Informational Interviewing
An informational interview is one way to network, a key tactic to acquire insider information about a field, an industry or a company. It is not a job interview — your goal is to learn AND you get to ask for it.
Students or career-changers seek informational interviews as a way to explore how a particular type of job or organization fits them, or how to enter a field.
Job-seekers use informational interviews to research target organizations, get advice on (unadvertised) opportunities that might exist and to find other people to talk to.
Requesting an informational interviewSend a short letter or e-mail in advance of a telephone request for an appointment with someone you don’t know.
Plan your questions to make the most of this chance to get insider information. Do research so you aren’t asking questions you could have answered by yourself.
Informational interviews are usually about 30 minutes long. Respect people's time, thank them for it and keep them informed about your progres, as the people you speak to become members of your network.
Read our Informational Interviewing handout
Sample questions
• What led you to become [an anthropologist]?• What advice do you have for someone starting out in [social work]?• What does it take to be a successful contributor in this field?• What aspects of your job are the most satisfying to you?• How did you get your start at [Microsoft]?• What does [IBM] really look for in its college recruiting program candidates?• How does the [marketing industry] recruit candidates?NOTE:
Always ask for the names of other people you might speak with.Finding Job Leads
Networking
Informational Interviewing
Online Resources
Career Fairs
On-Campus Recruiting
Newspaper and Print Resources
Professional and Trade Associations
Recruiters, Headhunters, Staffing Agencies