Advice Discussion - Not an Information Interview

See here for a practical step-by-step "recipe" for an advice discussion, which based on Adam Grant's observation below shouldn't be called an information interview. This is what we'll use to roleplay the Advice Discussion.

Adam Grant, in his book Hidden Potential, makes an important distinction between seeking information/feedback and advice.  "Feedback is backward-looking - it leads people to criticize you or cheer for you.  Advice is forward-looking - it leads people to coach you.  You can get your critics and cheerleaders to act more like coaches by asking a simple question: What's one thing I can do better next time."

An advice discussion is a meeting in which a person seeks insights on a career, industry, company, or corporate culture from someone with experience in that area. Unlike a job interview, the goal of an advice discussion isn't to seek employment. Instead, it's a tool for gathering information and advice. This type of interview can be a powerful way to build a network, learn about employment opportunities, and better understand an industry or specific job role.

Here are some key aspects of advice discussions:

1. Initiating the Discussion: Typically, the person seeking advice will request a meeting, which could be in person, over the phone, or via a digital platform. The request should be professional and clear about the purpose of the interview.

2. Preparing Questions: The individual should come prepared with specific questions. These might be about the interviewee’s hard-to-solve problems, career path, current role, challenges in the industry, company culture, or advice for someone looking to enter the field.

3. Building a Network: Advice discussions can be a valuable way to expand professional networks. Engaging with professionals in the field can provide insights and connections that are not available through other sources.

4. Learning Industry Insights: These interviews can provide a realistic view of the industry and day-to-day responsibilities that aren't always apparent from outside an organization or sector.

5. Follow-Up: It's important to send a thank-you note after the advice discussion, expressing gratitude for the time and advice given. This not only is polite but also helps in maintaining the connection for future interactions.

6. No Job Expectations: While advice discussions can sometimes lead to job opportunities, it's important to approach them with the intention of learning, not directly seeking employment. This approach makes it more likely that professionals will agree to talk, as it removes the pressure of a job transaction.

Advice discussions are particularly beneficial for students, recent graduates, or anyone considering a career change, as they provide a realistic picture of what to expect in different roles and industries.