Informational Interviewing
Purpose
Informational interviewing is a way to learn more about the careers you're interested in while making contacts in that field. These contacts and information can help you obtain a job in the future. However, informational interviews are not job interviews!
Basic Steps
- Identify the occupation, organization, or policy area you are interested in and research it to the best of your ability before the interview.
- Decide whom you would like to interview- start with family members, friends, neighbors, and coworkers (and ask them for other names). You can start by researching online.
- Use groups like PLEN to help put you in contact with organizations and individuals.
- If you would like to interview someone you don't know, write a formal e-mail or letter requesting an interview. The letter should be like a cover letter but without the job pitch. Include some information about yourself and your interest in the field, but be straightforward: tell him or her that you are requesting an interview for information and advice. Include your contact information; if they haven't contacted you in two weeks, contact them.
- Bring a list of questions and something to write on. Bring a copy of your resume with you, but do not give it to the interviewee unless he or she requests it or if you feel he or she can help you critique the resume.
- When you conduct the interview you should be professionally dressed, punctual, and prepared with your list of questions. Be sure to thank the person you are interviewing for taking time out of their schedule to meet with you and begin the interview with a brief explanation of your interest in the field.
- Remember, this is not a job interview. You are coming to find out more information, so you need to be asking questions. Refer to your questions, but allow for spontaneous discussion. Keep the interview focused on the interviewee's job and career field.
- At the end of the interview ask if they can recommend anyone else for you to contact, and, once again, thank them for their time. The interview should not exceed the amount of time you agreed upon.
- Send a hand written thank you letter within a week of the interview.
Sample Questions
- How did you get started in this field? What was your education? What educational background or experience might be helpful when entering this field?
- What are the daily duties of your job? What skills do you use in this position?
- What are the problems/challenges you see working in this field?
- What are the salary ranges in this field? How much flexibility do you have in terms of dress, work hours, vacations?
- What are the opportunities for advancement?
- What trends do you see for this career field in the next 3 to 5 years? What kind of future do you see for this organization?
- What factors go into hiring decisions in this field?
- How does one find out about job openings in this field?
- Do you have any advice for me?
- Can you recommend anyone else for me to talk to? May I use your name when I contact her/him?
