Informational Interviewing
An informational interview is a conversation in which you gather information from an individual who is or has been employed in a career field of interest to you. (It is not an employment interview.) Through informational interviewing you can:
- Learn about careers to help you make informed career decisions.
- Learn about job opportunities and career paths.
- Begin or expand a “network” of contacts.
- Visit and evaluate a variety of work settings and environments.
- Become more confident about your interpersonal skills.
- Establish the first link to your potential job targets.
Whom to Contact:
- Alumni/Alumnae Volunteers in the Career Advisors Network. (located in the Career Planning Center, Hogan 203; available by appointment)
- Personal contacts who are employed in the field which is of interest to you.
- People who you know, parents’ friends, friends’ parents, former teachers, coaches, clergy and former employers, who could refer you to others who are employed in a field of interest to you.
- Professionals in your community and members of professional associations.
- Individuals working in a field or organization that interests you.
How it Works:
- Prepare, Research, and Plan in Advance!
Prior to your meeting, do some research to get a basic understanding of the industry, profession, position, etc. Also, know your interests, skills, and values and how these relate to the career you are investigating. You can meet with a staff member in The Career Planning Center to clarify these issues. Learn enough to enable you to formulate relevant questions. Plan for the informational interview as if you were an investigative journalist. Generally, you will be expected to lead the conversation, so prepare a list of questions. Ask “open questions” which encourage your contact to elaborate on his or her professional background, career expertise, and personal perceptions. Use phrases such as “tell me about…”; “describe for me…”; etc. - Contact Someone to Interview
Initiate an informational interview by writing an individual and letting that person know that you are a student who is gathering information to assist you in career decision-making. Explain how you obtained the person’s name. A personal referral is frequently most effective. Either the person referring you could make the initial introductions, or you could refer to this person
as a mutual acquaintance. State your hope of arranging a meeting, and make it clear that you are not asking for a job. Follow-up your letter with a phone call to request an appointment. Be sure to convey genuine interest and enthusiasm!
Suggested Questions
Select questions that will elicit the information which will be most useful to you. During your conversation, listen carefully and ask additional information when necessary.
Examples of Questions
- What do you do as a…?
- How do you spend a typical day/week?
- How did you enter this field of employment?
- What was your career path to this position?
- What aspects of your job are most/least satisfying?
- What are the major responsibilities of your position?
- What types of decisions do you make?
- What training/education background is required?
- What are some current issues in your field?
- How would you characterize your work environment?
- What is the mission of your organization?
- What kind of individual would be best suited for this position?
- What are the prospects for someone entering this field now?
- Are there any sources of information you might suggest?
- Could you offer the names of one or two other individuals with whom I should speak?
- What is the organizational structure of your department?
- What advice would you offer to someone beginning a career in this field?
Reminders
You will find it useful to prepare a resume. When informational interviewing, you may share your resume: 1) to offer an overview of your background; 2) to seek advice on preparing an effective resume for an entry level position in a specific career field; or 3) to leave as a “calling card”.
Always present yourself professionally. Be prompt, and do not take up too much of the person’s time. Even if your job search is several years away, an informational interview can be a great opportunity to make a positive first impression. Dress appropriately for the setting. Usually, conservative business attire is the norm. Be enthusiastic, shake hands confidently, and be polite. In addition, plan to do informational interviews with more than one individual to get various opinions and a balanced perspective.
Follow-Up
Send a thank you note in which you refer to any especially interesting or useful information. Also, keep notes of your meeting including helpful comments and the names of any referrals. Stay in touch. Through short notes or occasional phone calls, you may be able to establish an on-going relationship in which the person you spoke with becomes a mentor or key member of your network. If interested, ask if you could “shadow”-spend a day at work with the professional to learn through observation.