Doing an Informational

Interview

By Raghuveer Dodda

What is an Informational Interview (II)?

An Informational Interview (II) is an interview of a professional in your field to find out information about the field, the work culture, and other aspects that you might not obtain by reading about the profession. IIs will help you choose you career path.

Indirect Benefits of IIs

In addition to obtaining the information about the career, you will also acquire the following skills in the process:

• Interviewing skills

• Interpersonal skills

• Networking skills

Obtaining an II

Following are good sources:

• Internet – profession related sites

• Alumni list from the career centers

• People you meet at professional conferences

• People your teachers know

A Typical Interview

• Introduction

• Building a Relationship

• Asking questions

• Conclusion

A typical informational interview happens on the phone or in person. It has the following steps:

Introduction

1. Remind the professional

• why you are calling

• who you are

2. Ask the professional if now is a good time

Building a Relationship

Provide information about yourself and tell the professional that you are trying to find out more about his or her career.

Asking Questions

This is the most important part of the process. Be clear, friendly, pleasant and upbeat throughout the conversation.

Some example questions are:

• What kind of projects do you work on?

• How did you get in this field?

Conclusion

1. Provide background about yourself – your tentative plans etc.

2. Ask for more contacts in the field

3. Thank them profusely

Never use an informational interview as a pretence to ask for a job with the professional !

More on IIs

You can find more info about IIs in :

• The Career Counseling Center

• The Reference Room in the library

• The internet – job & career sites