1. The Informational Interview

2. What ….. Interview designed to produce information
Information you need to choose, refine or break into a career
Information you need to find out if you have what it takes to succeed
Focused conversation within network

3. Why … Explore careers/clarify your career goals
Expand your professional network
Build confidence for your job interviews
Access up-to-date career information
Identify your professional strengths

4. Tips …
Identify people to interview (professionals in the field, people you’ve read about, people you have worked with, people your parents know)‏
Consider entry level versus ten years of experience
Never ask for a job
Seek career advice

5. More Tips … Do some research so you ask good questions
Prepare questions ahead of time
Take notes
Ask for a business card
Send a thank you note

6. Asking for time …
“Hi, my name is ______________ and I am a student at Fleming College in the Outdoors Adventure Skills Program. I got your name from ____________. You are in a line of work that I am interested in and I was hoping that you could help me gain some insight into the profession. I am sure that my questions could be answered in less than 20 minutes of your time. Please let me know if you have the time to help me.”

7. Questions … How did you get started? What is your job like?
What are your responsibilities?
What is a typical day like?
What kinds of decisions do you make?
When is it busy, when is it slow?

8. More questions … How did you get your job?
How did you get interested in this work?
What experience led you to your current job?
What is personally satisfying about your job? What is not satisfying?

9. Questions more, more, more
Do you have any special word of warning or encouragement as a result of your experiences?
Keep the conversation friendly, brief and focused on the contact person’s job and career field.