Building Authentic Connections in Informational Interviews

What if the #1 networking strategy you’ve been told to use is actually holding you back? In this episode, Scott Anthony Barlow reveals the smarter, faster way to find your dream career: Test Drive Conversations. Learn how this simple shift can open doors, build genuine connections, and help you land a role you truly love—without ever asking for a job.

What you’ll learn

• The #1 reason informational interviews fail and the smarter alternative for career changers.
• The core differences between informational interviews and Test Drive Conversations (and why the latter gets better results).
• How Test Drive Conversations fit into the 4 proven milestones for creating a fulfilling, high-paying career.
• The simple career shift that boosts your success rate from 10–40% to as high as 70%.
• The 15-minute conversation framework that turns chats into ongoing opportunities without asking for a job.
• How to test your career direction so you avoid wasting months on the wrong path.

Our book, Happen To Your Career: An Unconventional Approach To Career Change and Meaningful Work, is now available on audiobook! Visit  happentoyourcareer.com/audible to order it now! Visit happentoyourcareer.com/book for more information or buy the print or ebook here!

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Free Resources

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Career Change Guide - Learn how high-performers discover their ideal career and find meaningful, well-paid work without starting over.

Related Episodes

1. Finding Your Ideal Career Fit by Conducting Career Experiments (Spotify / Apple Podcasts)
2. Write Networking Emails That Get Responses 💯 for Test Drive Conversations (Spotify / Apple Podcasts)

Mentioned Episodes:

HTYC 128 - Figuring Out What REALLY Fits with Eric Murphy (Spotify / Apple Podcasts)

HTYC 532 - Prioritizing Autonomy & Fulfillment When You’re at a Career Crossroads (Live Coaching) (Spotify / Apple Podcasts)

HTYC 533 - Creating Your Ideal Career by Asking for What You Want (Spotify / Apple Podcasts)