Immediately following the interview send a thank you letter/note to the individual who granted you the interview. Do this in a very timely fashion.
Informational interviews are one of the best resources to gather information on a specific career.
The purpose of an informational interview is to obtain information, not to get a job. These interviews are conducted in person, by telephone, or through e-mail correspondence.
Why Participate in an Informational Interview?
- Learn first-hand what it is like to perform a particular type of work in a particular organization.
- Gather information about what types of job opportunities/career paths exist in a given field of interest.
- Develop contacts (networking) with key individuals who are responsible for the hiring or who act as resources for those who do hire.
- Gain self-confidence and learn about “problem areas” for which you can provide solutions with your skills and abilities.
- Gain first-hand knowledge of current trends, strategies, techniques, and technologies of the career field interviewing.
Who, Where and When of Information Interviewing?
- Identify the occupation or industry you wish to learn about.
- Assess interests, abilities, values and skills.
- Scheduled an appointment to take a career and personal interest inventory at your respective MCC campus or visit www.mohave.edu and click on Careers & Advisement Services.
- Prepare for the interview by researching the career field and preparing a list of questions that are of interest to you.
- Visit: http://www.stetson.edu/~kjansen/bn301/200_info_int_Qs.html for a list of “200 Informational Interview Questions".
- Choose ten questions applicable to the person you are interviewing.
- Know exactly what kind of information you want. Do not ask questions that are routine and readily available.
- Aim for a 20-30 minute interview.
- Identify the people to whom you will talk. Start with a list of people you already know, such as:
- Friends, relatives, fellow students, present or former co-workers, supervisors, faculty, college advisors, and neighbors.
- Ask mutual acquaintance if you can use their names when contacting the interviewee.
- Contact the person to set up the interview. Try for an in-person interview, a professional image, warm smile and firm handshake. If you project a warm yet professional image in person, you will make an impression on the interviewer, who will put your face to your name. Have your questions ready when you make contact with the person you have selected for the interview as your only option may be the immediate informational interview conducted
- by telephone
- by a letter followed by a telephone call
- by e-mail
- Immediately following the interview send a thank you letter/note to the individual who granted you the interview. Do this in a very timely fashion.
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