An informational interview is an opportunity to meet with an industry professional to learn about their career and industry. It allows a student to practice interview skills, learn daily responsibilities of a role, and expand their professional network. Students should research the interviewee and company in advance. During the interview, which should last 10-15 minutes, students should ask prepared questions and take notes. Follow up with a thank you note within 24 hours to maintain the connection. Informational interviews are valuable for career exploration and networking.

1. What is an Informational Interview?
 An opportunity to meet with an industry
professional with the objective of learning the
industry in which they represent.
 Keep in mind that an informational interview
is NOT a job interview.

2. Why is it beneficial to conduct an
Informational Interview?
1. To learn more about a career in your field of
study.
2. Practice your interviewing skills.
3. Learn the career path of a professional
already working in the field.

3. What would you learn/obtain?
 The responsibilities of the position and a
sense of what you would do on a daily basis.
 How to pinpoint prospective employers & an
understanding of what it's like to work for
specific companies, firms, or individuals.

4. What would you learn/obtain?
 How to expand your list of contacts by
collecting names from interviewees.
 Begin to develop a fluency for vocabulary and
verbal etiquette in your prospective field.
 Practice handling yourself in a professional
context and discussing your own objectives.

5. Whom should I interview?
Yo u sho uld inte rvie w industry pro fe ssio nals
who se e xpe rie nce s willhe lp yo u m ake
de cisio ns abo ut what yo u want to do with yo ur
life . The re are two ways to g o abo ut finding
inte rvie we e s…
1. TheConnections Approach:
 Use your network of contacts to find
interviewees.
 Your network - friends, family,
co-workers, alumni, instructors, and
anyone else you know - might

6. Whom should I interview?
2. TheColdCall Approach:
 The most successful method of contacting an
interviewer is by phone!
 If you call, write down what you plan to say
ahead of time.
 It is important that you don’t say or do
anything that makes it sound as though you're
trying to get the person to hire you.

7. How do I set up a meeting?
1. Introduce yourself
2. Explain that you're interested in the field in
question, but you would like to learn more about it
through someone like your potential interviewee,
who has a lot of experience and insights.
3. Give a specific reason why you're interested in
talking to the potential interviewee. You'll show
you're serious and focused.
4. Ask if the person has time for a 10-15 minute
meeting so you could learn more about the
interviewees‘ work and thoughts about their
career and industry.

8. Hello,
My name is (name),I am currently a student at The
Art Institutes International Minnesota studying
(program) and plan to graduate in (month & year).
Given the current economic situation I am doing
initial research on the job market and what
qualifications are necessary for employment in this
industry.
My (course name) class has assigned an
Informational Interview assignment and therefore,
I was wondering if you would you have the time to
discuss with me your insights and experiences as
a professional currently working in the field of (field
of work)?
Potential phone script:

9. Preparing foran interview?
 Research the background of the interviewee
and their company.
 If you impress the interviewee with your
preparation, he/she will be much more inclined to
help you and take you seriously.
 Make a list of questions.
 Put your questions in order of priority so that if
you run out of time, you will have addressed the
most important issues.
 It's inappropriate to ask personal questions – you
should be having a professional exchange.

10. Interview Attire Checklist
 Business Attire
 WOMEN
 Business Attire
 MEN
Suit
Shirt and Tie
Sports Jacket
Slacks
Trousers
Skirted suit
Dress or skirt with blazer
Dress with matching jacket
Simple dress
Skirt and blouse
Skirt and sweater
Slacks and blouse or
sweater
Closed toed shoes

11. Appropriate vs. Inappropriate Interview
Attire
 Appropriate  Inappropriate

12. Appropriate vs. Inappropriate Interview
Attire
 Appropriate  Inappropriate

13. Conducting the Interview
 Be considerate and appreciative of his or her
time.
 Interview should last no longer than you
promised it would 10-15 minutes.
 Begin by introducing yourself and stating the
reason for the meeting.
 Briefly explain your background so that they
can put your questions/requests in an
appropriate context.

14. Conducting the Interview
 Have at least 5 questions prepared to ask the
interviewee.
 Ask your prepared questions, although they
shouldn't keep you from asking relevant questions
during the meeting.
 At the end, ask for two or three names of others
who might be helpful.
 Be sure to ask if you can use his/her name when you
contact the referrals.
 End off the meeting with the door open for future
contact and possibilities.

15. ?
 What are some questions that you think
you should asked during an informational
interview?

16. Sample Questions
 How did you get started in this business?
 What do you like most about your job, your company, and your
industry?
 What would you say are the most current career opportunities for
someone with my qualifications in the industry?
 What are the basic requirements for an entry-level position in the
industry?
 What special knowledge, training, or experience did you have or need
for this job?
 Has the work changed recently due to technology, marketplace,
competition, etc?
 What advice would you give to someone looking for a job in the
industry?
 Is there anything else I should know about the industry?

17. How do I follow up after?
 Always send a thank you note to the interviewee
within 24 hours of the interview.
 Mention specific aspects of the conversation that
you found helpful, and acknowledge their
generosity for taking time to meet with you.
 Keep in touch with the interviewee after your
conversation. If you get a job, let him or her know
of your progress.
 Be cautio us about asking whether or not to maintain a
professional relationship.
 If you are close to graduation, invite them to the
Portfolio Show!

18. And…….
Keep at it.
 We know that it’s difficult to call people that
you’ve never met, with the intention that you
are looking for work.
 The more calls you make, the better you will
become, and the more comfortable you will be
talking about yourself, what you have to offer
and what you are looking for.

19. Questions?