We've all heard that informational interviews are an important part of finding a new career/job. The purpose is to talk with people who can give you an informed description of what they do in their work.

Many career changers I talk to believe that informational interviews are their first step in finding their next career. To fulfill their goal, they move forward to set up interviews with a wide variety of people. Unfortunately, after meeting with a series of contacts the career changer is no closer to knowing their next step.

What's Wrong with This Picture?

Although the career changers have learned about a lot of possible jobs, there's nothing in that information to guide the career changer toward the career that's the best fit for them.

Is There a Better Way?

Yes! The key to conducting valuable informational interviews can be summed up in two words. Be strategic.

How to Be Strategic in Your Informational Interviews

Before you set up any informational interviews, determine what you hope to gain from your interviews.

1. Given where you are in your green career research, are you looking for more information about:

2. Now the question is who in your network is in the best position to answer your questions? Who may be able to introduce you to this contact?

3. When you have your informational interview scheduled, develop the list of questions you'll ask the contact. List as many questions as you can. Then narrow your list to your top five to seven questions.

4. Your next step is to prioritize your questions. If your interview is cut short unexpectedly, want to make sure you ask your most critical questions first.

5. During the interview, stay on your toes. Your goal is to balance your list of questions with the questions that may come to you during your conversation with your contact. Which questions are most important to you?

6. Record your conversation by taking notes during the interview (if that seems appropriate) or by recording your thoughts as soon as you leave the interview.

7. Always talk to several contacts before you make any life changing/career changing decisions. Consider the source as you interpret and use the information you gather. For instance, if you talk with a contact about their experience at a particular company and they tell you they were very unhappy there, reach out to another employee/former employee before making any conclusions about the company.

As your understanding of your target career develops, your questions will evolve. At first you want to gain a general impression of your target career. Later you'll want to get more specific information about possible employers. Throughout the your exploration, be strategic as you continue your informational interviews.

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