3 ways to take informational interviews to the next level

3 ways to take informational interviews to the next level3 ways to take informational interviews to the next levelYou wrote the perfect informational interview request and received a YES Congrats. Now, its time to prepare for the conversation.When you first departureed doing informational interviews, you focused on asking good questions and treating it like a job interview, without an actual job on the table. Having done your research and established a learning outcome in mind, you were successful and departureed building confidence in this process.Whetzu sich youre still working through jitters or are an informational interview veteran, here are three clear ways to take your upcoming conversation to the next levelStop interviewing + start connectingYoure not sending very many cold asks anymore. (If youre like, whats that? Weve got you - read this first) Youre likely meeting most people through work or introductions via your network. Youve got your pitch down and youre about expandin g your world opportunities, growth, reach.When youre sitting in front of a partie youre psyched to connect with, you want to have a true conversation. You dont want a chat that wanders aimlessly and limps to a close where neither of you feel like you got much out of it, or where you blandly ask a litany of questions.An executive leadership coach once gave me a winning format for structuring these conversations. She recommended the following conversation openerThanks for taking the time to meet with meI know your time is valuableId like to focus on what Ive been up toId also like to focus on what I hope is nextI hope you can helpThats it. Its straightforward but sophisticated. This isnt a time to talk about your last vacation or great podcast youve found. This is elevator pitch time. Youre explaining who you are, what you do, and where you want to go next.But yall - this works.Youre probably scratching your head thinking Diane, what about my questions? If your pitch is polished, you ll get everything you need. Or maybe youre thinking Shouldnt I let the other person lead the conversation? My answer is no - your interviewee is busy enough. You want her to make time to meet with you, drive the conversation, and then help you? No way. Theyre sacrificing their time - its up to you to make that time worth it.Ive used this three-part agenda over 60 times, with Fortune 500 executives, non-profit leaders, entrepreneurs, and across different industries from retail to techyou get the picture- it works.Act like youve been there beforeAs you progress in your careers, your network will (hopefully) elevate with it. If youre like me, sometimes it takes all your effort to not fangirl when you get to meet someone incredible. Vince Lombardi once gave sage advice to an overzealous player on his football team the next time you get to the end zone, act like youve been there before.What does this mean in a professional setting? Oftentimes, nerves and over-excitement become a stum bling block. And thats natural - youre only human, after all. But youve got to keep your head on straight - dont let the informational part fool you - this is a real interview.Youre really talking to someone who has the potential to influence your career. More importantly, you have the opportunity to build an authentic relationship with limitless possibilities. The best way to get past the nerves is through practice.Do you have your story nailed down? Is your pitch tight? If someone told you they had your dream job, would you be able to explain why youre the best candidate?Regardless, your goal here is three-foldRepresent yourself and your story well so you start a relationshipLearn something newCome away with a next step that moves your career and goals forwardDiscover what you have that they needI recently heard former Bloomberg reporter and current NYSE Executive Vice Chairman Betty Liu recount how she got an elusive interview with business billionaire Warren Buffett. For year s, she wasnt making much headway with her requests. She decided to change the way she thought about it by instead thinking, what could she do for him? Realizing her unique access to news, she began sending articles and insights about Buffetts companies. Before long, Bettys next interview request was accepted. SuccessSo as you prepare for your informational, ask yourself - whats your unique value proposition?Are you in school or a recent graduate? Maybe the person youre interviewing has a child/co-worker/friend who could use advice and insights. Do you have access to audiences this person needs? At work or in a volunteer organization, can you influence speaking opportunities? Perhaps the person youre interviewing is looking to expand their reach? What about your manager or organizations leadership? Could you create connections down the road?If youre really stumped remember, you inherently have the ability to be a sounding board and a true connection. So, keep in touch and jump in w hen the opportunity presents itself.With these three tips in your back pocket and the fact that someone has already said yes to an informational interview, youre ready to go next level. When in doubt, remember we all crave belonging and significance. Take this opportunity to build a connection, grow a relationship, and advance your career. Youve got thisThis article first appeared on Career Contessa.