Beat the Competition: the Key to Getting Hired in Today's Job Market

I had to return to the workforce after an 18-year career "gap," I didn't think anyone would hire me.  And after 88 applications without a response, I began to think I was right.  

But what I didn't know is that there's a much more effective way to get hired--and that's through informational interviews. Most people think that job boards are the only way to find out what jobs are available.  But the reality is, most jobs are filled internally.  And many of the best roles never even make it onto a job board.

Why?

Because companies prefer to hire:

• people they already know,
• people who were referred,
• people they’ve had a real conversation with.

Informational interviews let you skip the competition entirely. No algorithms. No “apply now” buttons. No résumé scanning software.

Setting up an informational interview 

Step 1: Identify someone you want to learn from

This could be:

• A friend of a friend
• Someone from your church or community
• A former coworker
• A mom from your kids’ school
• Someone on LinkedIn whose job you admire

Write down 5–10 names. Don’t overthink it. You’re just having a conversation, not asking for a job.

Step 2: Send a short, kind message

You can reach out by email, text, or LinkedIn. Here are a few examples:

Email / LinkedIn message:

Hi [Name],

I’m exploring a return to the workforce and I really admire the work you do. Would you be open to a short 15-minute conversation so I can learn more about your role and how you got there? No pressure at all--I’d just value your perspective.

Thank you,
[Your Name]

Text version (for someone you know fairly well):

Hey [Name]! I’m starting to explore going back to work, and I’d love to learn more about what you do. Would you be open to a quick 15–20 minute call sometime in the next week or two so I can ask you some questions about your role and industry?

People love talking about their work. You’re giving them a chance to share.

 
Step 3: Ask great questions

Try some like these:

• What does a typical day look like for you?
• How did you get started in this field?
• What skills matter most in your role?
• What advice would you give someone restarting their career?
• What do you wish you had known earlier?
• Is there anyone else I should talk to?

You’re gathering information, not trying to impress them.

 
Step 4: Send a thank you

After your conversation, send a quick thank-you:

“Thank you again for taking the time to talk with me today. I learned so much from hearing about ____.”

This shows gratitude and professionalism and makes it natural for them to think of you later when they hear about opportunities.

Informational interviews are just two people having a meaningful conversation. And that conversation can lead to:

• an introduction
• a referral
• a hiring manager remembering your name

Job boards are crowded. Relationships are powerful. Informational interviews build relationships. And that's why they work.

Read additional blog posts here.