Informational interviewing is one of the most effective ways to gain knowledge about career fields and how that field fits with your personality and interests. It is the process of talking with professionals who are working in fields that you are considering for yourself.
- Gain direct information about career fields
- Learn about new fields you may not have been aware of before
- Define career goals more clearly
- Find out what employers are looking for and how to market your skills most effectively
- Confirm career decisions
- Obtain information about specific companies
- Improve job interviewing skills
- Create a network of people to help in your job search
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Informational Interview Guide
Informational interviewing is one of the most effective ways to gain knowledge about career fields and how that field fits with your personality and interests. It is the process of talking with professionals who are working in fields that you are considering for yourself.
1. Make sure you have located what is available in print about a particular career field, organization, company, or business before you begin interviewing others for information.
2. Generate a list of questions before making that initial telephone call. This will prepare you for the interview.
3. Develop an initial 30-second script about yourself and why you are contacting the individual. Rehearse it several times to feel comfortable with the process.
4. When making the telephone call, confirm the person's job title by asking. State specifically that you are interested in learning more about a particular job, career field, industry, or business. Ask for 20 or 30 minutes of the person's time at their convenience. Be sure to keep the meeting within that time frame.
5. If possible, try to meet the person at their worksite so that you can get an idea of the working environment and culture associated with the job.
6. Dress appropriately for the location and arrive a few minutes early.
7. Write down the information you received, the name of the person with whom you have spoken, and the date of the interview for your records. Later, you can compare information received from different sources.
8. Send a thank you letter after the informational interview.
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