Informational Interviewing Strategies

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

New grads — if “networking” makes you feel uneasy or a little cringe, you’re not alone. But here’s the good news: it doesn’t have to be awkward, transactional, or fake. One of the most effective — and authentic — ways to build professional relationships? Informational interviews. Think of them as curiosity-driven conversations, not sales pitches. Here’s how to get started: 📌 Use LinkedIn to find people in roles or industries that interest you 📌 Ask for 20–30 minutes to learn about their career path 📌 Lead with curiosity, prep thoughtful questions, and show appreciation 📩 Nervous about reaching out? I’ve created templates to make it easier (graphics below 👇) 💬 Not sure what to ask? I’ll drop go-to questions in the comments. Truthfully, this approach helped me land my job at LinkedIn. Through low-pressure conversations, I learned what really mattered in the role, built real relationships, and followed up when the time was right. Next week: I’ll wrap up this mini career series with tips to crush your next interview. #InformationalInterviews #NewGrad #Networking #JobSearchWithClaire ___ 🔔 Follow me, Claire Silcox, to catch the final post ♻️ Tag a new grad who's navigating the job search 💼 Explore career coaching at clairemsilcox.com

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?