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Informational interviews
An informational interview involves meeting with someone in a field or career of interest to learn about their job and career path. It allows you to gain an understanding of a particular role or industry, make contacts, and discover opportunities without the pressure of a job interview. The document provides guidance on setting up informational interviews, including introducing yourself via email, preparing questions to ask, conducting yourself professionally during the meeting, and following up with a thank you. The overall aim is to learn from someone else's experiences.
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Informational interviews
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- 2. What’s the Point? Gainan understanding of the day to day life of a job or career Learn how a person attained their position What’s the person’s view on the future viability of that career or field Making contacts and finding more networking opportunities Discover Problems, Challenges, or Barriers
- 3. Can I Havea Job? Not quite yet The point of the informational interview is to gain information… It never hurts to make a good impression and illustrate that you could be an asset They or somebody they know might think of you when they are ready to hire
- 4. Making It Happen Pursueyour own contacts (don’t be afraid of awkwardness) Google search to find organizations or people that are doing something of interest to you Call or email organizations directly Talk to your friends or colleagues LinkedIn?
- 5. Introductory Email Introduce yourself Explainwhat you are currently doing Give context for how you found the person you are contacting Explain why you’re interested in what they do and why you’re contacting them Ask them to meet with you at their convenience (time and place)
- 6. Dear Ms. Person, Myname is Kathy, and I currently work in horse therapy, but I’m looking to expand my animal therapy experience. I’ve read about your organization in the New York Times, and I’m interested in the idea of school-based elephant therapy. I would love to find a time to meet and talk with you about your organization and experiences in this field. I’m sure you’re very busy, so please let me know if there’s a time and place when we could meet to discuss our mutual interests in this innovative therapeutic approach.
- 7. Prepare for theInterview Research the person and organization Come up with some open-ended questions to ask Dress as you would for an interview Find a time that works best for them
- 8. Do’s Ask thoughtful questionsand follow up questions What are the financial prospects of this career? How did you obtain the position you are in now? What is your educational background? What is a typical day at your job? Be humble, Be grateful Write a thank you note or email
- 9. Don’ts Don’t ask howmuch money they make Don’t be nervous and don’t be late This is not a time to vent or be hyper critical Remember this is your chance to learn about them It’s not a job interview, so don’t talk about yourself too much
- 10. Time to Interact Thinkabout an experience you have had prior to AmeriCorps Find a partner Choose someone to be the interviewer and interviewee and conduct an informational interview about that person’s experience Switch
- 11. Share Out Reflections How didit feel to be interviewed? What were some good questions asked, in particular ones that got you talking? Past Experiences What did you learn?