Information Interviewing

An information interview is an opportunity to talk with someone who does the job you think you would like to do. It is not a job interview, but an exchange of information to give you an inside look at a particular occupation.

Many students hesitate to contact busy or important people, particularly strangers, for information interviewing. However, people generally enjoy being asked about their work for advice. It is a powerful form of psychological recognition and most people will make an effort to find time to share with you. If they will not or cannot, they will tell you.

Why NOT JUST READ occupational information? Written information must be general, giving a representative description. Given the time and cost of printing, no written material is 100% up-to-date. Also, written information may not answer specific questions or concerns or speak to the most current changes or trends.

ADVANTAGES of an INFORMATION INTERVIEW

• Offers the opportunity to understand what workers do and their attitudes and feelings about work.
• Up-to-date information about occupational fields, particular industries and even specific companies.
• Assistance in choosing a career path.
• Clarify strengths, weaknesses, preferences, skills and interest.
• Flexibility to investigate particular areas of confusion, misconceptions and the opportunity to "reality test" held perceptions of an occupational area, career field, employer or industry.
• Inside look at "corporate culture."
• Beginning to establish a network for job seeking.
• Vehicle for practicing interviewing, analytical and interpersonal skills.

LOCATING the BEST TYPE OF PERSON

• Someone who is actually doing or has recently done the type of job you want to know about.
• Usually someone close to the level at which you would expect to begin.
• Could be someone you already know; ask family, friends, neighbors or co-workers to suggest someone they know.
• Don't forget to talk to professors (particularly adjunct/part-time), employers (past and present), the Alumni Affairs Office and the Career Services Office
• Beware of top-level people, supervisors, directors, managers, etc., who may be out of touch with actually doing what you are interested in.

SETTING UP the INFORMATION INTERVIEW

• A phone call is appropriate if you have a name and phone number.
• A letter may be more suitable if you are contacting a stranger. Be prepared to follow up with a phone call at least ten days after the arrival of your letter.
• State your name, identify yourself as a student considering career options and ask for 30-45 minutes of an individual's time.
• Identify the person who suggested you call - i.e. the source of your lead.
• Stress that this is NOT A JOB INTERVIEW. You are seeking occupational information only.
• Suggest coffee or lunch if schedules are very busy. Remember you are the host - you pay.

PREPARING for the INFORMATION INTERVIEW

• Read about the career field and the employer ahead of time.
• Define the information you want or need.
• Formulate open-ended questions. (Questions that cannot be answered "Yes" or "No". They typically begin with "How," "What," "When," "Why," or "In what way")
• See the list of possible questions at the end of this article.

CONDUCTING the INFORMATION INTERVIEW

• You have asked for this appointment so will be expected to be in control.
• Look professional - you are starting to build your network and these contacts may be critical in the future.
• Firm handshake and good eye contact are essential.
• Establish how much time is available to you so you can be certain to cover the most urgent issues first.
• Be familiar with your questions. Don't be afraid to ask follow-up questions or to request specific examples when responses are confusing or vague.
• Keep the conversation on track; beware of conversational tangents, which may be interesting but not pertinent.
• A resume is not usually appropriate in this type of interview, unless you are asking for feedback or critique.
• Expect interruptions.
• Don't take detailed notes. You are stimulating a discussion not an exam.
• Some notes should be made immediately after the interview.
• SEND A THANK YOU NOTE/LETTER!!! To the person you interviewed and to your contact.

QUESTIONS for an INFORMATION INTERVIEW

You will also need to ask the follow-up questions to get more details. Ask questions about specific aspects that you particularly interest you.

Questions about salary are best kept very general:

- What is the range of starting salaries?
- How do starting salaries differ from industry to industry; employer to employer?
- What factors particularly impact on salaries? (employer size, location, funding sources, etc.)

SAMPLE QUESTIONS:

• What do you do during a typical day?
• What do you like most/find most interesting about your work?
• What do you like least about your job?
• How would you describe your work environment?
• What kind of problems do you face? Find most difficult?
• What are the most stressful aspects of your work? Most rewarding?
• What personal characteristics are necessary to be successful?
• What is the role of additional education? How critical?
• How did you get started in this field?
• What do you wish you had known before getting started?
• What was your biggest surprise? Disappointment?
• What factors or information did you consider as your were choosing this occupation?
• What jobs did you have before this one?
• What best prepared you for this job?
• What are your future career plans?
• What other settings employ people with your background?
• Describe your lifestyle as impacted by your work.
• If you were in my shoes what would you be asking or doing?
• Would you recommend any courses or extracurricular activities to help prepare me for this field or make me more marketable?
• What advice would you have for someone interested in this field or job?
• What is your perception of the future outlook for this industry? Occupation?
• How do people find out about openings in this field/company? (newspapers, word of mouth, contacting personnel offices, etc.)
• What role do professional organizations have? Should I consider membership? In which organizations?
• Is there anyone you can recommend who might be helpful? May I please mention that you referred me?

A NOTE OF CAUTION when interpreting information interview information…

Work environments and jobs differ tremendously from place to another. You need to avoid forming an opinion based on one person's enthusiasm, cynicism or observation. Also remember that you are not a clone of anyone. You have your own priorities, preferences, values, and expectations. After the interview take time to reflect on what you have learned - your impressions, new information, different perspectives. It may be necessary to talk with several people to get an accurate picture of an occupational and whether of not it is for you!