Informational Interview

What is an Informational Interview?

An information-gathering conversation between you and someone employed in the career field in which you are interested.
An opportunity to find out what the job is like directly from someone doing it.
A carefully planned interview, in terms of what questions to ask that wll help you obtain the information desired without taking up too much of the person's time.
An opportunity to network with someone in the field of interest and to make a good lasting impression.

Who do I contact for an informational interview?

Professionals, including IWU alumni, who are recommended by faculty members or the Career Center Staff.
People you meet at school, work, church, meetings, etc., that work in a career field that interests you or that know someone in that field.
Family members, friends, neighbors, co-workers--anyone you know--can be sources of information.

What do I prepare for an informational interview?

Know what kind of information you want, which requires researching the career.
Determine what questions you have about how this person chose their career, the preparation they recommend, the advantages and disadvantages of the field, etc.
Set up the interview by phoning in advance and requesting 30 minutes of the person's time--and then stick to that!
If someone has referred you, give the person's name and indicate why you are calling and that you are not asking for a job, but to get information about the type of work they do and how they got into the field.
Be on time for the interview, dress neatly, and take notes.
Send a thank you after the informational interview and consider enclosing a resume.

Use the list of questions below as a guide. Compose questions of your own to fit the circumstances of the occupation or organization you are investigating. Where you read "this occupation/ organization" below, substitute the names of the actual occupation or organization in your question. In the format below, the topic of the question is stated first, followed by a number of questions you could use to address the subject you want discussed.

Job search techniques used. How did you get into this occupation/organization? What steps did you take to get where you are now? What methods did you use to find work in the occupation you are in now?
Occupational/organizational interests. How did you become interested in this occupation/organization? What attracted you to this particular occupation/organization?
Getting started in this occupation. What entry-level jobs might qualify a person for this occupational field? What is the progression of jobs from the beginning to the top?
Work Responsibilities. What does the company expect you to do on the job? What responsibilities and duties do you have in your work? What characteristics should a person look for in a job such as the one you have?
Products, services, competition. What products are manufactured (or services are provided) by the organization? Who are your customers? Who are your competitors? What is your rank or standing with your competitors in the industry?
Abilities and qualifications required. What skills, aptitudes, or personal qualifications does a person need for this occupation (or to work in this organization)? What essential abilities are needed to do your job well?
Preparation and background needed. What preparation, education, training, or background is required for entrance into this field of work? Are particular degrees or licenses required to enter this occupation?
Values and personal satisfaction. What is there about this occupation/ organization that gives you personal satisfaction? What values are expressed by this occupation/organization?
The organization culture. What basic assumptions and beliefs are shared and supported by most people in your division or organization? What practices and ceremonies mean a lot to those working here and to the organization? Who are the heroes or exemplary figures in this organization, and what do they stand for? What is the guiding philosophy of the organization?
Personality characteristics. What personal traits, values, and interests are necessary or helpful to succeed and advance in this occupation/organization? What personal qualities do administrators and supervisors look for in their employees here?
Causes of dissatisfaction. What are the major frustrations, annoyances, or sources of dissatisfaction in the occupation/ organization? What problems, both internal and external, cause dissatisfaction in the job or workplace?
Unique qualities or strengths. What strengths set this occupation/organization apart from others? What are the best things you can say about this occupation/organization?
Working Conditions. How much time do you spend at work? Is the amount of the time spent on the job due more to the nature of the occupation or to the nature of the particular organization? How do people dress for work here? Is the work mostly indoors or outdoors? Does the physical layout of the building(s) make the organization's work environment pleasant? Describe the morale of the people who work for the organization and give some reasons for their attitude.
Salary ranges. What are the beginning, average, and top salaries or wages in this occupation? How does your organization pay in comparison to other organizations in the same industry? What fringe benefits are offered? (DO NOT ASK: What is your salary?)
Decision-making patterns. How would you describe the decision-making style of this organization? Who makes the decisions on how the work will be done in your department?
Organizational structure. What are the lines of authority in your company? Ask for an organizational chart. To whom do you report? Whom do you supervise?
Advancement opportunities. What opportunities exist for advancement, promotion, or change of jobs within the organization? Where could I expect to be in this organization after five years with a good work record?
Typical day at work. Describe a typical day at work in your occupation and in this kind of organization. Can you leave your job behind after work, or is it the kind of job you take home with you? Explain.
Related occupations. What other occupations are closely related to this one? Would you need the same skills and aptitudes for them? Are any related occupations represented in this organization?
Temporary work and courses to take while in college. Could you suggest any temporary, part-time, or summer work experience that would help a person get ready for your occupation? What courses in school or college were especially helpful to you in preparing for this occupation?
Future projections. What do you see in the future for this occupation/organization? Will there be a continued demand for it? Is the occupation/organization growing or declining in numbers of workers? How secure will employment be in this occupation/organization? Changes What changes do you think are coming for this occupation/organization over the next few years? How can a person prepare for those changes?
Special problems and concerns. Are there any special problems, concerns, situations, circumstances, or challenges of which a person should be aware when considering this occupation/organization? How would you try to solve these problems or face these challenges?
Other information or advice. What other advice or information can you give to a person considering, preparing for, or coming into this occupation or organization? Because you know this occupation/organization better than I do, what other questions should I be asking about it?
The return visit. Is it all right to contact you for another interview if I need more information and advice in the future?
The referral question. (Never conclude an informational interview without trying to obtain the names of other people in the same or similar occupations/organizations with whom you could conduct another information interview.) Could you suggest the names of other people with whom I could talk in this occupation/organization? May I mention your name as the person that referred me? Would you be willing to write a letter of introduction for me (or make an introduction for me over the telephone)?