Ways to Use Informational Interviews for Networking

7 Informational Interview Mistakes To Avoid When Networking (Skip These If You Want To Land More Referrals): 1. Avoid The “Me” Mindset The first mistake happens when you’re reaching out. If you’re completely focused on what you want, you’re not going to get many replies. Your first message shouldn’t: - Ask to pick their brain - Ask for a referral - Ask for a resume review - Etc. Instead, aim to add value. 2. Not Researching Ahead Of Time Research is 80% of networking success. Before the conversation, you should aim to learn everything you can about: - The current focus of the team - Their goals for the next 12 months - The challenges they might face - How the market is reacting Then, repeat for your contact. Try to learn everything you can about their background, their role, etc. 3. Not Having A Goal For The Conversation You should have a specific goal for each informational interview. And, no, that goal shouldn’t be to “get a referral.” In most cases, the two goals you should focus on are: - Getting information you can use to continue to add value to this person - Opening the door for the next interaction (a follow-up email, conversation, etc.) 4. Asking Basic Questions If you’re showing up and asking questions that can be Googled? You’re wasting your contact’s time. Instead, use your research to ask better questions like: - What’s the biggest challenge your team is facing right now? - What’s one thing about your team or company that outsiders often misunderstand? - What’s something unexpected that had a big impact on your career? 5. Not Leaving The Door Open For The Next Step Too many people have great conversations and then have no idea what to say next. To avoid that, make sure you’re strategically leaving the door open for the next conversation. I love asking my contact for a piece of advice and then asking if it would be ok to follow up with them in a week after I’ve had a chance to implement it. Most people will say yes and now you’ve confirmed the next touchpoint. 6. Talking More Than You Listen People love to talk about themselves. If you want to be an effective networker, you need to learn how to ask great questions and how to listen effectively. Your goal for these conversations should be to listen 2-3x more than you talk. If you’re following the steps here and asking great questions, this should be easy to accomplish! 7. Not Respecting Your Contact’s Time Your contact is busy. If they’re offering to meet you, they’re saying “No” to many other things. Make sure that you’re ready to go a few minutes before the call, and that you’ve tested your Zoom setup if it’s a virtual call. And make sure you stick to the time allotted for the meeting. Don’t go over time unless your contact explicitly says it’s ok to do so. That respect will go a long way!

Earlier this week, I shared an AI-powered role play I developed with LinkedIn to help job seekers prepare for one of the trickiest interview questions: “What salary are you looking for?” Today, I’m excited to introduce another scenario that many people find just as intimidating: reaching out for—and leading—an informational interview. I'm a huge proponent of informational interviews, done well. These conversations can open doors, give you 'insider scoop,' and expand your network in powerful ways. But asking someone for their time? Knowing what to say? That’s not always easy. That’s why I created this new LinkedIn Learning AI role play: 🎯 Conduct an Impactful Informational Interview In this interactive exercise, you’ll practice how to: • Craft a concise, compelling outreach message • Guide the conversation with smart, curious questions • Keep the focus on learning—not asking for a job • Follow up in a way that builds real connection and momentum 🆓 Try it out (free!): https://lnkd.in/gGAgJDZX You can use text or voice—and get instant feedback to improve your delivery. 👍 Why I recommend it: If you’ve ever felt nervous about initiating a networking chat or unsure how to lead one with confidence, this tool offers a safe, practical way to build those skills—before it really counts. I’d love to hear what you think after trying it! #LinkedInLearning #AIRolePlay #LinkedInLearningInstructor #informationalinterviews

Top 3 informational "interview" mistakes I see ... I have to be honest. I’ve had a lot of these conversations. I see the same missteps over and over. Doesn’t matter if you’re just starting out or deep into your career. Why most people miss the mark: 1️⃣ They treat it like a job interview (it’s not). 2️⃣ They ask surface-level questions (curiosity is your superpower—go beyond “What do you do?" "Can you recommend me for this role?") 3️⃣ They don’t follow up (huge missed opportunity. Not just immediately but 3-6-9 months out). Here’s how to fix it: ✅ Shift your mindset—go in to learn, not to impress. ✅ Ask better questions—“What skills helped you succeed?” “Based on my background, do you think I’d be a good fit for this role-company-industry?” "What keeps you excited about your work?" “Where do you see this industry heading?” "Who else would you recommend I speak with?" ✅ Follow up—send a thank-you, reference something specific and keep the door open. This is a great time to communicate your hook. Small tweaks, big impact. The goal isn’t just networking—it’s creating connections that open doors. Comment 👇, what are some of the pitfalls you see in these conversations?