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An Informational Interview is an opportunity to spend time with someone who is a professional in a career field of interest to you. It can help you build your network, tap into the hidden job market, and learn about a specific company. However, you must be prepared to make sure that you respect the time and energy put forth by the professional. Remember that informational interviewing is NOT a sneaky way to ask for a job!
SETTING UP THE INFORMATIONAL INTERVIEW
Identify a professional in a field of interest to you. Talk to roommates, classmates, professors, family, neighbors, co-workers, professional organizations, and your Career Consultant to identify occupations of interest.
Contrary to popular belief, most professionals are honored to talk with students about their experiences!Research the professional and his or her organization/industry.
- Do your homework so that you can intelligently identify specifically why you are contacting this person & what they can provide you.
- Identify specific things of interest that this person can provide to you.
- Prepare your list of 15 questions to ask.
CONTACT THE PROFESSIONAL VIA PHONE (or in writing, if done well in advance.)
- Speak directly to the person. If that is not possible, explain to a secretary why you need to speak with this person, and ask what the best procedure would be to contact him/her.
- Have a written telephone “script” ready so that you adequately explain why you are calling and what you hope to get out of a meeting with this person.
- Determine a convenient time for you to meet with this person at his/her work site.
IN PREPARATION FOR THE INTERVIEW...
- Call to confirm the appointment the day before the actual interview. Obtain directions and parking information.
- Choose an outfit to wear to the interview. Men should wear a nice shirt, tie, blazer, and good shoes. Women should wear a dress or suit and hose and heels. Remember, you are visiting a place of employment and need to look business-like.
- Put together a nice notebook with paper and pens and copies of an updated resume to take with you. Be sure to write down your 15 questions in the notebook!
DURING THE ACTUAL INTERVIEW ...
- Arrive at least 15 minutes early, and announce your presence to the secretary. Be courteous to everyone who you meet, especially secretaries.
- Shake hands and introduce yourself.
- Be conscious of time. Do not spend more than 30 minutes, unless the professional initiates extra time.
- At the end of the interview, thank the person for his/her time, and shake hands as you leave.
IMMEDIATELY AFTER THE INTERVIEW...
- Find a quiet place to sit and write down all of the answers to the questions that you asked. Jot down information about any follow-up activities that were discussed or names of other professionals to contact.
- Within 2 days, send a typewritten or handwrit ten thank-you letter to the professional.
TELEPHONE SCRIPT IDEAS
- Provide a brief introduction of yourself for the professional. State that you are a student who is seeking advice and information on this person’s career or industry.
- State how you found out about this person (through your roommate, through a neighbor, from the Yellow Pages, etc.).
- Identify what you hope to get out of a meeting with this person (Information on the person’s current job? Information on person’s career? Information on general career field?).
- Once the interview date has been established, verify the specific address, location, date, and time before you hang up.
- Use this as a model, but make changes that work for you. The most successful salespeople use a script that works for them and they stick with it!
TELEPHONE SCRIPT SAMPLE:Hello, my name is _______________. I was given your name (or found your name) by _____________.
I am a (class year) at UGA and am interested in arranging an informational interview.
I am interested in learning more about the field of _______________ (or your position as _______________).
Is this a good time for me to try to set up a meeting with you or someone on your staff?
(If not), when would be a good time for me to try to call you back?
I would like to meet with you for about a half-hour at your convenience. Would you be available to speak to me (during the week of _________________)?OPENINGS AND BRIDGES
Some suggestions on how to start a dialogue and explain your interest in a person:“Because of the outstanding reputation of your company, and its leading position in corporate security, your advice would be most valuable to me at this time.” “I have no expectations that you have a position at XYZ Corp. for me. Your comments and advice about the future prospects in the industry as a whole are what I would like to discuss.” “Your reputation as a civic leader, often quoted in local publications, has prompted me to seek out information about your background and career history.” “As one of the top executives in the field of _______, your expertise in what it takes to succeed in your industry must be sought often. Would you meet with me to give me the benefit of your guidance?”THE QUESTIONS TO ASK
- How did you get started in this field?
- What was your educational background?
- What are your major responsibilities?
- What is the most/least rewarding aspect of your job?
- Would you choose this career again?
- What is a “typical” day like?
- What is the most common career path?
- What obligations does your work put on you outside of the actual job?
- What are some lifestyle considerations for this career field?
- What are some common entry-level positions in the field of _____?
- What kind of salary range and benefits could an entry-level position expect to receive?
- What kind of individual (skills/personality) would be best suited for these entry-level positions?
- What are the most important factors used when hiring?
- What is the best educational preparation for a career in this field?
- Which classes and experience would be most helpful to obtain while still in college?
- How high is turnover? How does one move within the organization?
- How do people find out about open positions in this field?
- What is the future outlook for this career?
- What are areas for potential growth/decline?
- How do you see jobs changing in the future?
- Which professional journals/organizations would be most helpful in evaluating the field?
- Who else do you recommend I talk with, and may I have permission to use your name?
- Can you recommend other types of organizations I might investigate or contact?
For more sample questions, and a complete
informational interviewing tutorial, visit www.quintcareers.com/informational_interviewing.html
Portions of this page were adapted with permission from The University of Virginia Hoo’s Career Guide
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