Informational Interviews

You can gather information about potential career paths in a variety of ways, but talking to people who actually work in your field of interest can be especially rewarding. This can be a completely happenstance, in-the-moment conversation—in line at the coffee shop, or while waiting for your airplane. But it can also be more structured, with a professional you've identified as someone you'd like to speak with...

An informational interview is a meeting, initiated by you, with an individual who has experience or knowledge in your area of interest. It should be undertaken with utmost care and professionalism.

You may wonder if people will take time away from their busy schedules to talk with you. They will for several reasons: you have been referred to them by someone they know; meeting with you and others helps keep them informed, up-to-date and well-connected; experts love to share their expertise; and people like to help others because they find it rewarding.

Sample messages for making contact
Preparing for the interview
What to ask
Following up after the interview

Before the Interview
For the formal informational interview you should do your homework ahead of time. Information on the industry, the organization, even the person you are interviewing should be obtained before you ask for an interview. Prepare your questions in advance, but do not make them so "canned" that you fail to connect genuinely with the person. Dress professionally and bring copies of your resume, but distribute them only upon request.

During the Interview
Arrive 10-15 minutes before your appointment.

During the interview, you are in charge. Restate your purpose and why you are talking to this particular person. Adhere to the original time request of 20-30 minutes. Ask open-ended yet pertinent questions (see below for suggestions), and ask for referrals to other appropriate individuals in the field or in related organizations. Take notes and get a business card from the person you are speaking with.

This is not the time to hand over your resume and ask for a job or internship, although you may have your resume at hand if the person asks to see it. You will be following up with a thank you note or letter, and at that time you can send a resume if appropriate. It is important to understand the difference between an informational interview (from which you are seeking information) and a job interview.

What to Say and Ask
First things first: "Thank you for taking time out of your day to meet with me."

Second, restate your purpose: "As I indicated on the phone (in my letter), I am in the process of gathering information and advice about the field of (targeted field). (Name) suggested that I should contact you."

It is also important to state plainly and simply, "I am not here to ask you for a job; I am here to ask you for information."

Your questions will yield more information if they are open-ended enough to engage the person in conversation. Following are possible questions:

• Could you tell me about your background and how you came to hold your current position?
  The conversation should lend itself to inquiries about educational background as well as the steps in this person's career path. You will be learning how at least one person got to where you think you may want to go.
• What general skills are required in this line of work?
  This should yield particular contexts in which general transferable skills (which can be products of your liberal arts education) are employed. It also invites the follow up...
• What specific or technical skills have you acquired in your work?
  Besides yielding what you need to have in the skills department, this question might be followed by an inquiry into the types of training the employer provides.
• What do you like most about your work (or the field)?
  This question might get at how the person articulates the intrinsic rewards of the work. These are the intangibles, the things that make the person tick and bring joy in his or her work.
• Are there any responsibilities you would rather give away?
  This is a diplomatic attempt at uncovering aspects of the work that the person does not appreciate.
• What are some of the challenges of your job?....that the organization faces?...that impact the field?
  These questions are designed to give you clear information regarding the stresses, demands, and probably the opportunities in this line of work. Much work is created to address problems, and these questions will help you begin to articulate how you might be part of the solution to those problems.
• What is the outlook for entry-level professionals in the field?
  Part of this line of inquiry includes "what is a typical entry-level position in the field (or in this organization)?" and should unveil how someone can get a chance to start.
• What are the short- and long-term goals of your organization or department?
  Here, you are attempting to get a clearer and current picture of the organization. You should have done enough research ahead of time to know some basics about the products or services and even the general philosophy of the organization. This will take your knowledge a step further.
• Are there others in this field with whom you would suggest I talk?
  Follow this with, "may I say you referred me?" Make sure you get the correct spelling of the name.
• I remain very interested in this line of work and will certainly pursue further leads for information and perhaps employment. What advice can you give me regarding a career in your field?
  This statement begins the closure of the interview. It should be heartfelt; otherwise, do not use it. The question allows the person to comment freely, accept or reject the mantle of mentor, and tie up any loose ends.

Finally, ask for permission to stay in touch to let him or her know how your search for information is going, and to learn of potential developments. If you are granted this permission, follow through!

After the Interview
Send a thank you note or letter immediately and keep the person informed of your progress. This is both courteous and prudent. By keeping in touch you are cultivating new leads while nurturing the relationship for future follow up contacts.

Evaluate your style of interviewing as well as the information you received. Summarize the information in writing and date it. If you make several contacts during a week, your notes and summaries will be extremely important as you review what you have learned.

Arrange appointments with new referrals.

Remember, the network can work for you or against you. The impression you leave can make or break your chances of being remembered and referred to emerging opportunities.