Informational Interviewing Guide (and why they might be the best part of your job search)
Table of Contents Overview 3-4 How to find a person to interview 5 Setting up an Informational Interview 6-7 Sample networking letter 7 Preparing for the Informational Interview 8 After the Informational Interview 9 Informational Interview Questions 10-12 2
Overview Networking is one of the most effective job search strategies. The purpose of an informational interview is to get information about a field of work from someone who has some firsthand knowledge. Using informational interviews to establish or build your network will allow you to have access to the majority of jobs that are otherwise never published. Even if you are not currently looking for a job, there are many reasons to network and request informational interviews. Reasons for asking for an informational interview typically fit in two categories: Finding new information about a job or career field o Choosing or refining a career path o Learning how to break in and finding out if you have what it takes to succeed Establishing and extending your network contacts o Spending time with one of your network contacts in a highly focused conversation o Providing you with key information you need to launch or boost your career. Consider this: One out of every 200 resumes (some studies it as high as 1,500 resumes) results in a job offer BUT One out of every 12 informational interviews results in a job offer While informational interviewing is a great way to find out about future opportunities, the most important point to remember is to NEVER UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES ASK FOR A JOB! You may also consider an informational interview to: Help you choose an academic major Explore careers and clarify your career goal Build confidence for your job interviews Access the most up-to-date career information Identify your professional strengths and weaknesses 3
You accomplish many things when you go out on informational interviews: You obtain information about your career field and the skills needed to do that job effectively. You gain a perspective that goes beyond job titles, and lets you see what skills are required for the job and how you might fit into that work setting. You gain insight into the hidden job market (employment opportunities that are not advertised). You become aware of the needs of the employers and the realities of employment. This exposure not only provides you with this information but using this information can make you a more impressive job candidate. Because informational interviewing is comparatively low-stress, you gain confidence in talking with employers before the more stressful (for both parties) job interview. o Questions can be asked that are not appropriate during a first interview (i.e., questions regarding salary, benefits, vacation). o You can discuss what is done on a day-to-day basis and relate it to your own interests and feelings. Because you are only asking for information, you are in control of the interview; you decide which questions to ask. This opportunity will expose you to a variety of jobs and personalities of companies making the search for your best fit easier. It is an opportunity to learn where you might fit into a particular organization. 4
How To Find A Person To Interview There are many ways to find a person to interview. First, brainstorm a list of personal and professional contacts. Consider your professors or someone you may have worked with part-time. Do not be afraid to even contact total strangers. Most people enjoy what they do and would love to share it with you. The following resources are great places for you to find contacts to interview. Office of Career Development Employment directories Company literature or brochures Yellow pages Newspaper or magazine articles Faculty contacts Former employers Relatives Alumni/Alumni Relations office Professional associations/conferences Friends of parents/parents of friends 5
Setting Up An Informational Interview You can set up the informational interview by writing, e-mailing or calling the person with whom you would like to meet. The interview will ideally take place in person at the place of employment of the person you are meeting. If distance prevents a face-to-face meeting, the interview could take place over the phone or by using Skype or other similar program (make sure you have a good connection). When requesting an informational interview, it is important to practice what you are going to say so you do not stumble over your words and are able to ask specifically for what you want. You will also be more likely to get cooperation from the person you are contacting. People are generally willing to share 20-30 minutes of their time to explain their expertise in their field. Please remember to be flexible in your requests. If your prospective interviewee seems too busy to talk to you, ask a convenient time when you could call back to discuss scheduling an appointment. Sometimes the person will want to talk over the phone, but often he or she will invite you to his or her workplace. When you can, choose that the interview be at their workplace because you'll learn more and make a stronger connection with the person. Consider the following basic script: Hello (Dr., Ms., Mr.). My name is. I am currently a student at Palm Beach Atlantic University with a major in. [I was referred to you by and] I would like to find out more information about (job or area of interest). I am wondering if you have a few minutes to sit down and talk with me about your experience and answer a few questions. Some follow up statements may include: I am not currently looking for a job and I promise to take up as little of your time as possible. I understand that you do not have time in your schedule right now; do you happen to have the name of a person you could refer me to who may be able to help? 6
Sample Job Search Networking Letter A networking letter, written much like a cover letter without the job pitch, is a great way to introduce yourself. A networking letter should always be typed (or sent by e-mail). Your letter should include: A brief introduction about yourself Why you are writing to this particular person A brief statement of your interests or experiences in the field Why you would like meet with them. Be straightforward; tell him/her you are asking for information and advice. The last paragraph of the letter should always include a sentence about how and when you will contact this person again. o Make sure to follow up the letter as you said! Usually this follow-up involves a phone call to set up a phone appointment or an informational interview. Never expect the person to phone you. If you have difficulties contacting the person, ask the receptionist for a convenient time to phone again. Finally, proofread and save everything! Contact Name Title Company Address City, State, Zip Dear Mr. Contact, I was referred to you by Associate Professor of Psychology Angie McDonald from Palm Beach Atlantic University. She recommended you as an excellent source of information on the integration of psychology and Christianity, an area I am considering for my future career. After pursuing my master s degree, my goal is to secure a position at a faith-based addiction recovery center. I would appreciate hearing your advice on career opportunities in this field, career development strategies I should pursue, and conducting an effective job search. Thanks so much, in advance, for any insight and advice you would be willing to share. I look forward to contacting you early next week to set up a telephone informational interview. Thank you for your consideration. Sincerely, YourFirstName YourLastName 7
Preparing for the Informational Interview It is important to treat an informational interview with the same level of seriousness as a real job interview. For more information, check out the Interviewing Guide available on mypba and in the Office of Career Development. Do your research. Find out as much as you can about the company before you go. You will sound a lot better if you know what you are talking about. Dress appropriately. Consider the typical wardrobe for the field and dress as if you were going to a job interview. Prepare. Make sure you bring a notepad and pen to take notes during your conversation. Use questions found at the end of this booklet or create your own list. Make sure the questions are relevant to the field you are considering. Before you leave. If you have a business card, leave it with the interviewee and ask if you can have one from him or her for future reference. GIVE THE INTERVIEWEE A COPY OF YOUR RESUME. Ask the person you are interviewing if this is a typical resume for someone entering the field and ask them for any feedback and critiques. For information about how to write resume, pick up a copy of the Resume Writing Guide available on mypba and in the Office of Career Development. 8
After the Informational Interview Follow up. Don t forget to write a thank-you note. Thank the interviewee for their time and expertise. Keep the interviewee as a professional contact in your network by e-mailing or calling them periodically and updating them on your job search or professional development. A simple e- mail or phone call every 3-6 months will help you maintain your contacts. Reevaluate. Look over your notes from the interview. Reflect on your interest in the career and/or field. Make a list of follow-up questions to ask during any subsequent interviews with other professionals in the field. o People who are in the same kind of business usually know their competition. Before leaving, ask your contact to suggest names of others who might be helpful to you and ask permission to use your contact's name when contacting these new contacts. o In evaluating the interview and making the best use of the acquired information, ask yourself the following questions: What did I learn from this interview (both positive and negative impressions)? How does what I learned fit with my own interests, abilities, goals, values, etc.? What do I still need to know? What plan of action can I make? 9
Informational Interview Questions What is your job like? o A typical day? o What do you do? What are the duties/functions/responsibilities of your job? o What kinds of problems do you deal with? o What kinds of decisions do you make? o How does the time use vary? Are there busy and slow times or is the work activity fairly constant? How did this type of work interest you and how did you get started? How did you get your job? What jobs and experiences have led you to your present position? Can you suggest some ways a student could obtain necessary experience? What part of this job do you personally find most satisfying? Most challenging? What do you like and not like about working in this industry? What things did you do before you entered this occupation? o Which have been most helpful? o What other jobs can you get with the same background? Why did you decide to work for this company? What do you like most about this company? How does your company differ from its competitors? Why do customers choose this company? Are you optimistic about the company s future and your future with the company? What does the company do to contribute to its employees professional development? How does the company make use of technology for internal communication and outside marketing? (Use of social networking, e-mail, Internet, intranets, video conferencing, etc.) What sorts of changes are occurring in your occupation? How does a person progress in your field? What is a typical career path in this field or organization? o What are the advancement opportunities? o What are the major qualifications for success in this occupation? What were the keys to your career advancement? How did you get where you are and what are your long-range goals? 10
What are the skills that are most important for a position in this field? How did you learn these skills? How can I evaluate whether or not I have the necessary skills for a position such as yours? What can you tell me about the corporate culture? What is the average length of time for an employee to stay in the job you hold? Are there incentives or disincentives for staying in the same job? Is there flexibility related to dress, work hours, vacation schedule, place of residence, etc.? What work-related values are strongest in this type of work (security, high income, variety, independence)? If your job progresses as you like, what would be the next step in your career? If your work were suddenly eliminated, what kinds of work do you feel prepared to do? With the information you have about my education, skills, and experience, what other fields or jobs would you suggest I research further before I make a final decision? How is the economy affecting this industry? What can you tell me about the employment outlook in your occupational field? How much demand is there for people in this occupation? How rapidly is the field growing? Can you estimate future job openings? What obligations does your employer place have on you outside of the ordinary work week? What social obligations go along with a job in your occupation? o Are there organizations you are expected to join? o Are there other things you are expected to do outside work hours? How has your job affected your lifestyle? What are the salary ranges for various levels in this field? Is there a salary ceiling? What are the major rewards aside from extrinsic rewards such as money, fringe benefits, travel, etc.? What interests you least about the job or creates the most stress? If you could do things all over again, would you choose the same path for yourself? Why? What would you change? What are the educational requirements for this job? What other types of credentials or licenses are required? What types of training do companies offer persons entering this field? Is graduate school 11
recommended? An MBA? Does the company encourage and pay for employees to pursue graduate degrees? Does your work relate to any experiences or studies you had in college? How well did your college experience prepare you for this job? What courses have proved to be the most valuable to you in your work? What would you recommend for me? How important are grades/gpa for obtaining a job in this field? If you were entering this career today, would you change your preparation in any way to facilitate entry? What are the typical entry-level job titles and functions? What entry level jobs are best for learning as much as possible? Who else do you know who is doing similar kinds of work or uses similar skills? What other kinds of organizations hire people to perform the functions you do here? Do you know of other people whom I might talk to who have similar jobs? Do you have any advice for someone interested in this field/job? Are there any written materials you suggest I read? Which professional journals and organizations would help me learn more about this field? What kinds of experience, paid or unpaid, would you encourage for anybody pursuing a career in this field? What special advice do you have for a student seeking to qualify for this position? Do you have any special world of warning or encouragement as a result of your experience? These are my strongest assets (skills, areas of knowledge, personality traits and values):. Where would they fit in this field? Where would they be helpful in this organization? Where might they fit in other fields? Where might they be helpful in other organizations? How would you assess the experience I ve had so far in terms of entering this field? [If you feel comfortable and it seems appropriate:] Would you mind taking a look at my resume? 12