Are you feeling tired in your current role? Maybe you constantly find yourself day-dreaming about bigger and better opportunities? Or you have suddenly found yourself in a career transition?

Whether you are currently employed or not; make 2016 the year that informational interviews work for you.

My goal for you is to challenge yourself to schedule at least 3 informational interviews this year.

You will be surprised how much these short 20-30 minute little coffee dates can reward you and your career. You might discover that you are in exactly the right job after all. Or, you might conclude that it is time for a career change.

Whatever the case may be, don’t underestimate the value just 3 informational interviews can bring for you this year.

But Skye, what is an informational interview?

It sounds scarier than it actually is! An informational interview is really just an informal conversation you schedule with someone, at a time that is mutually convenient, in order to gleam more information on an industry, company or position of interest.

Okay, so how do I get started?

This will be the most difficult part of your challenge! This will take some time on your part to determine who exactly you should connect with. Consider using LinkedIn to connect with past colleagues or friends that are working in a field that interests you. Look at the top 3 companies you would like to work for. Reach out to these connections.

In a very short and sweet manner, tell them that you are considering a career move and would like to take 20 minutes of their time to learn more about them and what they do. Remember, you are asking them for a favour. Make sure that you appreciate their time is also valuable. Schedule a coffee date or phone conversation that is at a mutually convenient time.

Go Prepared!

Now that your 3 informal meetings are scheduled, it is time for you to prepare. You can’t just walk in and say that you want to work for so-and-so, etc… You need to have questions ready.

Consider these:

• How did you get started in this field?
• What is it like working for your company?
• What is the most rewarding thing about working in this industry?
• What is the most challenging thing about working in your industry?
• What job search advice would you give to someone in my situation?

And so on…

Evaluate Your Options

Now that you have had your 3 informational interviews (and hopefully more!), it is time to complete the final stage in your challenge. Evaluate your options against what you have learned.

Have you discovered that maybe you are actually happy where you are? Have you learned that the challenges of your current job aren’t immune to another career shift?

Maybe you have realized that a career change is exactly what you need – that your passions can actually be better met by changing careers.

No matter what the end result may be, you can now take the guess work out of your mind. No longer will you find yourself day-dreaming about bigger and better days. With just 3 informational interviews, you can move your career forward in 2016! Take the challenge today.

 

Contact Skye directly for more information on how to set up an informational interview.

Follow @SkyeBurke on twitter or search #NewHeightsCareerAdvice to learn other valuable tips and advice to help your career move forward in 2016.