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Sometimes called a research interview, it is an interview that you initiate and in which you ask the questions. The purpose of information interviews is to get information, not to get the job. It is a valuable screening process to assess whether the career, the work, the industry or the companyare a proper match for your skills and interests. |
Who do you Conduct an Informational Interview with?
First you identify the industry and occupation you want to learn more about. Do some productive research and identify the organizations you would like to know about and the people who can give you the information you need.
These interviews should only be conducted with people who are actually doing the work you are interested in finding out about and have sufficient experience working in your field of interest.
You can use people you already know to give you the contact details of these workers, such as friends, relatives, colleagues, and professors. You can call the human resources department of relevant organizations and ask for contact details of people in the position you are investigating. You can also get names of suitable workers from career offices, employment agencies and professional organizations and directories.
Setting up the Interview
To set up the interview contact the relevant individual and request an opportunity to talk with them for about twenty to thirty minutes. Tell them straight away that you want to learn more about the industry, job, company and that you have prepared a list of questions to ask them.
You need to reassure them that you are not asking them for a job but you are only seeking advice. This way they will be more comfortable with meeting you. It is important to arrange the information interview at the person's work site so you can get a feeling for the organization.
Preparing for the Interview
The key to a successful interview is preparation. Use your background research to understand the basics of the industry, company and specific position.
Prepare a list of the questions you want answers to. Use these sample questions to help you plan good, information-seeking questions to ask.
Tips for the Informational Interview
- Take you resume and business card just in case the person you are meeting with offers to distribute them to contacts they have in the industry.
- Stick to the time limit you initially stated
- Stick to information gathering, the purpose is not to ask about available jobs
- Although this is not a job interview you should dress smartly and be punctual, polite and prepared.
- Immediately after the interview follow up with a thank you note
Use the informational interview to get insight into the job you are looking for and the type of company you want to work for. Go to the information interview questions to plan properly and professionally for this type of interview.
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