Informational Interviewing

Informational Interviewing
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Learn About Different Careers

What is an informational interview? A way to learn from professionals in various fields – You ask the questions (about) Real life experiences Challenges and opportunities Career paths Limitations and demands Different organizations Other possible sources of information People love to talk about their jobs. If they love their job, they can happily spend time telling you how great it is, why they love it, what makes it the best job for them. Folks who hate their jobs also love to tell you why their job is the worst job ever. By talking to people in different careers, you can get some perspective on what the job is really like (which is often nothing like you expected).

What are the benefits of informational interviewing? Gain firsthand, current information from professionals in fields (or at organizations) you are considering Clarify what jobs might be a good fit for you Learn what different options might be available Find out what, if any graduate school is necessary BEFORE you commit yourself to long expensive programs Informational interviewing is a technique used to build a network and learn about different careers, organizations, and industries. It is NOT the time to ask for a job.

What are the benefits of informational interviewing? Find out how specific organizations find interns and other employees Learn which companies are hiring Hiring cycle specifics Important timeline information Get current information on salary ranges and opportunities for advancement and professional growth

What are the benefits of informational interviewing? Build your professional network Support network for future job search Insider advice and access to non-advertised job leads Introductions to other professionals Job shadowing opportunities Job shadowing is a great way to learn. Many organizations allow students to come in and spend a day (or a few) following an employee (or small group in a department or area) around to see firsthand what a typical day is like. Depending on the industry, background checks or liability waivers may be required before you can shadow someone.

Informational Interview Questions: What qualifications do I need to gain an entry-level position in your career field? What are the characteristics and skills of successful people in this career or organization? Do you belong to or know of any professional organizations that you recommend I join as a student? Ask about continuous learning, common certifications in that field, typical training, and professional development opportunities

Informational Interview Questions: What experience and skillset do you suggest I pursue to be a strong candidate in this field? What is a typical day like on the job for you? What do you enjoy most/least about your current work? How much variety is there on a day-to-day basis? Variety is important. If you are looking for a career that will allow you to do a lot of different things all the time, you won’t be happy in a job with no variety. On the other hand, if you prefer a predictable work schedule with set tasks and clear long terms plans, a lack of variety may appeal to you.

Informational Interview Questions: What kind of work/internship experience would employers look for in a job applicant? What are the employment prospects in your geographic area? Where are the best employment prospects? Is mobility a necessary factor for success? Are the jobs located in areas of economic stability?

Informational Interview Questions: What are some related occupations? What are the salary ranges for these occupations? What types of technology are used and how are they used? Is there a set schedule in this field or are the hours flexible?

Informational Interview Questions: What are the toughest problems and decisions with which you must cope? What are the most satisfying aspects of your work? What do you know about this field now that you wish you had known when you were a student? Can you suggest other professionals who may be valuable sources of information?

Steps to Successful Informational Interviewing: Develop your contact list – identify professionals You already know Professional organizations Alumni groups Mentoring (login via Handshake) LinkedIn groups A friend of your parents or a parent of one of your friends may have a really interesting career.

Steps to Successful Informational Interviewing: Ask for the interview Call, , or In-message Briefly identify yourself Explain how you found him/her Ask for minutes of time At his/her convenience To discuss career paths, job responsibilities, etc. It’s ok if the person you contact is too busy to talk now. They might refer you to another person. If so ask if they could make an introduction or if it is okay for you to contact that person directly. Set up a time or mode of communication that works for their schedule. If they’re swamped, ask for a time frame so you can follow up and try again in a few weeks or months. Be sure to tell them how you found them whether it be from LinkedIn, a mutual friend or acquaintance, a colleague of theirs, the Career Advice Network, etc.

Steps to Successful Informational Interviewing: Prepare in advance Research the company and the individual Prepare your questions before the interview Plan to explain why you are interested in the field Brief, seconds Make sure you know something about the person and their organization before you contact them. Have your questions written in advance. Be professional.

Steps to Successful Informational Interviewing: Conduct an effective meeting Start and end the interview on time Get as much information as you can in the time allowed Be clear and concise about your needs and interests Take notes throughout the interview Say “Thank You” It is really important that you respect your interviewee’s time. Be on time and don’t run late. If you have a lot more questions, ask for a good time to meet or talk again. Be sure to say thank you.

Steps to Successful Informational Interviewing: Follow Up Send a brief thank you note within 24 hours of the interview Periodically stay in touch Share industry information (2 way street) Keep track of your contacts Start building your network now Informational interviewing is also a great way to build your network. Networking works best when you maintain the relationship over time and share information. If you need to develop your networking skills, come to a Career Center Networking workshop.

Steps to Successful Informational Interviewing: Attend professional events Fulton engineering mixers and career panels Fulton Career Exploration Night University events NOTE – Although informational interviewing may eventually lead to a job or internship opportunity, do NOT treat this as another way to ask for a job Attend as many professional events as you can manage. Meet industry professionals and ask about their jobs. Learn from them. Share information. Don’t just go to professional events and ask for a job.

Steps to Successful Informational Interviewing: REFLECT. ACT. Now that you have all of this information, do something with it What did you like about the career? What did you dislike about the career? Can you do it? Do you want to do it? Do you have follow-up questions? Schedule another meeting Go to O*NETonline and company websites to find out more about careers Make an appointment with the Fulton Schools Career Center, an academic advisor, a professor or someone who can help get you to the next steps

Additional Resources: ASU Fulton Schools of Engineering Career Center ASU Career Services

Fulton Schools Career Center
For More Information Connect with Fulton Schools Career Center Phone: (480) Website: career.engineering.asu.edu Handshake: MyASU>Campus Services>Jobs & Careers>Handshake Facebook: Engineering Career Center Arizona State University

Informational Interviewing

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