Informational Interviewing Guide
- Informational interviewing allows you to:
- Locating Contacts
- Setting Up the Interview
- Preparing for the Interview
- The Meeting
- After the Interview
- Links
Informational interviewing allows you to:
- Explore careers and gain perspective on skills needed
- Develop knowledge of industry trends
- Gain exposure to various jobs and different organizational cultures
- Create a professional network aiding in the job search
- Develop interviewing skills in a non-threatening situation
Locating Contacts
- Through experience based classes and assignments
- Advisors, faculty and staff
- Alumni
- Colleagues, classmates, friends, parents, parents’ friends, friends’ parents
- LinkedIn groups and professional associations
Setting Up the Interview
Initial contact via email or phone should include:
- An introduction of yourself
- Why you are contacting the person and how you got their name
- Your interests as it relates to the field/industry
Preparing for the Interview
Research the organization/company/career field and the person you will be meeting. Preparing for the interview shows respect for the interviewee. Review the organization/company’s mission statement, new initiatives, long term projects, media attention, and overview.
Prepare a list of questions which will help you gather information to stimulate a conversation between you and the professional. Possible questions include:
General career field
- What credentials or degrees are required for entry into this kind of work?
- What types of prior experience are absolutely essential? What experiences do you recommend?
- What skills or abilities are most essential for success in this job/career field?
- Describe a typical work day or work week.
- What parts of the job do you find most satisfying/challenging?
- What is the job outlook for this field?
- What are typical entry-level jobs in this field?
- What do you suggest in regards to job search strategies?
- What advice would you give to someone starting out in this field?
- What professional associations/journals would you recommend?
- What are the most important trends/issues in this field?
Specific to company
- Could you please provide an overview of your organization/company?
- Could you please provide an overview of your office/department/division?
- What is rewarding about working at this organization/company?
- What types of professional development opportunities are available?
Final and important question
- Is there anyone else you can recommend I speak with for additional information?
The Meeting
- Remember this session is for gathering information, not for a job. Therefore, you will be asking most of the questions.
- Begin by introducing yourself and reaffirming your purpose (to get information).
- Limit your visit to 30 minutes. Be respectful of others’ time. The interviewee may extend this time, but leave it up to that person.
After the Interview
- Send a thank-you note - express your appreciation for the interview and mention a couple of pieces of helpful advice from the meeting.
- Connect with them on LinkedIn. Join LinkedIn groups the interviewee recommends.
- Stay in touch - This contact might be beneficial in the job search process.