When you want to change career, sometimes the hardest part is knowing where to start. One of the easiest ways to break through this psychological barrier is to use a wonderful technique called informational interviewing. This is simply asking people for information that bit by bit will provide you with a road map for reaching your goal.
How did they get that new job, change industry, or set up their business?
You don't need to know all the answers at the beginning. Pretty much everything you could want to do has been done already by someone else! You just need to be willing to ask.
I've outlined below 5 steps for using this technique effectively. Give it a go - you'd be surprised by how willing most people are to help.
5 Steps to Finding Out What You Need to Know
- Identify people who have been successful in the area you are interested in. If you don't know anyone personally, email all your friends asking them if they do, or carry out some internet research.
- Draw up a list of questions you want answers to. What would someone with my background and skills need to do to move into this field? What books, trade press or websites would you recommend to help me hone my entrepreneurial skills ? What professional support groups are you aware of in my local area?
- Call them up and ask for 20 minutes of their time, mentioning the mutual friend if you have one. Most people are happy to help.
- Conduct the interview (face to face if possible). Remember this is the early stage of your research. You are doing this purely to find out information, not in the hope of getting a job/making a sale/being commissioned. This takes off the pressure, leaving you free to ask exactly what you want to know, rather than worrying about the impression you are making. Always ask for recommendations of at least two other people you could speak to.
- Thank the person by email or letter no later than the next day.
If you follow this process with at least ten people you are sure to build up a realistic picture of the opportunities available to you or the direction you need to take. Good luck!
