Five Questions to Ask in Informational Meetings

It's going to take more effort and energy to secure a new job these days.

But you already know this.

You also know that you should be networking more (how's that going?)

Let's try reframing these meetings. Your purpose is simple:

to get AIR:

🎈 ADVICE
🎈INFORMATION
🎈RECOMMENDATIONS

These are some of the things you can learn about:

• Discuss how your skills may translate to a new but related industry  

• Help brainstorm your career options  

• Discover the company's culture (and where you may potentially fit) 

• Obtain information about growth or hiring trends in your industry  

• Brainstorm names of other industry-related companies  

• Identify key players you want to meet (such as people in your target companies) 

Here are 5 ways informational meetings or coffee chats can help your job search AND questions you can ask to get useful information and forge relationships.

1. Learn about industry trends

Ask a question like: “I have heard that having my PMI certification would greatly enhance my marketability. What are your thoughts and what have you seen?”

2. Learn about their career path or what their typical day looks like

Ask a question like: “How did you get where you are today? What advice do you have for someone like me who would love to emulate your accomplishments?”

3. Gain inside information about the company (changes, upcoming plans, culture, etc.)

Ask a question like: “What traits or abilities do you believe are critical for thriving in this environment? Are there any particular aspects I should focus on to align better?”

4. Learn about other resources (people,professional associations, meetups, online forums, newsletters, etc.)

Ask a question like: “Do you know anyone else I should include in my research about [topic]?”

5. Secure a new ally, advocate, or  informant (permission to keep in touch will help when you get an interview or when there is a job opening)

Ask a question like: “You’ve been incredibly helpful, thank you! Would it be alright  if I kept in touch?”

PS: As some mentioned in the comments (always good reading by the way), not all conversations will be granted, not every conversation goes as well as we would like, and very few of these conversations will result in a job offer. You’re building relationships that better prepare you for interviews!

View the LinkedIn post (and comments) here. 

🔎 JOB SEARCH

Strategies To Persevere (in a tough market) - Virginia Franco

This is definitely a challenging market and for many, it’s the worst they’ve ever seen. But follow this advice to “control what you can control!”

#1 Find the Bright Spots

#2 Organize Time Spent Job Searching Wisely

The information in this section will help you restructure your job search! 

🤝 NETWORKING

Stop overthinking—send this one networking message today - Greg Roche, The Introverted Networker

In this challenge, Greg emphasizes the power and importance of reaching out to people you used to work with or know. (He calls them dormant ties). And the only thing you need to remember is this:

DO NOT:

• Ask them for a job

• Ask them for a referral

• Ask them for anything at all

Just send a quick message! 

💻 LINKEDIN

Understand LinkedIn’s Little-Known Ranking System - Jessica Hernandez

Hernandez writes: “One thoughtful comment can reach thousands of professionals. One job application might reach one recruiter - if they see it.” Read her full newsletter to understand the ranking system and ways to make it work for you. But more importantly, follow these recommendations made in the post: 

→ Comment strategically on 3-5 posts from your network and your target companies 
→ Share your insights and experiences (not just saying "Great post!")
→ Engage with hiring managers and employees at companies you want to join 
→ Stay consistent - aim for at least 3 days per week

🔮 WORKFORCE

Is AI Disappearing Early Career Roles? Veris Insights newsletter

Three studies, 3 different stories… Veritas “examine three high-profile studies that appear, at first glance, to contradict one another, but taken together, they reveal a story that is both stark and nuanced: AI is not eliminating Early Career work, but it is reshaping the foundations of how young professionals enter organizations – and forcing us to rethink how we prepare them for careers.” 

💰 CAREER

The Power of Leading With Empathy: Advice From Former New Zealand Prime Minister, the Rt. Hon. Dame Jacinda Ardern - Indeed

I love learning from leaders. In this interview with Ardern you’ll see some of the ways she has consistently challenged traditional notions of power throughout her career. She continues to do so as the founder of Field, a global fellowship program dedicated to cultivating more empathetic political leaders. Ih this interv iew she emphasizes humility, empathy and collaboration. 

Track Your Accomplishments, even the “small” ones - Maureen McCann

While you are working keep track of your kudos, you know, those emails that nominated you for an award, or thanked you for going above and beyond to fix a problem. These informal testimonials are things we tend to forget about but they are worthy of keeping in a what Maureen calls a “love me” file.  

PS: This is something Sharon Markowitz recommended in her conversation with me too! And Sharon suggests that you do not keep this on your work computer and that you do not send files from your work computer to your personal device. 

📶 RECRUITER PERSPECTIVE

The New Hot Marketing Title - Kelli Hrivnak

For those in marketing, have you seen or heard of Vibe Marketer? According to Jonathan Martinez it’s a thing and it may catch on. 

Trends like these are important to keep track of (both inside and outside your occupation).

JOB SEARCH VISUAL

Do you want more people to find your LinkedIn profile?

Here's the easiest fix - add skills.

Did you know: According to LinkedIn data, members who list at least one skill, receive up to 2x more profile views and connection requests and up to 4x more messages.

Do a little research and see which skills are in demand:

📍 Look at LinkedIn job postings for skills required
📍 Look at LinkedIn's Career Explorer for your desired role and see top skills

Now you are ready to add these skills to your profile.

Your profile can now accommodate up to 100 skills. But you can only list 5 featured skills in your About section.

💡 You can add skills to Volunteer, Education, Projects and more!

Use a blend of skills:

💎 Industry Knowledge
🛠 Tools & Technologies
💪🏻 Interpersonal Skills

Do this today and see how many more profile views you get!

For The Brave and Bold: Message people who have looked at your profile and ask if they have additional questions you can answer.

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