Informational Interviews

What Is A Information Interview?
An information interview is a meeting that you schedule with a person who works for a company or in a field that interests you.  The purpose of such a meeting is to allow you to gather information for further exploration of that particular company or career field.  An information interview is not a job interview; rather it puts you in contact with a an experienced professional who can give you helpful information and a realistic idea of what it is like to work in a particular job and who may  be in a position to recommend you for a job and introduce you to further contacts.

Why do Information Interviews?
Information interviewing is an excellent way to get the “inside scoop” on an employer or a career field.  Other benefits include:

• You will gain valuable information about a job you may wish to pursue.  In many cases, you would not have access to the information if you did not get it through an information interview.
• You will learn the particulars of an organization or job—how you might fit in, what needs or problems there are, etc.
• You will get a realistic idea of what kind of salary range to expect in a particular job.
• You will enlarge your circle of “contacts.”  Remember, many times it is who you know (or get to know) that gets your foot in the door.
• You will have the opportunity to ask for referrals.  For example:  “Would you suggest some other people I might contact about careers in this field?”
  

Where do I find people to interview?
It is best to have some kind of connection to the person you interview.  Ask friends, relatives, neighbors, co-workers, employers/former employers, your friends’ parents, GC faculty and staff, people you know through church, your former teachers, lifelong friends of your parents, people you meet through athletic/sporting events, GC alumni, etc.  Career Services not only has names of many employers, we also have connections with a wide range of alumni who are willing to assist you in exploring your career options.

How do I prepare for an Information Interview?
Remember, most people enjoy talking about what they do, and how they got into the field, but it is very important that you do not waste their time!   Be prepared and know what you want to ask before you arrive.  Know your own interests, skills, values, and how they relate to the career field represented by the person with whom you will be talking.  Know exactly what kind of information you want.  If you need assistance in preparing for an information interview, please contact Kellie or Colleen in Career Services.

How do I arrange the Interview?
Generally, the most effective way to arrange an information interview is to send the person an e-mail (or an old-fashioned letter via US mail) explaining what you have in mind and then follow-up with an phone call.  If you have a mutual contact who suggested that you call this person, be sure to let them know that up front.  For example: “Alice Smith, Director of Marketing at Advanced Home Care, suggested that I contact you.”  You need to be certain that the person you are contacting knows Alice Smith.  Explain that you would like to have a few minutes of their time to ask questions about the career field they work in and that you will be calling within the next few days.  Attach a copy of your resume, but be certain that your request is clearly NOT for a job interview.  Remember, an Information Interview is not the same thing as an actual job interview.   

How do you handle the actual interview?

• Plan to visit with the person for 30-45 minutes.  Unless the person asks you to stay longer (or unless they are talking your ears off), do not stay longer than 45 minutes.  Most people are very busy and have other appointments after you.
• Be sure to take a pen and pad of paper—you will want to write down names and other valuable information.
• Dress as if you were going on an actual job interview.  First impressions are important.
• Arrive at your appointment a few minutes early.  Be courteous to everyone you meet—the receptionist/secretary, etc.
• Take the initiative in conducting the interview.  You asked to meet with the person, so you take the ball and run with it.
  

How should I follow up after the Interview?
Be sure to get the person’s business card so you will have a correct name, title, address, etc.  Write a nice hand-written thank-you note (or send an e-mail if that seems more comfortable to you) thanking the person for their time.  Send the note as quickly as possible after your meeting (the next day is best).

Suggested Questions to ask in an Information Interview

In the position you now hold, what do you do in a typical day?

What are the most interesting aspects of your job?

What part of your work do you consider dull or repetitive?  What percentage of your time do you devote to this?

What were the jobs you had that led to this one?

How long does it usually take to move from one step to the next in this career path?

What is the step above the one you now have?

What is the top job you can have in this career?

What type of degree or training do I need to enter this field?

Where did you go to school?

Are there any specific courses a student might take that would be particularly beneficial in this field?

What types of training do companies give the persons entering this field?

What are the salary ranges for various levels in this field?

What aspects of a career in this field do you consider particularly good?  Particularly bad?

What special advice would you give a young person entering this field?

Is there a demand for people in this field?  Do you view this field as a growing one?

How do you see the jobs in the field changing over the next two years?  How do I prepare myself for these changes?

What is the best way to obtain a position which will start me on a career in this field?

Do you have information on job specifications and descriptions which I may have?

Could you give me some history/background information on this company?

Note:  Do not ask these questions one after the other, but rather let the conversation flow naturally.  Remember, the person will probably answer most of these questions without your having to ask.