Happy Monday ThinkTalkers, I hope you all had a wonderful Christmas and got everything you asked for from Santa. But in case some of you asked Santa for a job and he didn’t deliver…it’s time to get back to work on searching for work. But never fear, ThinkTalk is here to help. Today I’m highlighting an article from Monster.Com’s Monster Blog which talks about the art of the informational interview.

I can say from personal experience the informational interview’s benefits are two-fold. First, you create a network of people and resources which as we all know is ESSENTIAL when looking for a job. These people not only get the chance to get to know you and what you are looking for, but they’re getting to do it in a casual way that allows them to talk about their field and help an up and coming colleague. It would also be in your best interest not to automatically beg these people for a job. Use informational interviews strictly for information and connections…because the job will follow. Which bring me to my second benefit of the informational interview, when someone actually has an opening or hears of one and they chose you to hire or nominate for the position!

Stumped as to what to actually talk about in these interviews? This is where Monster Blog comes in. The career experts there gave some sample questions to get the discussion started in the right direction:

• How did you get started in your career, and what has your career path been?
• What education or training is most important?
• What is your average day or week like?
• What traits make you (or anyone) good for your line of work?
• What do you love about your work?
• What frustrates you in your work?
• What are some common misconceptions about your work?
• How could someone with my background potentially transition into your career (or company)?
• Where do you see the industry headed, and how could someone like me prepare for those changes?
• Do you know anyone else it would be wise for me to talk to?

I hope these questions get you started talking to people in your field and ultimately give you a better idea of what you want to be doing, and hopefully find a person that will help you do it!