Informational Interviews: Tips for Success

As a work-life and career coach, I regularly work with people who are engaged in a full-blown career change. Typically, this process involves identifying potential "next careers" through a variety of methods, and then seriously exploring them. Informational interviews are a great way to do this, but many career seekers are reluctant to pursue these kinds of conversations because they aren't sure what to ask. Not sure what to ask the professional who's granted you an information interview? Here are some ideas to help you get the most out of your meeting. These questions are based on the assumption that you have sent your resume to this person ahead of the meeting so they have some idea of where you are coming from.

Interview questions:

• I understand the big picture of what you do. But day to day, what do you really do?
• What's a good day like?
• What's a bad day like?
• What keeps you up at night?
• What do you wish you had known before getting into this?
• What's the best thing about this job?
• What aspects of you (or skills) are growing in this job?
• What would make me more marketable for the position of . . .
• What would make me more marketable generally to an organization like yours?
• What other questions should I be asking you?
• Can you suggest other people I should talk to?
• Would you be willing to introduce me to them?

Is your career off-track in some way? Contact me for an initial consultation at no charge.

Copyright 2004, Sharon Teitelbaum.

Sharon Teitelbaum is a Work-Life and Career Coach who works with high achieving women with young children, people at mid-career, and professionals seeking greater career satisfaction or work-life balance. Her book, Getting Unstuck Without Coming Unglued: Restoring Work-Life Balance, is available at her website, http://www.STcoach.com.

Certified as a Professional Certified Coach (PCC), Sharon works by phone with clients around the world and in-person in Boston.

She delivers keynotes and workshops on work-life balance issues, has been in national publications including The New York Times and Working Mother Magazine, and has appeared on cable and network television. She publishes Strategies for Change, a newsletter offering practical tips for work-life success.

Sharon has been married for 30 years and is the mother of two amazing young women. You can contact her here.

---

Do You Really Think So?

It's not new news. It's not some ethereal theory. It's... Read More

Are You Afraid of Success?

You may not realise it yet but you may have... Read More

Handling Rejection

Everybody suffers rejection at some time or another in their... Read More

Success Formula--Why You Want To Think Like A Fighter Pilot!

Fighter pilots have an awesome responsibility. It takes a unique... Read More

Paying Attention

Being a spiritual teacher has continually frightened me. Not because... Read More

Change Your Thinking -- Change Your Life!

The only thing in life we have direct control over... Read More

Increasing Reading Speed

Reading is an integral part of our daily work lives.... Read More

Choice: Privilege, Opportunity and Responsibility

One of my absolute favorite quotes is from Dwight D.... Read More

Success Lessons From Three UK Soccer Managers - People Are Always Quick To Put You In A Coffin

Arsenal Football Club were the Champions of the Premier league... Read More

From Rags To Riches

Nicholas Darvas, escaping his war-torn homeland, Hungary, sought refuge in... Read More

The Bubble Of Prosperity

My life is a bubble; but how much solid cash... Read More

Top 10 Miraculous Benefits of Keeping a Personal Journal

In earlier generations it was common to keep a diary... Read More

The Circular Blame Game

Mike, his feet dangling above the city, opened his lunch... Read More

Top 10 Secrets to Success

Much has been researched, written and taught about success. One... Read More

Is Your Life A Minefield ?

Why everything has to be so hard? What have I... Read More

A Simple Idea from a Billionaire

It's simple and powerful.The philosophy of successful people is often... Read More

Communication and Communication Skills - Understanding Your Audience

Response means "to answer" and that idea, in its purest... Read More

Success The Cartoon Character Way?

If you could choose a cartoon character from your childhood... Read More

Animal Teachers Reveal Success Through Pleasure

What the anteater and otter show us about success?It's been... Read More

The Importance of Integrity

The single most important quality you can ever develop that... Read More

Benefits To Having An Education

If you look back to the 70s and 80s, many... Read More

Do You Need A Change Of Mind?

Napoleon Hill, the famous inspirational writer, once met a reader... Read More

Reach Your Goals - Create A Nurturing Environment

Create an environment that is so inspiring and nurturing that... Read More

Success Through Work And Training

Most self-help truths are obvious but obvious truths are often... Read More

Are You Good Enough?

Several years ago, I attended a "success" seminar in northern... Read More

People Are Who They Want To Be

Choice isn't always a matter of being able to choose... Read More

Top Ten Ways To Create Positive Behavior Change

1. Open your mind to new ideas: Positive behavior change... Read More

Self-Improvement Secrets

* Perfectionism is a time waster.Strive for excellence on important... Read More

Success in Life and the Mystery of Focus

If you are wishy-washy and undecided about you want and... Read More

Healthy Wealthy Wise: Boost Your Productivity

We all strive for a 'balanced life'. Although we may... Read More

Posture Yourself for a Promotion

Sit up straight! You may recall hearing those words as... Read More

What is Failure Anyway?

Does it surprise you that only 400 cokes were sold... Read More

Harness Mind Chatter and Make it Work for You!

"When you talk to yourself, you listen. No matter what... Read More