Have or Schedule 2 Informational Interviews This Week
Informational interviews are particularly powerful for returning professionals because they rebuild your professional presence and confidence in a low-stakes environment. Each conversation reconnects you to your professional identity, updates your knowledge of the field, and gives you a potential advocate who knows your story and your capabilities.
Informational interviews are particularly powerful for returning professionals because they rebuild your professional presence and confidence in a low-stakes environment. Each conversation reconnects you to your professional identity, updates your knowledge of the field, and gives you a potential advocate who knows your story and your capabilities.
Step by Step
Check whether you have any informational interviews already scheduled this week If yes, prepare thoroughly for each one. If no, reach out to 2 new people today.
Prioritize two types of contacts this week Former colleagues from before your break who can speak to your professional capabilities and may have current leads or introductions to offer. People currently working in your target role at companies you are interested in who can give you current inside knowledge.
Before each conversation spend 10 minutes researching the person Look at their LinkedIn profile, recent posts, and career history. Specific questions based on real research make these conversations significantly more valuable for both sides.
Prepare questions specific to returning professionals For a former colleague:
What has changed most in our field since I was last working?
Are there any skills or tools that have become essential that were not as prominent before?
Are you aware of any companies in this space that are particularly supportive of returning professionals?
Is there anyone you would recommend I speak with?
For someone currently in your target role:
What does a typical day in your role look like right now?
What skills or experiences do you think are most valued in this role currently?
What advice would you give someone returning to this field after some time away?
Is there anyone else you would recommend I speak with?
End every conversation by asking two things Who else they would recommend you speak with and whether there is anything you can do to be helpful to them.
Send a specific thank you within 24 hours of each conversation
Tips for success
Former colleagues are uniquely valuable at this stage. They knew your work before your break and can speak authentically about your capabilities. Reconnecting with them through an informational interview often leads naturally to referrals and introductions.
Always end by asking who else they would recommend you speak with. This is how your network compounds quickly from a smaller starting point.