Why an Informational Interview is so POWERFUL!
Whether you are a new graduate, someone who is changing jobs or looking for what’s next in your career, consider the value and the power of informational interviews
Informational interviews offer a quick way to learn about careers from people on the inside of that career. Also, this career strategy is good if you want to chart a similar career path that someone else has travelled. It's one of the reasons that career centers love to recommend this strategy to new grads.
What is an Informational Interview?
Print the list of questions below as a guide for questions you can ask in the next informational interview you do.
How do you find someone to interview?
Offer up information on why you want to talk and ask for the time you need. Someone may even be open to answer the questions for you via a video response or written notes.
Contact the staff in the Career Center on your campus and I guarantee they can help you connect with an employer, an alumni or professional in the field of interest.
Reach out to someone you met on social media. You can find professionals in groups via LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter or Instagram. Keep in mind people probably won't have a sign that says they are open for doing informational interviews, but do your research and ask them anyway. People are often super generous to help.
Join professional associations and speak with other members whose work you admire or are curious about.
Remember to be respectful and show up for the interview on time!
Sample Informational Interview Questions
1. What do you do in a typical day on your job?
2. What training or education is required for this job/career? What training did you choose and why?
3. What personal qualities or abilities contribute to success in this job/career?
4. What do you find most satisfying and most challenging about your work?
5. What was your career path after you graduated from your program?
6. What opportunities for advancement exist in this career?
7. What entry-level jobs in this industry would you recommend as the place to begin a career?
8. In your opinion, how has this job/career changed over the last 5 or 10 years?
9. How do you see the job/career changing over thee next 5 years? What skills should I be considering?
10. Which professional associations or journals would you recommend?
11. If you could relive your career path in this industry, what would you change? Why?
12. Do you have any resume advice for me? What are employers looking for?
13. How can I change my resume to improve interest from employers in this field?
14. Who would you recommend I speak with to get more information about this job/career?
15. May I use your name when I contact the person you recommended?
16. Are there any companies you think would be looking for professionals where I could pivot?
17. I am interested in an international career. Do you have tips to help me become an expatriate?
18. What strategy did you use to move forward in this profession or company?
19. How does one set themselves apart? Any awards or recognition that I could seek?
20. What certifications do you think make the most sense for me in this industry?
21. Any tips on how to learn about the culture of this company or industry? What are some of the unwritten rules?
22. Has a mentor had any value for you? What should I look for when I look for a mentor?
23. What are the biggest concerns about work and life integration in your role?
24. What are your thoughts on the salary I should expect?
25. How have you hurdled the biggest challenges in your career so far?
After the informational interview, be gracious and thank the professionals for meeting with you. Follow up with any referrals. Stay connected with the person who graciously shared time with you. You should be open to helping someone else, the way you were helped by other professionals through your informational interviews.