Informational Interviewing is a key strategy for career exploration and for building your network. It is a form of networking that can be very effective for learning about and understanding careers, industries, companies, organizations, and much more. It is a way to access the “hidden job market” which may lead to an actual job, but because the focus is on information, it allows an informal exchange between interviewer and interviewee. (See also tipsheet on “Networking.”)

What is the purpose of information interviewing?

Information interviewing allows you to talk to “experts” about their careers and career paths. The goal of these conversations is to expand your understanding of a career area as you consider career directions, and to make valuable professional contacts. The purpose is not to obtain a job. Information interviewing allows you to:

•  learn about a career field, its culture, opportunities, and preparation necessary

•  receive advice on job search strategies

•  gather information about a specific organization

•  explore what a particular job might entail

•  receive advice on graduate school or other preparatory experiences

•  develop a network of contacts

•  build your confidence and knowledge for job interviews

Making the contact and arranging the interview is the first step; knowing what you want to ask when you arrive is critical. Review the questions below, pick those that are most appropriate, and tailor them to fit the situation and your personal style. Let the conversation flow – don't feel like you have to ask every question on the list.

SAMPLE QUESTIONS FOR INFORMATION INTERVIEWING

Career path

•  Describe your career path leading to your current position. How did you select this career? What was your first job?

•  Are there alternative routes to the same career/job?

•  What are the levels or steps in this career?

•  Is there mobility between organizations? Nationally? Internationally?

Education/Training/Experience necessary

•  What background, skills, or experiences are necessary?

•  Are there particular courses I should take? Does a particular concentration / major make a difference?

•  Is a graduate degree necessary for an entry-level position? For advancement within the field?

•  Is an internship advisable? What recommendations do you have for such internships?

•  Are there gaps in my resume that need to be filled?

Daily activities/organizational culture/lifestyle/fit

•  What is your typical day like?

•  Is there a typical work schedule? Is overtime, flextime, part-time, job-sharing, travel required or possible?

•  What is the work environment like? Casual or formal? Fast-paced or relaxed? Team-oriented or independent?

•  What types of people generally thrive in this environment/career?

•  How well can career and family responsibilities be managed in this field?

•  What effect does this career have on your lifestyle and family life?

•  What are the rewards of your work? Drawbacks?

Entry-level positions

•  What type of training is provided?

•  What is the typical salary range?

•  How much autonomy is there?

•  Are there opportunities to receive mentoring?

•  Will an internship help me to get an entry-level job?

•  What is the typical timeframe for moving up?

Future of the career field

•  How do you see the career field changing in the next decade?

•  Where will the jobs be in the next decade? What types of jobs will emerge? Be eliminated?

I want to learn more

•  Who else would you recommend that I talk to for information?

•  What professional organizations are active and helpful to students?

•  What journals/magazines would be helpful to read?

•  What are the helpful web sites to explore?

•  What question haven't I asked you that I should be thinking about?

•  What is the best career advice you can give me?

Who can I interview?

You can interview anyone who is doing work in a field that might be of interest. This includes family members, friends, faculty members, the person sitting next to you at a party, Brown graduates, and much more. You can access 8,000+ Brown alumni, representing 150+ career fields, who have volunteered to help other Brown alumni and students in search of career information. Each person will have a different perspective, so interview more than one person. To find out more, visit BRUnet.

How should I arrange the interview?

Interviews can be arranged by letter, e-mail, or telephone. Many people find it helpful to write a brief letter or email introduction, and then follow up with a phone call to arrange a mutually convenient time to talk. The “meeting” can be in person, or on the phone. E-mail often allows for continuing discussion.

How can I prepare for an information interview?

•  Research before you go to save time and have a more valuable conversation! Use print, electronic, and personal resources to gather information about the career field and the organization. If you've done your research or talked to others in the field, you can pose more interesting questions that will yield richer answers.

•  Think about what you want to learn from each contact. Use the questions on the front of this sheet as a guide. Add your own.

•  Be sure to include questions about additional contacts or resources. Each interview can lead to new sources of information – and new contacts.

How should I follow up?

Write a thank you note indicating your appreciation for time and advice offered. Consider additional follow-up to keep them up-to-date with your career plans and to let them know how their advice contributed to your career decisions or job search. Always let them know where you “landed.”

Additional Articles/Tutorials on Informational Interviewing:

•  “Tap Your School's Alums for Resources”

http://content.monstertrak.monster.com/reso u rces/arc h ive/jo b hunt/tapalums

Information on networking and Informational Interviewing

http://www.dan e n et.wicip.org / jets/jet-9407-p.html

•  Information Interview Tutorial from Quintessential Careers http://ww w .quintcareers.co m /informational_interviewing.html

RF 7/06/05