Informational Interviews

View our online networking workshop at http://www.stpaulcareers.umn.edu/workshops.html.

Informational Interviews Defined

An informational interview is a meeting with a professional used to obtain first-hand impressions of work in a specific field and to gain career advice.  Informational interviews are also a great opportunity to ask for job searching advice from someone who has acquired employment in this field in the past.  Observing the work environment first-hand can also help you decide if the organization would be a good fit for you for future employment.

Benefits

• Learn information about an occupation/organization tailored to your questions

• Practice your communication skills

• Meet people in your field of interest in a low risk, non-threatening situation

• Hear an insider’s view of the career area and see the work environment

• Gain job searching advice from someone in your field

• Make contacts, which may lead to future job leads, networking or mentor relationships

• Explore the range of possible environments for an occupation

Setting Up the Informational Interview

For some, setting up interviews with strangers can feel uncomfortable.  To ease your discomfort, rehearse your approach with a friend and write out an "approach script". When you call to set up the interview, make sure to:

• Give your name and affiliation

• Explain the purpose of your visit: to learn about their field in order to help you explore career options

• Ask for a meeting with them in person, so you can see their work environment

• Be flexible – Lunch may be the best time to see someone

• Get complete directions to their location.  Leave your number in case they must re-schedule

• Request their full name and title so you know who to ask for when you arrive. If meeting in person is impossible or if you are calling out-of-state, try to schedule a 20-30 minute telephone appointment

Interview Suggestions

• Dress professionally, and be on time.  If you know you will be late, call them as soon as possible.

• Read up on the occupation and/or organization before you go so you can develop some intelligent questions.

• Prepare a list of questions before you go.  For a list of sample questions to ask view the Informational Interview Handout

After the Interview

Ask for a business card to obtain accurate name, title and address information.  Jot down some notes during your meeting and afterward.  You may remember the first interview, but if you do several, you won’t remember who told you what.

Be sure to send a brief note/letter, thanking them for their time and information shared (U.S. Mail is most effective)

Did they mention publications, books or articles that would expand your understanding in the field?  Did they suggest professional associations?  Did they refer you to other people in the field?  Follow up on these suggestions while they are still fresh in your mind.