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Informational Interview Steps
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INFORMATIONAL INTERVIEW STEPS
  1. Identify career professionals who are knowledgeable about your targeted field, career, or organization.
  • Use the Mongtomgery College Career/Transfer Center employer contact lists
  • Use your personal contacts to develop a list of people you can call for an informational interview.
  • Ask your instructor for leads
  1. Set up appointments.
  • Tell the contact people that you are interested in their career and would like to meet with them to discuss opportunities in the field.
  • Be resourceful, sincere, and, above all, show interest in what your "target" people are doing. They may welcome the opportunity to discuss their work with you.
  • If a person cannot see you, ask whether you can talk for a few minutes on the telephone.
  • If the person cannot talk with you, politely end the conversation.
  • Ask for names of other people you might contact within the same field or organization.
  • Ask for permission to use the name of your resource person when contacting others. Use the name only if permission is granted.

  1. Prepare for the interview.

  • Thoroughly research the organization by studying annual reports, brochures, and other materials.
  • Find people who are acquainted with the organization and talk with them.
  • Prepare and rehearse a list of questions to ask the person you will interview.
  • Dress appropriately for the interview.
  1. Conduct the interview. Remember that it is not a job interview! Your purpose is to acquire information. You are the person in control of the interview, so be prepared. Respect the fact that the interviewee has taken time from a busy schedule to see you. Do not ask questions that you could have researched in the resource library. Learn as much as you can about the career field and the organization. Try to create a favorable impression.

    2. Use the "Suggested Questions" list on the next page for the interview. It is acceptable to actually bring the list of questions with you. Add any other questions you might have.

  2. Write a thank-you letter. Your contact has given you valuable work time.

  3. Follow-up. Keep accurate and detailed records of each interview and organization you visit. Contact people on your referral list and interview them.

 

Informational Interview Suggested Questions:

What is your exact position title?

 

What is your education and experience?

 

How did your education and experience prepare you for your position?

 

How did you get started in the field?

 

What do you like most (and least) about your work?

 

What personal qualities does one need to succeed in the field?

 

What do you do during a typical work day?

 

What skills are most valuable for someone just beginning in the field?

 

What future do you see for the field or organization?

 

Are there any specific courses you might suggest to prepare for the field?

 

What suggestions do you have for someone wanting to enter the field?

 

How long have you been with the organization?

 

What is the entry level salary and range for this kind of position?

 

What kind of benefits do you receive in addition to salary?

 

What are the opportunities for advancement?

 

What are some related occupations?