What is the primary goal during an informational interview when speaking with someone in an interesting role?
Answer
To listen and learn, not to pitch yourself
The text emphasizes that the core objective of an informational interview is educational engagement. The candidate should prioritize listening intently and absorbing information about the interviewee’s career path, the function of their team, or the current challenges within their industry. Pitching oneself is explicitly discouraged during this phase. Only after establishing this foundation of listening and learning should the candidate pivot slightly near the end to inquire about potential needs that might align with their background, phrasing it as curiosity about future roles rather than an immediate job demand.
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