INFORMATIONAL INTERVIEW

What is informational interview?

An informational interview is one of the most effective ways to obtain occupational information. While it may cover some of the same ground as printed material or information on a company website, it provides opportunities for an intimate and flexible inside view of a job field unmatched by other sources.

How can it be useful in pursuing your intended career?

An informational interview is less stressful, and differs in its settings compared to a typical job interview. In an informational interview you are the one in control. Questions can be asked that may not be strategic during a first interview (i.e., questions regarding salary, benefits, vacation). You can discuss what is done on a day-to-day basis and relate it to your own interests and feelings. Beyond the advantages of gaining valuable career information, the informational interview provides the opportunity to build self-confidence and to improve your ability to handle a true job interview.

Tips for informational interviewing:

The best starting point is from people you know. Ask your family and friends to refer you to people they know who work in the field you are interested in.
Talk to your fellow professors, alumni and classmates about possible contacts
Make a good first impression prepare for the informational interview the same way you would for a job interview: dress appropriately, make research, learn more about job, the company and the industry to better guide your questions.
Be sure you know the name of the person you are meeting, the correct pronunciation of his/her name, and the title of his/her position.
You should regard each interview as a business appointment and conduct yourself in a professional manner.
Always send a thank you letter an informational interview.

Questions you may ask during an informational interview

Can you describe your career path? How did each job lead you to the other?
What educational program is recommended as preparation? (Distinguish between courses which are desirable and those which are indispensable.)
What degree or certificate do employers look for?
What kind of work/internship experience would employers look for in a job applicant?
What are the duties performed during a typical day? Week? Does s/he have a set routine?
What steps besides meeting educational and experiential requirements are necessary to "break into" this occupation?

Finally make sure to sketch out a brief outline of the topics covered and the information gained as soon as possible after the interview. It may require a few minutes yet, it will insure that you remember the important points. Later, working from your outline, you can construct a more detailed report of the interview.

Yosef Bagdadi and Nathalie Jean-Elie

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