Basic Research
Informational Interviews
An informational interview is not an interview for a position. It's a meeting of usually 15 to 30 minutes with a person who has hands-on experience in the area you want to know more about.
The purpose of an informational interview is to help you define your career options. It's also useful in researching companies where you may want to work.
An informational interview helps you:
- Gain solid information that will help you evaluate how your skills and interests dovetail with a particular career or business
- Learn what the industry or employer values in its employees
- Increase your network by leaving a positive impression with someone who could provide encouragement, support and future access to job leads
- Find out whether jobs are available in the field or business you want to enter
- Get feedback about careers or the employers
- Subtly market your skills in case a prospective employer wants to contact you when an opening occurs.
During an informational interview, ask if your resume would be appropriate for the particular employer or this occupation.
Be sure they don't get the impression you're asking them for a job! Don't misrepresent yourself either. Be honest.
Arranging an Informational Interview
Start by asking everyone you know if they have some contacts at companies or in fields that interest you.
Ask, "Do you know anyone who works for General Mills?" "Do you know anyone in a nonprofit organization?" "Do you know anyone who does freelance writing?" Then, once you have a name make a phone call. Here is a sample script you might use:
"Mrs. Smith, Brad Johnson suggested I speak with you. My name is Steven Olson and I am interested in the ________ field. I could use some advice from someone who is in this field. Do you have any time this week when I could meet with you? I know you're busy, so I only need about 15 minutes of your time. I would really like to learn more about your company and the ________ field from someone like you."
You may also want to explain a little about your employment background and why this area is appealing to you.
Preparing for an Informational Interview
Select questions relating to the occupation or business you're considering. Research key areas of potential discussion. Take an active role in the interview. Encourage suggestions. Ask questions that provide the information you want. Show your interest and knowledge.
Keep in mind that you can also ask about other things. Get a sense for whether they enjoy their work. Ask about what they actually do, how they spend their day and about their short- and long-term responsibilities. Look for the answers behind the answers.
Develop rapport with the interviewer by recognizing similar interests and being agreeable. It's important to gauge just how friendly your contacts really are. If they're sympathetic, you can ask hard questions which may reveal doubts about the field. If they're standoffish or judgmental, be cautious.
Don't be afraid to ask technical questions, especially if it shows what you already know about the field.
Use open-ended questions that elicit more than a yes or no response.
Click here for a worksheet with some sample questions you may want to ask during your informational interview.
During and After the Informational Interview
This is an opportunity to meet a person in the profession you're hoping to enter. Dress professionally, take paper for writing notes and take an extra resume in case there is an opportunity to have it critiqued or to leave it with the employer.
Avoid anything that might jeopardize your interviewer's desire to refer you to other people. One important objective is getting additional leads and referrals, which may eventually lead to a job.
When the informational interview is over:
- You should have names of people to contact.
- You should follow-up on the advice the employer gives you.
- You should have a good idea if this is where you'd want to work or could work.
- Recap what you just learned or need to learn.
- Write down additional notes/thoughts/evaluation for future reference.
- Don't forget to send a thank you note to the person for being so generous with their time. Consider including a personal calling card.
- Ask for a business card which will give you the information needed for the thank you note.