Please Keep in Mind… YOU ARE NOT ASKING FOR A JOB...You are asking for an Informational Interview!!
1. Don’t ask for a job… simply for information and career advice… asking for a job is tacky and unprofessional and will often result in a closed door.
2. Prepare for the informational interview, so that you can ask good questions that will draw out the interviewee.
3. Develop a list of five to seven prospects, so you're not discouraged if one person turns you down.
Making The Phone Call. Use a script. Don’t read it… develop it to help compose your words and sound more organized. Practice it… with your roommate, a friend, a relative, etc., until you can roll through it in a professional, conversational tone.
"Hello (Mr/Mrs/Ms ______). This is _______. I am a (Freshman/Sophomore) at Clark College majoring in _______. (Then, select from an alternative below… based on how/where you got his/her name).
Alternative 1. I’ve been researching career fields and I’m interested in learning more about _______. During my research, I became more aware of (your company’s name) and your role in that company and industry. I would very much like the opportunity to ask you a few questions about your career and how a student like me can better prepare himself/herself for a similar career. May I ask for 20-30 minutes of your time for such a discussion?
Alternative 2. I am interested in the field of __________. Mr./Mrs. _________, of _________, suggested you as someone I could contact for expert information and advice. I would very much like the opportunity to ask you a few questions about your career and how a student like me can better prepare myself for a similar career. May I ask for 20-30 minutes of your time for such a discussion?"
Conducting An Effective Interview
1. Set a specific time and place to meet. Show up 5-10 minutes early. Be nice to everyone you meet.
2. Research the profession, the organization and the person you will be interviewing.
3. Be ready for someone to agree “on-the-spot.” Are you ready to ask them your questions when you call?
4. Dress as you would if you were in that career field, if you are doing an on-site interview.
5. Listen to what the individual is saying. Show enthusiasm and appreciation. Make eye contact. Take brief notes while you're talking, but never take your tape recorder.
What do you ask? Brainstorm and list all of the questions you want/need answers to. Include some you think would be fun for the interviewee to answer (e.g. what was your college major and how have you used it in your job?). Group them together into logical categories (e.g. Professional development, organizations, and certifications). This is not the time to be bashful, but don’t delve into personal matters (e.g. how much do you make?). Keep questions focused on the job, the industry, and matters that relate to helping you better prepare to pursue the career. You can reasonably ask what salary range a typical entry-level position in the field would bring with it, along with what career progression would be reasonable. Use your time with him/her wisely; it demonstrates your preparation and organization. Ask if you can Email or FAX the questions to them ahead of time so their time is used more effectively. Some ideas are listed below… you will (or should) have many more and different ones, but remember… you can’t ask all of these questions in 20-30 minutes!
- What is a typical day like? What kinds of problems and decisions do you face in an average week?
- What do you especially enjoy about your work?
- What are some of the difficulties and frustrations of your work?
- What are the characteristics of other successful people in your organization (or career field)?
- What are some of the important factors that have contributed to your success?
- What were the jobs that you had which led to this one?
- What skills are most important to be competent in this field? What degrees and/or training are necessary?
- What courses or field experiences would be beneficial to better prepare for this field?
- Is there a current demand for people in this field? What about the next two to three years?
- How stable is the job market in this field? Is government funding a major factor?
- What mobility and/or rotation requirements exist in this occupation? Hours?
- What are the salary ranges for various levels in this field?
- Do you have any information on job specifications or job descriptions that I can have copies of?
- What sources of literature would you recommend to learn more about this profession?
- What professional organizations do you belong to or would you recommend? Should I join them now?
- Can you think of anything I haven’t asked you that’s important for me to know about your career field?
- Do you know other individuals who might talk with me and provide further information? May I use your name?
Follow-Up. After each interview, write a short, personal thank you note expressing your appreciation for their time and interest. You should try to mention 1-2 specific pieces of information that you found particularly interesting or helpful.
For more information, contact the Employment Services Office.
