Network interviews: questions to ask and best practice

Whether you're starting a career change or looking for a new job, a network interview can be a very rewarding experience, as long as you've prepared for it carefully. Please note that the word ‘interview’ should not mislead you. It's not about presenting your motivations for getting a job, but a conversation to gather valuable information to shed light on your professional future and expand your circle of acquaintances.

Who can you interview? How to request a network interview? What questions can you ask your interviewer? Everything you need to know to get the most out of this professional exchange.

How to get a network interview?

Before sending out your first invitations, you should think about one question: what answers could help you in your job search today? What information would help you move forward? What doubts are blocking you from taking action?

Based on your needs, you will sketch out the profiles of the people you want to meet. Imagine what their function is, their training, their sector of activity and their years of experience. You'll need to meet different profiles to compare their opinions. This is particularly important if you're considering a career change. If you're hesitating between several professions, it's essential to hear several pieces of feedback before making your choice.

As the name suggests, a network interview involves getting an interview through your network of acquaintances. You can identify several circles of contacts to make your search easier:

• close: friends, family and neighbours

• regular acquaintances: colleagues, association members, friends from sporting or leisure activities.

• ‘old’ : former colleagues, former classmates, former partners.

• acquaintances from your network.

Good news! After sharing your requirements with your various contacts, you've identified several people to interview. All that's left to do is to ask your contacts for an introduction by e-mail.

Don't your acquaintances have people in their address books who could provide you with information? Use LinkedIn. You may feel like you're sending a bottle to the sea by writing messages to strangers, but if you explain your situation sincerely and precisely how the person can help you, you're more likely to get a positive response.

Organise a face-to-face meeting whenever possible to encourage your contact to listen. Why not ask him to meet you at his office? You're asking for his help and he's willing to give you some time, make things easier for him.

What questions to ask during a network interview?

Prepare for an interview lasting around 30 minutes. Practise introducing yourself if you're not sure of your pitch. Even if you have been put in touch with someone or have already introduced yourself by e-mail, now is the time to highlight your profile.

Try to prepare open-ended questions to obtain as much information as possible.

Below are some examples of questions you can ask during your network interview:

• Why did you choose this job?

• What is your academic background? Were you satisfied with your studies?

• How important is the education to get into this type of job?

• What are the advantages and disadvantages of your job?

• What are the opportunities for your career development?

• What are the market trends?

• What are the most in demand skills in your sector today?

• How do you choose your employees?

• Are there any regions /towns that recruit more in this field?

• What would you do differently today in terms of your career path?

Finally, before you leave, ask your interviewer: ‘Do you know anyone who could help me with my enquiries? This is how you'll expand your professional network.

Our recommendations for keeping in touch

Take the time to send him an acknowledgement email after your appointment. Later, when you've made progress (taken up a new post, new training, etc.), don't forget to keep him informed of your choice.

If you've got on well together, keep in touch via professional social networks such as LinkedIn and take advantage of special opportunities to communicate: congratulate them on a mention in the media, send them a study that might interest them, send them your wishes, and so on.

Don't forget to be as helpful as you can - being a good networker requires listening and generosity. Getting involved in networking requires regular attention, but it can really boost your career.

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