February Tip 5 - Informational Interviews

Why are informational interviews an important part of career planning?
80% of jobs are never posted and informational interviews are a great way to tap into these unadvertised opportunities.
Many candidates don't really know what they want to do...what job they would be good at.
Informational interviews can open up possibilities that aren't even on the radar.
What is the best way to approach an informational interview? How to request?
Family, friends and connections in your network are a great resource for suggestions and ideas of professionals who would be willing to take the time to meet with prospective candidates.
For example, my 22 year old son, a college senior starting his job search went grocery shopping with me last Saturday. It was 9 am and we went to a store that is a bit out of the way hoping to avoid the crowds. In the course of our journey (which also included a stop at a Marshalls), we bumped into five people from our community (so much for going to an out-of-the-way store). In each case, the person immediately asked my son what he is doing. As he explained he is in his final semester, the person dug a little deeper. What is he hoping to do? Where is he looking? what field/discipline? Before we left the store, I had a text message from one, sharing his contact information and asking my son to send him a resume. By the next evening, I had another text with an invitation for him to connect with a niece who works for Deloitte. He is scheduling an informational meeting with her as we speak.
I am confident that each of you has a similar network waiting to be helpful to you!