
Apart from validating or dismissing what you've heard or assumed previously in regards to a particular course of work or organization, such appointments also allow you to increase your network of contacts.
Tips on how to arrange, prepare and conduct an informational interview:
Organizing an Informational Interview
The initial step is to recognize people who possess jobs that inspire you. Search the Internet and read local newspapers and business publications. Convey to your family, friends, neighbors, colleagues, past teachers and classmates about you're interviewing and ask them for names of people whom you should approach.
While developing the list of possible contacts, dispatch to every person an opening letter that explains your background, career goals, interests and what you expect to achieve from the interview and request 20 to 30 minutes of the persons' time at their ease. On getting a response from the person, try arranging the person's office to avail a better feel for the job.
Arranging for an Informational Interview
Your grasping from an informational interview depends mainly on your systematic preparation for the meeting. Do remember to read up on your interviewee and his or her organization. You can visit the company's Web site, referring to the "About" section, staff biographies and the company's latest press releases.
You can also review the company literature like brochures and annual reports to get required data. A list of open-ended questions may include:
How did you begin in the field?
What excited you the most/least about your job?
What is your usual day like?
What upcoming trends do you anticipate affecting your job or industry in the next five years?
What skill sets and abilities will I need to be successful in this line of work?
Also portray that you've completed your homework by organizing the questions that specifically relate to his or her career path.
Doing an Informational Interview
Undertake your informational interview just like any vital business meeting. Do dress proficiently and turn up early. During the questioning session, listen strongly to the person's reply and initiate an eye contact. You can go "off script" to establish a more natural empathy. Prior to culminating the conversation, you can ask for ideas of other professionals who would be interested to interview.
Making the Relationship
Past the interview, right away send an e-mail thanking the individual for his or her time. Tag on with a handwritten note containing greater detail regarding the advice you received from the meeting. The informational interview can provide you insight, direction and professional contacts not available otherwise. Keep the person informed about developments in your career as you may need each other in future as well.