Acing the Informational Interview: Talking to the people doing the work you want to do

Talk to people about their jobs and what skills they use on a daily basis. This can help you identify new opportunities and learn about different career paths. Setting up Coffee Chats at this stage is crucial to connecting with people in positions you’re interested in.

“Coffee chat” is a slang term for an informational interview. Informational interviews are informal meetings with people who work in your field of interest. The purpose of these meetings is to learn more about the field, get advice on your career, and build your network.

No matter what you call it, the goal is the same: to learn more about a career field and make connections with people who are doing the work you’re interested in.

Tips for a successful coffee chat:

• Do your research. Before you reach out to someone, take some time to learn about their work and their company. This will help you ask informed questions and make a good impression. What do you want to learn from this person?
• Be respectful of their time. Be mindful of the amount of time you agreed to. Usually you’ll want to keep these meetings to no more than 30 minutes.
• Come prepared. Have a few questions prepared in advance, but also be prepared to listen and learn. The conversation might go on tangents - that’s okay!
• Follow up. After the coffee chat, send a thank-you note to the person you met with. This is a great way to stay in touch and show your appreciation.
• If they offer help, take it! So often job seekers second guess offers of help by thinking ‘They’re just being polite’. If someone offers to help - take them at their word.

While having a successful coffee chat often comes down to good preparation and respectful engagement, it’s also important to view these meetings as part of a larger strategy in your career development. Each chat is an opportunity not only to learn but also to showcase your own enthusiasm and potential. Be sure to stay genuine and curious throughout the conversation, as this will leave a lasting positive impression.

Consider keeping a log of your informational interviews. Note important insights, advice, and any follow-up actions you need to take. This practice will help you keep track of your growing network and the valuable information you gather. Additionally, reflecting on these conversations can help you identify patterns and common advice, which can guide your next steps in your career journey.

Coffee chats are a great way to:

• Learn more about a specific job or industry. You can ask the person you're meeting with about their day-to-day responsibilities, the challenges and rewards of their job, and what they like and dislike about their company.
• Get advice on how to break into a new field. If you're looking to make a career change, coffee chats are a great way to get advice from people who have already made the switch. You can ask them about their experiences, what they wish they had known before they started, and what advice they would give to someone who is just starting out.
• Build your network of contacts. These chats are a great way to meet new people and expand your professional network. The people you meet may be able to help you with your job search, provide you with referrals, or give you advice on your career.
• Practice your interviewing skills. Coffee chats are a low-pressure way to practice your interviewing skills. You can ask the person you're meeting with questions about their company, their job, and their career path. This will help you get comfortable with the interview process and improve your chances of success in future interviews.
• Get feedback on your resume and cover letter. If you're struggling to get interviews, it may be helpful to get feedback on your resume and cover letter. You can ask the person you're meeting with to review your materials and give you suggestions for improvement.

Coffee chats can be a game-changer in your career development. By preparing well, respecting the time of the folks you network with, and following up diligently, you can gain invaluable insights and expand your network. Every conversation is a step forward in your career journey.