Informational Interviews

What is an Informational Interview?

The purpose of an informational interview is NOT to get a job offer. Instead it's a highly focused conversation, that is exploratory in nature, with a professional in an organization of the field of work who can provide you with the key information you need to choose or refine a career path by:

• Testing whether or not a career field really does interest you (reality check).
• Challenging preconceived notions or assumptions about specific jobs/careers.
• Discovering jobs you did not even know existed.
• Determining what motivates you in terms of your career.
• Identifying organizations where you could seek job interviews or internships in the future.
• Better preparing for job interviews by learning more about a specific job.

General Guidelines for Informational Interviewing:

• Identify organizations/people to interview.
• Never ask for a job.
• Schedule the interview.
• Be prepared.
• Compose a list of questions.

Informational Interview Day:

• Arrive early for the informational interview.
• Dress appropriately.
• Bring copies of your résumé.
• Take notes.
• Listen attentively.
• Ask for referrals.

Questions to ask during your Informational Interview:

• What is a typical day like?
• How did you get started in your job?
• What is the best type of educational preparation or internship?
• What part of the job do you find most satisfying?
• What part of the job do you find most challenging?
• What are the skills that are most important for a position in this field?
• How has your job affected your lifestyle?
• What is the typical salary starting range?

After the Informational Interview:

• Write a Thank You note.
• Keep in touch