Informational Interview
What an Informational Interview Can Do
Informational interviewing is the best way to use your network of contacts when you are exploring career fields or are ready to look for a job. Informational interviewing is not the same as job interviewing, and its purpose is not to apply for a job. It is intended to provide background information that will help in your job hunt and to make a strong positive impression on people in your network so they will think of you if they hear about any appropriate opportunities. Informational interviews give you solid data about where jobs are, whether they appeal to you, and what employers expect.
An informational interview can:
- validate or make you question your choice of career as a result of learning about the experiences of someone working in the field
- narrow your list of potential employers to those who are seeking to hire people with your particular qualifications
- identify additional leads to jobs and/or job information
- help you develop knowledge of the vocabulary and lingo of the field
- provide information about companies or organizations that is not available through their websites
- provide information that will make a positive impression on employers when you apply
- build confidence in your ability to discuss your career interests and goals
Handout
Print this handout and develop your questions based on the suggestions here. Follow the directions for dos and don'ts of informational interviewing.