Informational Interviews
Informational interviews are a great method for researching careers and discovering more about a field, industry, or position. They are especially useful when you don’t know a lot about a career field, have limited work experience, or are considering a career transition. As a form of networking, they can also help you develop professional contacts.
Your list of contacts includes a broad range of people both in and outside your field. Contacts fall into two categories:
- People you know, such as friends, family, neighbors, coworkers, and professors
- People you don’t know but connect with through alumni groups, honor societies, professional organizations, employer-hosted events, and social networking websites
Depending on your contacts’ experiences in the industry, at their current employer, or since graduating, they will be able to help you in various ways. Consider what questions make sense based on what you want to learn and why you’re requesting an informational interview. Are you:
- Exploring industries and job functions and how they connect to your interests?
- Building connections with an employer you would like to consider working for in the future?
- Preparing to apply or interview?
Asking Questions
Develop and prioritize a list of 5–10 questions about topics that you genuinely want more information about. Remember you can also connect over personal interests or hobbies. Though your questions should be focused on professional topics, your contact has a life outside work, just like you.
Sample Questions
- Can you tell me more about your career path and how you got to your role today?
- How did you know this field was the right fit for you?
- What are the major responsibilities of your position?
- If there is such a thing as an average week, what is it like for you?
- What are the positive and negative aspects of working in this field?
- What has surprised you most since entering this industry/type of work?
- What do you see as the hot issues and trends in this field?
- How can I become a more competitive candidate in this industry?
- What advice do you have for me moving forward?
- Can you recommend anyone else for me to contact?
- May I keep in touch with you and let you know my progress?
Responding to Questions
The more your contacts get to know you, the more helpful they can be. With this in mind, be prepared to talk about yourself.
Questions You May be Asked
- How did you choose Â鶹´«Ã½?
- What are you studying? Why did you choose that academic area?
- When did you first learn of this industry?
- Why are you interested in pursuing a career in this industry?
- What activities are you involved in on campus?
- How are you preparing for a career in this industry?