WHAT IS AN INFORMATIONAL INTERVIEW?

An informational interview is an interview that you initiate - you ask the questions. The purpose is to obtain information, not to get a job. You may be researching a career, researching a company or attempting to network with someone in a particular field.

Reasons to conduct an informational interview

• To gain experience and self-confidence when interviewing
• To learn about a particular organization, field or career
• To access the most up-to-date career information
• To ask for other referrals (who else do you know that may be helpful to me in my search?)

WHAT STEPS TO TAKE?

Step 1. Identify who you want to talk to
Contrary to what you may think, top level managers are not necessarily the best sources of information to contact early in your process. Individuals who hold positions similar to the one’s you plan to seek are your best contacts early in the process.

Step 2. Set up the interview
Begin by assessing your own personal network of family, friends, and co-workers. Ask each person you know for possible contacts in your field(s) of choice. A personal referral is the ideal referral, but cold calls to individuals you may have read or heard about can also be effective.

UWRF Mentor Network: Career Services has a “Mentor Network” with hundreds of names of individuals who are willing to speak with you about their careers and organizations.

TIP: What to say when calling or writing to set up the interview:

• A brief introduction about yourself
• Why you are writing or calling this individual
• A brief statement of your interests or experiences in the person's profession or career
• Why you would like to meet with them. Be straightforward; tell him/her you are asking for information and advice
• Then ask for a date to schedule the informational interview

Step 3. Treat the informational interview as a professional point of contact
Dress professionally, arrive early, send a thank you note (as soon as possible after the interview).

Step 4. Prepare
Have your informational interview questions prepared ahead of time (there are examples in this handout). Research as much as you can about the company/organization for which the interviewee works.

CONDUCTING THE INFORMATIONAL INTERVIEW

Again, do your research. Read information on the occupation and/or company so that you can ask meaningful questions. You will want to develop a list of questions prior to the interview; remain flexible, though, and respond to the information presented, which may be even more valuable! Remember to consider your own values and preferences in preparing these questions. Your objective is to see if this occupation would be the type of career that you would enjoy or if the organization would provide what you are looking for in a company or job.

The following questions are some you may consider asking:

• The Positions/Career Path
• What is a typical work day like for you?
• What is your position/title? What are your responsibilities?
• Why does this field of work interest you and how did you get started?
• How did you get your job? What experiences have led you to this career/occupation?
• What skills are most important in doing this job well? What personal traits are needed?
• What does the company do to contribute to the employees’ overall professional development?
• What interests you least about your current job? What causes the most stress for you on the job?
• How would you describe the working conditions/climate?
• How did your college experience prepare you for this job? (only if relevant)
• What kinds of experience (paid or unpaid) would you suggest for someone wanting to enter this career field?

The Company/Industry

• What sorts of changes are occurring in this profession or within your company/organization?
• What is the average length of time for an employee to stay in the job you hold? Are there incentives or disincentives for staying in the same job?
• Is there flexibility related to dress, work hours, vacation schedule, place of residence, etc.?
• What are the new trends or issues in this industry?
• Can you suggest some publications I might read? What professional associations do people in this field belong?
• Are there certain types of employees who are more successful than others in this profession?

Next Step Questions

• Can you think of anything else I should know about this field?
• Could you suggest one or two other people I might contact for further information?
• Would you mind if I called you again if I think of any other questions?
• Don’t forget the business card. Add this to your business card file!
• Would you mind reviewing my resume and making any suggestions? (Give resume and self-addressed, stamped envelope).

AFTER THE INTERVIEW

• Make notes to yourself on the content of the interview for future reference
• Follow up on any suggestions made--reading, meetings, contacts
• Immediately send a THANK YOU letter stating your appreciation for their time and information
  Mention specific points or suggestions that were particularly helpful and state your plans to follow through