Your informational interview took an unexpected turn. How should you handle it?
When your informational interview takes an unexpected turn, staying calm and adaptable is crucial. Here's how to handle it:
How do you handle unexpected turns in professional conversations? Share your insights.
Your informational interview took an unexpected turn. How should you handle it?
When your informational interview takes an unexpected turn, staying calm and adaptable is crucial. Here's how to handle it:
How do you handle unexpected turns in professional conversations? Share your insights.
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An unexpected turn in an informational interview doesn’t have to derail your goals. With the right approach, you can turn any curveball into an opportunity for deeper connections and learning. Have you ever had an informational interview take an unexpected turn? How did you handle it? Share your experiences below—I’d love to hear them!
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Stay clam and composed. Listen carefully to understand the situation and make thoughtful decision to respond appropriately.
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The first thing to do is not panic. There might be things you’re familiar with, and there could be things you’re not. So, acknowledging the speaker and asking questions can be really useful to understand the context and implications better. This can help keep the conversation flowing. It is completely fine to admit that you are not aware of a particular thing.
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During an informational interview with a senior leader, the conversation shifted from career advice to an unexpected discussion about organizational challenges. At first, I was caught off guard, but I quickly realized the opportunity. Instead of steering the conversation back, I actively listened, asked insightful questions, and offered perspectives from my mentoring experience. By the end of the conversation, we not only discussed the industry but also forged a valuable professional connection. Unexpected moments can open doors to deeper insights—embrace them, adapt, and learn. #CareerGrowth #Networking #BusinessMentor #SatyendraKSingh #LeadershipDevelopment #MentorInsights
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The key is to stay flexible, adaptable. Remain calm & open-minded, embracing the change rather than resisting it. Listen carefully to the new direction & try to assess how it aligns with your goals or interests. Ask thoughtful follow-up questions to better understand the topic, ensuring you gain valuable insights. If the conversation shifts to something outside of your planned focus, consider how this could still benefit you, perhaps offering a broader perspective or deeper connection. Most importantly, stay engaged & positive & maintain professionalism. If the conversation leads to unexpected advice or opportunities, express gratitude & try to steer it back to your original intent when appropriate.