Purpose
An informational interview is designed to help you gather information on a career and assist you in your job-search campaign. Through informational interviewing, you can find out what a particular job involves, how to find such a job, and how to best prepare yourself for the job search. The purpose of an informational interview is not to secure a job, although it may ultimately lead to an offer. Instead, it is a low-stress situation where you have the opportunity to gather the data you need to make a realistic career choice and possibly learn of other individuals who might be willing to help you in your search. Depending on the questions asked, an informational interview can give you current facts about a specific occupation. These facts should help you to sort out personal options and to make choices. In addition, you can obtain valuable information about organizing your job search campaign and presenting your skills and experience in a positive, professional manner.
Resources
You can find possible sources for contact names among the following:
MiddNet Online: CSO's Alumni DatabaseFamily MembersProfessorsFriendsCareer CounselorsLibraryYellow PagesProfessional JournalsLocal Chambers of Commerce
Tell everyone you know about your career interests and ask if they could refer you to one resource person. You will be surprised how many contacts can be generated in this manner. Remember that a contact is "someone who knows someone you know."
Process
1. Begin with an email or letter, introducing yourself, the source of the contact (MiddNet Online, a family member) and your desire to arrange a brief conversation about a particular industry or company, noting that you will follow up with a phone call within the week. It is important that you are specific in your request, giving minimal but essential information about your background, skills and particular career interests
2. Preparation is essential. Once you have been granted the interview, it is your responsibility to make good use of the time. As the interview is to determine whether there is a match between you and a particular job, it is important that you have a both a clear idea of the information you are seeking as well as the skills and experience you bring to this type of job. For more information on identifying your skills and interests, see our Assess page.
The informational interview is your opportunity to learn what you need to know about a particular occupation. Here are some sample questions that may get you started:
What do you do on a daily basis?What skills do you use most often?What is most satisfying about your work? Frustrating?What job tasks do you like least? Most?What courses or training have been most helpful to you in your present work?How has your career evolved?How did you first learn about the opening that led to your current job?What is the salary range for your position?Whom do you know doing similar work at another company or organization that I might contact for additional insight?
3. The person whom you are interviewing may want to know something about you as well as share information about her/himself. She/he may even tell you of job openings or ask whether you are interested in hearing of any. How you answer will depend on where you are in your job search. You may or may not be ready to commit yourself to a particular field. In any case, try to keep options open for yourself and respond accordingly.
4. THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU! Send a Thank You Note the same dayas your interview. More than just a courtesy, it is a reminder of you. Also, remember that the persons whom you interview can serve as job contacts. Later you may want to send a letter expressing interest in employment. If so, you can recall your informational interview and enclose a copy of your resume.