Informational Interview Overview Information Interviews Informational interviews are data gathering sessions that provide the interviewer with insight into a career or organization Informational Interview Process To perform a meaningful interview, you must plan your interview around a purpose and then engage your interviewee. The steps below provide detailed guidance. Identify Your Purpose. Identify what value will come from conducting an informational interview. At this I step, you should be able to answer this question: "If the conversation goes well, I can use the information to Develop Your Questions. Identify no more than 5 questions that support your purpose. Write your questions down prior to the session, so you do not forget anything. Find an Interviewee. Use Linkedin to search for people with job titles or who are employed at an organization of interest to you. If you do not have Linkedin, referrals from family, friends, and reaching out to the career services department at your school for connections Ask & Schedule. Write a clear a short email or Linkedin message to the person you would like to interview. Use the Informational Interview Request Template below to guide your message. Conduct the Interview. Treat the interview as a formal job interview. Dress well, have your question prepared, take notes, and be early. If you are meeting virtually, test your audio and visual settings and ensure you are in the quietest environment possible. Say Thank. After the conversation, follow-up with one thank you letter. Both emails and LinkedIn messages are appropriate. In you thank you message, mention a piece of information that stood out to you and how you will use the information going forward. Pro Tips Informational interviews last about 30 minutes. Select two extra questions in case you have extra time. Your interviewee may not have time to meet with you and may be open to responding to a list of questions. Interview Request Template Ensure that your request for an interview includes the following components. Most people are willing to talk about themselves for 30 minutes and receiving a request to do so is flattering. Including the above information will introduce you to the interviewee and help the person understand what to expect. Greeting. Hello (Name), My name is [Your Name). I'm a student status college students, recent high school graduate, est.)] Reason for contacting this person. I noticed that you're a [Title) at [Company]. I am doing career research and would like to speak with you about your experience. OR If you are referred to this person, using a statement like, (Referral name and title) from company name] suggested that I reach out to you to learn more about (title or industry). The Request. Are you open to a 30-minute interview about your career? Location & Time. If you are willing to speak with me, please share your preferred method of meeting and availability. I am free to meet over the phone, interview, or in-person. (If you're interviewing someone across the country, meeting in person might not be practical as a result, you should remove the in-person conversation option from your message. Closing Thank you. Thank you for your time and consideration Your Contact Information. (Share your email and phone number at the end of your message. The person may print opt to call your or print your email.) Completed Request Email A completed email request might look like the following message. Always personalize request messages to reflect your specific situation Hello Mr. Smith, My name is Jane Doe. I'm a college student at Yorkville University I noticed that you're a Sales Manager at McDonald Corporation. I am doing career research and would like to speak with you about your experience. Are you open to a 30-minute interview about your career? If you are willing to speak with me, please share your preferred method of meeting and availability. I am free to meet over the phone, interview, or in-person. Thank you for your time and consideration, Jane Doe 555-555-5555 Interview Question List 1. What kinds of accomplishments are valued and rewarded in your field? 2. What tips would you give someone trying to break into your field? 3. What professional associations are popular in your field? 4. What conferences are commonly attended by practitioners in your field? 5. What publications, blogs, or websites should someone interested in the field follow? 6. What challenges are commonly faced by individuals in your field? 7. What kinds of accomplishments are valued and rewarded in your field? 8. What type of education or training does your role require? 9. What type of challenges are common in your role? 10. Is there something you wish you had done differently starting out? 11. How did you become interested in this field? 12. What are your main responsibilities? 13. Is there something you wish you'd known before starting in your field? 14. What skills, abilities, and personal attributes are essential to success in your current role? And how were these skills and abilities cultivated? 15. How do you know when you have done a great job? 16. What do you do to ensure that you are current in your field? 17. How does your work support the organization's goal? 18. What is a typical day (or week) like for you? 19. How did you begin your career? 20. What kind of decisions do you make on a regular basis? 21. Who do you work with? 22. What departments do you support and in what ways? 23. Which departments support your department and in what ways? 24. How much of your work is done independently? Would you say that this is average for someone in your role? 25. What computer software should someone in the field know how to use? 26. What training or college course was most influential for you? 27. Have you taken part in a mentor program as a mentee? Was the experience helpful