Informational Interviewing is the process of talking to people who have jobs that interest you to learn more about the profession. The primary objectives of informational interviewing are to:
- Investigate a specific career field.
- Learn the terminology and important issues in the field.
- Develop a network of contacts for future reference.
- Create a plan for entering the area of interest.
Informational interviewing is an effective tool in your approach to career planning. It will require some organization and planning on your part.
When calling to schedule an appointment:
- Introduce yourself.
- Tell them why you are calling.
- If you are calling as the result of a referral, mention the other person's name.
- Let them know up front how much time you're asking for. Keep it to about 20-30 minutes.
- Don't expect them to talk to you on this phone call. Arrange another mutually convenient time.
- Try if at all possible to arrange a face-to-face meeting. If this is not possible, you might need to interview over the phone.
- Be prepared to do the interview on the spot if the person invites you to and if they sound like they really have the time. You want to be sure you have their attention.
You can also ask for an informational interview by email or by letter.
Include the same information and let them know that you will be calling to follow up and arrange a mutually convenient time. Check your email or letter for proper spelling and grammar. Remember, this is your first impression and you want the person to take you seriously.
- Keep a record of who you have contacted so that if they call you, you will know who they are and from which company.
BEFORE the interview:
- Learn as much as you can about the industry, about the company, and about the person you will be meeting with.
- Think of your key questions and write them down in a logical order. Take notes and make sure you are listening. (Suggested questions are listed below.)
- Dress professionally.
- Bring copies of your resume.
- Arrive 10 minutes before your appointment.
During the interview:
- Discuss the purpose for your visit and why you are speaking with this specific person.
- Be prepared to begin the conversation, since you are the interviewer.
- Limit your interview to 20-30 minutes.
- Ask for referrals of other individuals in the field or in related organizations.
- Keep in mind that this is an information-gathering and advice-seeking interview, not an employment interview.
After the interview:
- Send a thank-you note and keep the individual up-to-date on your progress.
- Periodically touch base with the individual; maintain a relationship.
- Review your interview style. What could you have done better? Use what you have learned when you conduct your next interview.
- Evaluate the information you received. What did you learn? Is this a career you would like to pursue?
Suggested questions to ask about the career field:
Try to use open-ended questions to get the most information from the individual. Listed below are sample questions to help you prepare for your interview.
- What types of positions are most often found in this career field?
- What general skills do I need to perform the responsibilities associated with this job? (e.g., organizing, supervising, writing).
- What specific skills do I needed to do this job? (e.g., academic, experiential).
- What type of training or education is required to perform this kind of work?
- What are the negative aspects of the field, for example: "What would you change if you could?" or
"If you had it to do over again, how would you have done it differently?" - What are the typical entry-level positions in this field?
- What is the outlook for entry-level professionals.
- Are there any alternative methods to gain entrance to the field? (e.g., part-time, mid-career change, volunteer work or other kinds of training).
- What is the future of this field in terms of new and expanding opportunities?
- Other information that may be helpful (e.g., critique of resume, job-seeking tactics, names of other professionals in the field).
Questions about the organization:
- What are the short- and long-term goals of the organization, such as growth or new products and services?
- Ask the person what various positions they have held between entry-level and their present job.
- Ask them to give you an overview of their present job (as defined in the job description as well as what is done beyond the job description).