There are two reasons to conduct iInterviews - (Informational interviews).
- To learn.
- To explore jobs, companies and industries.
Notice I didn't say to promote yourself. There are a lot of slick Willies out there who preach promoting one's self while info interviewing. No worries. You'll promote yourself whether or not you try. When you try it becomes obvious that your main intention is to promote yourself and not to learn and explore.
To Learn
You recognize that people have been on the road you're travelling longer than you. You understand that they are an excellent source of intel, intel that you'll need to navigate towards your future.
For instance, someone passes you on the road heading in the opposite direction. You acknowledge them and move on. A half hour later and the road is under four feet of water. What if you were to have asked that person about the road ahead? You know that answer.
We iInterview to learn about the road ahead.
If one has passionate curiosity to learn, then age become irrevlent. The art of learning is a precursor to self-development. Do you want to grow within your profession? Do you want to grow within acadamia? Do you want to grow within life?
If you want to learn, develop and grow, go out and talk with people on the road ahead of you. Go out and iInterview.
To explore jobs, companies and industries
My newspaper sold out and I was let go. After thirty years as a reporter, I think I'd like to do something different but I'm not sure how. What do I do?
Many career coaches advise people to explore themselves. Find out about their likes, dislikes, strengths, weaknesses, skill, talents and dreams. I suggest buying the book What Color is Your Parachute? and follow Dick Bolles' advice on this subject.
While you are doing that however, I also suggest that you go out on the road and talk with people. Talk with people (iInterview) who are in positions and or career fields that your'e interested in.
"What questions should I ask?"
There are a million Websites out there that all pretty much give the same advice on iInterviewing. Then there are a couple thousand college career centers Websites that apply a clinical layer of rhetoric on top that same advice. Then there is the most clear, concise and comprehensive site on iInterviewing in the universe - Quintessential Careers.
You should ask the questions that satiate your curiosity.
In order to warm up that onboard curiosity, stop by these two Quintessential Career sites: Questions to Ask at the Informational Interview and 200 Informational Interview Questions.
"I'm 51 & have a job. Do I still need to iInterview?"
Yes!
If you want to learn, develop and grow in your present and or desired position, the answer is yes!
If you have even the slightest notion of changing positions and or professional fields, the answer is yes!
If you have an inclination that you might want that slightest notion, the answer is yes!
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