Informational Interview
JOB
SHADOWING
One of the best
sources for gathering information about what's happening in an occupation
or an industry is to talk to people working in the field. This process
is called informational or research interviewing. An informational interview
is an interview that you initiate - you ask the questions. The purpose
is to obtain information, not to get a job.
One of the most
effective methods of obtaining more detailed information about a particular
career is to conduct an information interview with someone who holds the
position that interests you. The benefits are numerous:
-
To build confidence
for your job interviews
-
To expand your
professional network
-
To explore careers
and clarify your career goal
-
Allows you to determine
whether the career, industry or company matches your skills, interests
and expectations
-
To identify your
professional strengths and weaknesses
-
Confirms information
that you have read and provides information not available in written form
assists you in organizing your future job search by revealing the best
ways to get into the profession
-
Provides you with
tips and information about the job and career field that could be of great
value in preparing applications for work and in a job interview
-
To access the most
up-to-date career information
-
Gives you an opportunity
to see the organization from the inside.
Preparation
Prepare for
information interviews well in advance. You must begin with a self assessment.
The better you know yourself the more likely you will pursue a career that
is both enjoyable and rewarding.
Next, conduct
a thorough search for information about the careers that interest you and
on any organization you intend to contact. There are several sources
that could provide the names and addresses of people with whom you might
set up an information interview. Begin by checking the resources
in the Career Center.
-
Alumni Directory
-
Employer Directories
-
Yellow Pages
-
Government Ministries and Departments
-
Volunteer Directory
-
Professional Associations and Journals
-
Internet
Add to your list,
other people that you know:
-
Professors
-
Family
-
Friends
Contact the organization
that interests you. Ask for the name, job title and phone number
of the person doing the job you wish to investigate.
How
to Arrange the Interview
Telephone or
write the person you wish to interview well before the date the interview
would take place. Introduce yourself and explain who you are (e.g.,
a student, a person thinking of changing jobs). Perhaps, mention
how you found the person's name.
State the type
of work you are interested in researching, the reason why, and the amount
of time it would take to conduct the interview (usually 20 - 30 minutes).
If the person is unable to meet with you, ask for a referral.
Thank the person
for speaking with you and confirm the date, time and location of the interview.
If that person cannot see you, express your regret. State your appreciation
for any referral names given to you.
The contact
information for the person to be interviewed is:
Name:
Title:
Organization:
Address:
Phone
Number:
The arrangements
for the Information Interview as follows:
Date
and Time of Interview:
Address
where Interview will take place:
Parking
Arrangements:
Other
Information:
Conducting
the Interview
You requested
the interview. Be prepared to ask questions. Be concise so as not to waste
the person's time. Allow the person an opportunity to provide additional
information. Use a paper or electronic diary to keep track of your contacts
and to add notes during your meetings. (You can continue to use the same
log when you network.) If you have not already seen the work area, ask
for a tour.
SAMPLE
QUESTIONS
The purpose
of the interview is to collect information that will allow you to make
informed career decisions. Do not use the information interview
to ask for a job or set up an employment interview.
After the
Interview
-
Add more information
to the notes you took during the interview.
-
Always send a thank
you letter promptly (within 1-2 days after the interview).
-
Summarize what
was learned during the Information Interview.
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