According to a recent survey by LinkedIn, 85% of all jobs are filled through networking. This means that if you are actively seeking a new job or looking to advance your career, networking should be a critical part of your strategy. One of the best ways to network is through interviews with industry experts, also known as an informant. Here are five reasons why you should interview your informant now.
1. Gain Valuable Insights
Informants are experts in their field, and by interviewing them, you can gain valuable insights into the industry. They can provide you with information about trends, challenges, and opportunities that you may not be aware of. This knowledge can give you a competitive edge when applying for jobs or making strategic career moves.
2. Expand Your Network
Networking is all about building relationships, and interviews with informants are an excellent way to expand your network. By building a rapport with your informant, you can tap into their network of contacts, which could lead to new job opportunities or introductions to influential people in your industry.
3. Improve Your Interview Skills
Practice makes perfect, and interviewing your informant is an excellent opportunity to improve your interview skills. You can use this experience to practice asking open-ended questions, active listening, and engaging in meaningful conversation. These skills will not only benefit you in future interviews but also in your day-to-day interactions in the workplace.
4. Build Your Personal Brand
By interviewing an informant, you can position yourself as a thought leader in your industry. You can use the insights and information you gain from the interview to create thought-provoking content that you can share on your blog, social media, or other platforms. This content can help you build your personal brand and showcase your expertise.
5. Keep Your Finger on the Pulse
The business world is constantly changing, and by interviewing an informant, you can stay up-to-date on the latest trends and innovations. This knowledge can help you stay relevant in your industry, and position yourself for new opportunities that may emerge.
In conclusion, interviewing your informant can be a valuable tool for networking, gaining insights, improving your interview skills, building your personal brand, and staying current in your industry. Don’t hesitate to reach out to an informant today and start building valuable relationships that could benefit your career for years to come.