like: A Step-by-Step Guide to Successful Career Mapping in Tech
The Long-Term Benefits
Worthwhile informational interviews can have a positive impact on your tech career and professional growth. How?
Building Your Personal Brand
Consistently engaging in informational interviews helps you build a reputation as someone who is proactive, eager to learn, and well-connected in the industry.
This personal brand can be incredibly valuable as you progress in your career.
Creating a Support Network
The connections you make through informational interviews can become a support network throughout your career. These are people you can turn to for advice, mentorship, or even job opportunities in the future.
Are Informational Interviews Worthwhile? Yes!
So, are informational interviews worthwhile for tech professionals? Absolutely. They’re not just worthwhile – they’re an essential tool for navigating your career in the dynamic and competitive tech industry. By making informational interviews a regular part of your professional development strategy, you’re setting yourself up for long-term success and opening doors to opportunities you might never have discovered otherwise.
Remember, every successful tech professional was once in your shoes, seeking guidance and information. By embracing the practice of informational interviews, you’re not just advancing your own career – you’re also preparing yourself to one day be on the other side of the table, sharing your wisdom with the next generation of tech professionals.
GTN Has the Contacts You Need to Connect to a Great Career
Informational interviews with a professional technical staffing company like GTN can be invaluable at any stage of your tech career. Here are six ways conversations with our team can benefit you:
- We have insider insights into industry trends, skill demands, and hidden job opportunities
- You can gain perspective on various career paths, helping you make fact-based decisions about future career opportunities in tech.
- We can help you identify potential skill gaps that affect your opportunities
- We understand the importance of company cultures and can help you find the right fit
- You get help to refine your career goals
- We can expand your professional network
GTN can help you explore new opportunities and stay competitive in the tech industry.
Are you ready to get started on your next great tech career adventure? Please speak with a member of our team today!
