Exploratory Interviews: A Guide for Innovators
Also known as an informational interview or expert interview, an exploratory interview is a structured yet casual conversation aimed at gaining insights, advice, and professional guidance from someone experienced in your field of interest. The goal is to learn from their career journey, challenges, and successes, and to gather knowledge that could propel you forward. These conversations can also open doors to new opportunities and expand your network in ways you never expected.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through the essential steps to conduct exploratory interviews effectively and make the most of these valuable conversations.Why Conduct Exploratory Interviews?
Exploratory interviews are a win-win for both parties. For you, they provide a chance to:
Gain insights into a specific role or industry.
Learn about expert experiences, common challenges, and paths to success.
Expand your network and potentially build new professional relationships.
Practice articulating your own career goals and improving your pitch.
Get advice on career transitions, trends, and growth opportunities.
For the person you're interviewing, it offers a chance to share their expertise, give back, and perhaps even gain a fresh perspective from your questions.
Step 1: Crafting Your Approach
Your first step is to reach out and request a conversation. This might feel intimidating, but with the right approach, you’ll find most people are willing to help.
Key Tips:
Be concise: Busy professionals are more likely to respond if your request is clear and to the point.
Show respect for their time: Be transparent about how much time the conversation will take (20-30 minutes is ideal).
Be clear about your ask: Make it clear that you’re not asking for a job but looking for advice and insights.
Personalize the message: Mention mutual contacts or something specific that impressed you about their work.
Sample Outreach Emails:
For an Entrepreneur: Hi [Name],
I hope you’re doing well. My name is [Your Name], and I’m an aspiring entrepreneur interested in launching a [type of business] / exploring a [type of solution]. A mutual acquaintance, [Referrer’s Name], mentioned that you have valuable insights in this area.
If you’re available, I’d love to schedule a brief 20-minute call to learn more about your journey and the challenges you’ve faced. Thank you for considering, and I look forward to connecting!
Best regards,
[Your Name]
Step 2: Prepare Your Questions
To make the most of your exploratory interview, do your research on the person beforehand. Don’t waste time asking questions you could have easily found online. Instead, focus on insights only they can provide.
Some Powerful Questions to Ask:
When interviewing an expert to gain insights for innovation, your focus should be on understanding how they’ve tackled challenges similar to the ones you’re facing and the solutions they’ve implemented. Here are tailored questions to help you extract actionable insights for your project or innovation:
What were the biggest challenges you encountered when developing a solution like [related problem]?
How did you approach overcoming these obstacles?
Can you walk me through the process or method you used to solve [specific challenge]?
What steps did you take to ensure its success?
What key factors influenced your decision-making when implementing this solution?
How did you prioritize different aspects such as cost, efficiency, or user feedback?
Were there any unexpected hurdles during the development or implementation phase?
How did you adapt your strategy to manage them?
How do you stay ahead of industry trends while tackling these challenges?
Can you provide examples of how you incorporated new trends or technologies into your solution?
What measurable impact or outcomes did your solution achieve?
How did you track and evaluate success, and what metrics were most critical?
If you were starting over, what would you do differently based on the lessons you’ve learned?
What mistakes or missteps should we avoid in pursuing a similar solution?
What resources, tools, or frameworks were critical in developing and refining your solution?
How can these be applied to other innovations or projects like ours?
Were there any collaboration or partnership challenges that arose during the innovation process?
How did you navigate those dynamics, and what advice would you offer for working with cross-functional teams?
What do you see as the next big innovation or disruption in this space?
How should we prepare for or incorporate that into our approach?
For Entrepreneurs or Solution-Driven Innovators:
What additional skills or capabilities were necessary beyond your core expertise to implement this solution?
How did you acquire or develop those skills?
How did you maintain momentum and sustainability during long-term projects or initiatives?
What strategies helped you stay on track and achieve your goals?
The key is to focus on their experiences, challenges, and advice while being mindful of the time limit.
Step 3: Wrapping Up the Interview
After your conversation, be sure to:
Stick to the agreed time: Showing respect for their time reflects professionalism.
Express gratitude: Thank them for their insights and ask if they would be comfortable staying in touch.
Ask for referrals: “Can you think of anyone else I should talk to about [topic]?” If they offer a name, politely ask if they would be willing to make an introduction.
Send a thank-you note: A handwritten note or thoughtful email leaves a lasting impression.
Networking Through Exploratory Interviews: The Bottom Line
Exploratory interviews are a fantastic way to gather knowledge, build connections, and enhance your professional confidence. By approaching these conversations with authenticity, respect, and preparation, you’ll be amazed at how willing people are to help. With each new conversation, you’ll gain valuable insights that can shape your career journey and broaden your professional network.
Don’t let fear or uncertainty hold you back—reach out, learn, and watch the opportunities unfold.
Reach out for more at innovation@growthinnovationstrategy.com.
