I recently embarked on a journey of lifetime. I shed my corporate uniform and began what I’m (euphemistically) calling a “sabbatical.” (The term seems fitting, since sabbaticals are typically granted every 7 years, and I was with my employer for 7-and-change years.) My process of discovering my next professional move hinges in large part on “networking.”
Networking has a bit of a bad rap. I say networking, and you think happy hours full of mid-20s entrepreneurs, donning unreasonably-curated outfits, handing out bone-colored business cards and brown-nosing anyone with more than a touch of grey on their heads. Well yes, those people exist, and they do attend real things called “networking events.” But that’s not what I’m doing, nor is it an environment I personally thrive in. I’m diving into the “informational interview” type of networking.
I am using my personal network (i.e., people I know personally and professionally) to learn from people living lives in ways that interest me. (Notice, I didn’t say “working at jobs that interest me.” I’m really trying to learn from people who are living overall lives that I admire; work is only a part of that.) The “networking” comes in both by tapping into my existing “network,” but then, crucially, growing that network through to new people. Each conversation I have should lead to at least one more conversation with someone else. Of course, easier said than done. But the idea is that, by jumping from network node to network node, I’m getting closer and closer to connecting with people who precisely align with my interests and values and from whom I can learn the most. And on the flip side, I get closer to people to whom I can be of the most value! Ideally, I will naturally settle into a valuable professional arrangement that aligns with my values and professional goals (e.g., being offered a job, finding consulting work, creating a professional partnership, etc.).
Here’s how to unearth opportunities for informational interviews:
- Know thyself: If you don’t have an idea of who you are or what you’re looking for, then people can’t help you. Mind you, you don’t need a perfect vision of what you want to be doing in 10 years, but you should at least have an idea of what areas interest you and the types of people you want to learn from! If you’re completely lost, I suggest getting yourself a copy of “What Color Is Your Parachute?”
- Ask for help: No one will help you if they don’t know you need it. Take your self-knowledge from step 1 above, and shout it at anyone who will listen! “I’m looking to talk to people about X!” You’ll be surprised at how eager people are to help you.
- LinkedIn is your buddy: Start browsing the interwebs for companies or organizations that interest you. Look them up on LinkedIn, and see if there’s anyone who works there that you’re connected to (1st or 2nd degree). If yes, try to make the connection!
- Secure a conversation: In your first communication to your interviewee (notice, I’m referring to you as the interviewer, and them as the interviewee; you’re interviewing them to learn as much as you can), you should succinctly let them know what you want from them. Here’s a rough example:
Dear Soandso,
Soandsuch recommended that I reach out to you. I know Soandsuch through our work together strategizing about world domination at Somecompany. I spent most of my career at Somecompany, and I recently departed my role and am now planning out my next steps.
At this stage, I’m trying to talk to and learn from as many people as possible! I would love to meet you for a coffee to learn more about your own background, your role at YourCompany, how you got to where you are, and any insights or advice you may have for me in my journey. Would you be open to an informal chat in the next week or two?
Best regards,
Michael
- Schedule around them: Don’t be a pain about scheduling. Be as flexible as possible with your time and location. They are doing you a huge favor, so make sure you find a time and location that’s convenient for them.
Next, you need to make sure you prepare, at least a little. Before each informational interview, you should do some basic prep work, including the following:
- Know your interviewee: Google the person’s name and familiarize yourself with their LinkedIn and their current work. This is basic stuff.
- Know what you’re looking for: As you sit down for coffee, you should be ready to lay out why you’re taking up their time, and what topics you hope to cover in your 30–60 minutes together.
- Plan for some interview basics: Make sure to bring a notebook and writing utensil, dress for the vibe you’re trying to communicate (don’t overdress, but don’t be a shlub either), and before you get started, confirm with your interviewee how much time they have.
And lastly, once you’ve completed your conversation, I recommend organizing your notes into the following categories for easy next-steps:
- To Connect: These are the connections that were offered to you in the conversation. Every informational interview should result in at least one new connection for your next conversation.
- To Follow Up: Your interviewee definitely offered some things to you, but it’s your job to follow up on these and make sure they’re delivered! In this section, record everything that was promised to you, and make sure to include them in your thank-you email (which you were definitely planning to write, right?).
- To Read: These are books or articles that were recommended to you.
- To Look Up: These are new subjects, terms, etc. that were raised that you’d like to learn more about.
- To Do: Any actions you want to take. Such as “Write blog post on your approach to informational interviews” or “Revise my resume to include communications skills.”
- To Think About: This is for any new ideas that were raised that you need to noodle on some more. Maybe the conversation got you thinking about a new career path, and you need to wrestle with this new idea.
If you’re organized, and you actually take the steps above, you’re going to be well on your way to success in your journey to fulfilling work.
