Informational interviews typically run 30 minutes to an hour, so request an amount of time in that range when contacting people. The interviews themselves can be conducted in several locations, but we suggest that you ask the interviewee which arena she would prefer. It's ideal to meet at the interviewee's workplace so you can get a peek at the work environment and get a sense of the office or industry climate. You should be punctual, arriving about five to ten minutes before the interview is to begin. If a personal interview is not feasible, interviews can also be conducted by telephone. If you mutually decide to conduct a phone interview, you should initiate the call (unless the interviewee asks to do so). Be prepared with a copy of your resume and a list of questions when calling.
Preparation for the informational interview should involve some knowledge of the field and the interviewee's organization, being clear about your purpose for conducting the interview, and being equipped with intelligent questions. Below is a list of questions for you to consider when preparing for an informational interview:
Educational Preparation:
- How did you get into the profession?
- What degree/academic training is needed for a job in the field?
- Is any other prior experience required?
- What preparation would you suggest for someone interested in entering this field?
Interviewee Dirt:
- What do you like most/least about your job?
- What are your major duties or responsibilities?
- What is a typical day/average week like in your job?
- How many hours per week do you or your colleagues work?
- What skills and abilities do you find are most important in your work?
- What are some of the problems you encounter in trying to accomplish your goals?
Employer Dirt:
- What is the size and geographic locations of your organization?
- How does this position fit into your organizational structure?
- With whom in your organization do you have the most contact?
- What do you think about the way the organization operates?
- Is there currently a demand for employees in this field?
- Where are the windows of opportunity within the profession?
- How long does it take to move from one step to the next in this field?
- What are the salary ranges for the different levels in this field?
Advice for You:
- Do you have any special advice for someone entering this field?
- How is my background suited for a job in this field?
- Do you have any feedback on my resume or cover letter?
- What approach do you suggest I take from here?
- Could you suggest other people in the field with whom I could speak?
You can bring a list of questions to the interview, but try to keep the tone conversational -- you don't want it to appear that you are simply rifling off questions. Most of our questions are open-ended, encouraging more of a dialogue. Treat the interview as a serious, businesslike meeting, even if you are speaking with someone you already know. Remember to dress professionally, in something appropriate for the career field. Bring several copies of you resume in case the interviewee wants one or would like to forward one to somebody else.
What happens if the interviewee turns the tables and starts interviewing you? As we've warned, you should do your research before conducting informational interviews, and that also includes self-examination. There are some general interview questions you should always be prepared to answer or discuss, even if you are just beginning your informational interviews or your job search as a whole. These questions may include, but are certainly not limited to, the following:
- How did you become interested in this field?
- What skills could you bring to this field/job?
- What have you learned from your other job experiences that leads you to this field?
- How did you choose your college major?
After you have conducted an interview, ask the person you've met for names of other people who might serve as possible resources. If you make it a point to always leave an informational interview with one new name, your networking circle keeps expanding. Interviewing more than one person in a career field also ensures that you do not get a "slanted view" of a particular job.
A thank you note is a requirement after an informational interview (and all other interviews, for that matter). Your contact person has taken time out of a busy day to talk to you, so show your appreciation -- and make sure you do so within 48 hours after the meeting. The thank you note should be concise and businesslike, referring to the meeting and perhaps a sentence or two about what you learned. You should also thank the interviewer for any additional contacts that were offered.
Keep a log of your meetings including with whom you met, when you met, how you were put in contact with that person, and when you sent your thank you note. Although this may seem over the top, it helps you organize the networking process. As your list of contacts becomes more lengthy and your networking web more complicated, you will be glad that you were so methodical. It also allows you to keep in contact with your networking acquaintances, something that many of them will appreciate.
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