How to Conduct Informational Interviews
Uploaded by
Abagail DanforthHow to Conduct Informational Interviews
Uploaded by
Abagail DanforthINFORMATIONAL INTERVIEW
Whether you find yourself in the position of identifying your career path or locating a position within
your identified field of choice, it is important that you investigate the job market for employment trends
and marketplace needs. An effective method of gaining information about a particular career is through
informational interviews. In this interview, you meet with a professional to gain further knowledge of
the field and gain advice about your career. The informational interview is an effective method of
collecting updated trends related to your field and it provides an opportunity to develop a network of
contacts.
Setting up an Informational Interview:
Step 1: Identify the Occupation or Industry of Interest
Assess your skills, interests and values. It will be helpful to research current labor conditions and trends.
Step 2: Identify People to Interview
Identify people to meet; don’t be limited to just family and friends. Ask faculty members, neighbors,
professional association members, church and community association connections, or feel free to call
the human resources department of a company you are interested in for suggestions.
Step 3: Arrange the Interview
Contact the individual you selected to set-up an interview by telephone or in-person. Request 30
minutes of their time, and allow ample time for them to provide a response. The following is a sample
of an introduction/inquiry you might use when scheduling an information interview: “My name is Sue
Jones, and I am a student in the Paralegal program at NWTC. I would be most appreciative if you would
spend 20-30 minutes meeting with me to explore your professional role and share any career guidance
related to the filed. When is a good time to meet?”
Step 4: Prepare for the Interview
Read about your contact’s company and industry so he/she knows you are seriously interested. Decide
what information you would like to obtain about the occupation or industry, and prepare a list of
questions. Do not be afraid to ask any follow-up questions as they arise.
Step 5: Conduct the Interview
Make a good first impression and establish your credibility by dressing professionally. Remember to be
polite and professional. Bring a notebook and take notes by referring to your prepared list of questions.
Take only the amount of time you requested and scheduled.
Step 6: Follow-up
Immediately following the interview, ask for a business card and record the information you learned.
Send a thank you note, which can be typed or handwritten, within 48 hours of your meeting.
Remember, this individual will now be added to your network.
1
Sample Informational Interview Questions
The following are sample questions for an informational interview. You can customize the questions to
best meet the interview you are conducting. Add or modify the questions as needed.
What do you do on a typical day in your job?
What are the main responsibilities/duties of your position?
What kind of projects do you work on?
What part of this job do you find the most satisfying? Most challenging?
How would you describe the demands of your position with respect to time involved per week,
pressures, job complexity, and interactions with people?
What do you like best about your job?
What characteristics of the job cause the most frustration or dissatisfaction?
What kind of personal characteristics/attributes are needed to succeed in this field?
What qualifications are needed for your role?
Can people specialize in this occupation? If so, what are the areas of specialization?
What kinds of changes and/or trends are taking place in this industry/field?
What are typical career paths in this field?
Who are the major employers in this field?
Tell me about the working conditions.
What kind of experience should I obtain to be more marketable in this field?
What type of training do companies offer individuals entering this field?
How has your worked changed due to technology, marketplace or competition? Will this field
change in the future?
What is the salary range for various levels in this field?
How did you find your job?
What advice would you give to a person entering this field?
