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Helpful Hints About Informational Interviews

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Share Information Share something about yourself but do not dominate the interview by talking about yourself. You are there to get information that will help you learn the most about the occupation field so that you can be prepared to compete for a job. Be aware, however, that many informational interviews have turned into actual employment interviews. Don’t count on it, but it sometimes happen. If it seems you are being interviewed for a specific job, clarify with your employer so you can make sure you emphasize your functional/transferable skills and why you feel they related to this job. Be A Good Listener Listening is half of the communication. Besides being able to ask questions and convey a message, you need to develop the skill of really listening to what they tell you. Be receptive and show that the information is important to you. You must listen to it and understand it. Build the Network at the Informational Interview You have spent 20-30 minutes with this person, asking questions, getting advice and sharing a little about yourself. Thus, begins your contact network. The person has taken time to share with you. In other words, he or she has invested time in you. Most people like their investments to pay off. Most people will feel good about your staying in contact with them. You do not have to call or write every week. Just keep your interviewee informed on your research. The interviewee may not have a job for you but may know of other employers or people to which you may be referred. If possible, keep these people informed about your progress. If you have done your job well, they will be interested in your final choices. Ask for your contact’s business card and exchange one of your own, if you have one. Ask for Referrals at the Interview People who are in the same kind of business usually know their competition. Before leaving, ask your contact to suggest names of others that might be helpful to you and ask permission to use your contact’s name when contacting these new contacts. Send a "Thank You" Note Be sure to send a thank-you card or letter within one to three days after the interview. This communication is an effective way to keep in touch and to be remembered by people. Let them know they were helpful and thank them for the time spent. As a nice touch, quote something that the resource person said back to them, word for word. Ask the person to keep you in mind if they come across any other information that may be helpful to you in your career research. Include your address and phone number under your signature. Record, Analyze and Evaluate the Informational Interview For possible future reference, keep a list of all the people you have interview or plan to interview. You may even plan to keep a special notebook or cards with interview notes on your questions covered. Include the main things that you gained from each interview. This file will be a rich source of information as you conduct your occupational exploration. Immediately following the interview, record the information you gathered. Now you know how to get the inside scoop on your dream job. This activity alone can lead to your dream job or connect you to a mentor, because employers are very impressed by students who have the savvy to analyze the experience. In evaluating the interview and making the best use of the acquired information, ask yourself the following questions: What did I learn from this interview (both positive and negative)? How does it fit with my own interests, abilities, goals and values, etc.? What do I still need to know? What plan of action can I make? More Helpful Hints If you ask for 20-30 minutes of a person’s time, stick to the limit. Take all the information given with a grain of salt. Don’t settle for just one or two interviews about a given area of work; a broad information base is essential. Avoid impressions about an area of work based solely on whether the person interviewed was likeable or the surroundings attractive. When in an interview, ask what you want to know but really let the person talk because you might discover and acquire information about unanticipated areas of employment. Note your reactions on an objective level but don’t ignore personal feelings. What you naturally gravitate toward or away from is very important. Find out if the interviewee has any insight on the qualifications necessary for a position such as the one that you are discussing. Talking with people doesn’t have to be a formal process or one you practice only when job hunting. Chat with people casually – on a plane or bus, while waiting in lines, at social gatherings, etc. Since most people enjoy talking about their work, curiosity can open many doors.