How can you use informational interviews to network in Creative Strategy?

If you are interested in pursuing a career in creative strategy, you might wonder how to connect with professionals who can offer you insights, advice, and opportunities. One of the most effective ways to do that is by conducting informational interviews. Informational interviews are informal conversations with people who work in the field or industry you are interested in, where you can ask them questions about their role, their challenges, their achievements, and their recommendations. In this article, you will learn how to use informational interviews to network in creative strategy, and how to make the most of these valuable interactions.

1 Identify potential contacts

The first step to conduct informational interviews is to identify potential contacts who can share their experience and knowledge with you. You can start by looking at your existing network, such as your friends, family, colleagues, classmates, mentors, or alumni. You can also use online platforms, such as LinkedIn, Twitter, or industry-specific forums, to find and follow people who work in creative strategy or related fields. You can also search for relevant events, webinars, podcasts, or blogs, where you can learn from experts and interact with them. When you reach out to someone, make sure you introduce yourself briefly, explain your purpose and interest, and ask politely for a short meeting.

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Nirav Shah

8+ Years of Expertise | Human Resource Business Partner | Seasoned Recruiter | Human Resource Generalist | Employee Life Cycle | HRMS | 10k+ Connections
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Craft Your Pitch: Briefly introduce yourself and what you'd like to glean from their journey. Ask Like a Pro: Prepare insightful questions beyond the Googleable, delve deeper and spark conversation. Express Gratitude: Send a thank-you email, remember details, and keep the connection warm. Grow Your Tribe: Leverage introductions, share relevant content, and build genuine relationships. Respect Their Time: Be prompt, focused, and professional throughout the interview. Dress for Success: Make a positive first impression, both online and in person. Remember, informational interviews are stepping stones, not shortcuts. Use them strategically, build meaningful relationships, and unlock your path to success in Creative Strategy!

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André Vinicius C. Gomes

Mechanical Engineer | Business | Graphic and Document Expert | Valuation of Movable | Adverse Possession Investigator Assets
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To identify the contacts you can use some specific words in your research on a platform. LinkedIn is a great one for this purpose. You can also talk with people from areas that have similar needs.

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Joice Y.

Research-Driven Digital Marketing Strategist | Blogger | USC Annenberg
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As a grad student, I'll begin by tapping into my professors' expertise, as they have direct connections to practitioners in creative strategy. Joining industry associations and clubs will help me expand my network, providing opportunities to connect with professionals at events. Additionally, I'll use online platforms like LinkedIn to engage with and learn from individuals in the field.

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2 Prepare your questions

The second step to conduct informational interviews is to prepare your questions in advance. To make the most of the time you have with your contact, it is important to be clear and specific about what you want to learn from them. Use the following categories to guide your questions: background, challenges, achievements, and recommendations. Ask about their education, career path, current role, and responsibilities. Inquire about the difficulties they face, the skills they need, and the solutions they find. Furthermore, ask about the projects they are proud of, the impact they make, and the feedback they receive. Additionally, inquire about the resources they use, the advice they have, and the opportunities they know.

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André Vinicius C. Gomes

Mechanical Engineer | Business | Graphic and Document Expert | Valuation of Movable | Adverse Possession Investigator Assets
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Learn about the other part it's the first step. Then you can prepare good questions and how to use them. The questions will lead you to deal with them.

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3 Conduct the interview

The third step to conduct informational interviews is to conduct the interview in a professional and respectful manner. You should confirm the date, time, and format of the meeting beforehand, and make sure you have the necessary technology and equipment. You should also dress appropriately, be punctual, and thank your contact for their time and willingness. During the interview, you should listen actively, ask follow-up questions, take notes, and show your enthusiasm and appreciation. You should also avoid asking for a job, a referral, or a favor, as this might come across as rude or presumptuous.

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André Vinicius C. Gomes

Mechanical Engineer | Business | Graphic and Document Expert | Valuation of Movable | Adverse Possession Investigator Assets
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Once the questions are in your hands, you put them in an optimized way (each case is one) and ask. Keep a clean and respectful conversation and pay attention to the answer.

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4 Follow up and stay in touch

The fourth step to conduct informational interviews is to follow up and stay in touch with your contact. You should send a thank-you note within 24 hours of the meeting, expressing your gratitude and highlighting the key points you learned. You should also ask for their permission to connect with them on social media or other platforms, and keep them updated on your progress and achievements. You should also look for ways to add value to them, such as sharing relevant information, introducing them to other contacts, or offering your help. By doing this, you will build a lasting and mutually beneficial relationship with your contact, and expand your network in creative strategy.

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André Vinicius C. Gomes

Mechanical Engineer | Business | Graphic and Document Expert | Valuation of Movable | Adverse Possession Investigator Assets
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This is so important as the interview, I passed through situations where the company asked for a resume, made an interview, and never answered a positive or negative verdict and why that choice. This is important to create a complete relationship.

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5 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?

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André Vinicius C. Gomes

Mechanical Engineer | Business | Graphic and Document Expert | Valuation of Movable | Adverse Possession Investigator Assets
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Even when the company representative says after the interview that they will send an answer do not stay waiting for it. Keep improving yourself. Sometimes this could be a lead direction but the answer that generally we receive is automatic, we must keep going and never take for granted a company or position.

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How can you use informational interviews to network in Creative Strategy?

1

2

3

4

5

1 Identify potential contacts

2 Prepare your questions

3 Conduct the interview

4 Follow up and stay in touch

5 Here’s what else to consider

Creative Strategy

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How can you use informational interviews to network in Creative Strategy?

1

2

3

4

5

1 Identify potential contacts

2 Prepare your questions

3 Conduct the interview

4 Follow up and stay in touch

5 Here’s what else to consider

Creative Strategy

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