- Examining your compatibility with the company by comparing the realities of the field (skills required, working conditions, schedules, and common traits of people you meet) to your own personal interests
- Finding out how people in a particular business, industry, or job view their roles and the growth opportunities in their businesses
- Conducting primary research on companies and industries
- Gaining insight into the kinds of topics your potential interviewers will be concerned about and the methods for interviewing
- Getting feedback on your relative strengths and weaknesses as a potential job candidate
- Becoming comfortable talking to people in the industry and learning the industry jargon
- Building your network, which can lead to further valuable information and opportunities
To set up an informational appointment, request a meeting with someone who has at least several years' experience working in your field of interest. Your goal is to learn how that person got into the business, what he or she likes about it, and what kind of advice someone with experience might pass on to someone who's interested in entering the field.
Tell your contact right away that you'd like to learn more about the industry or company, and that you'll be the one asking all the questions. Most people won't feel threatened (especially if you assure them you're not asking them for a job) and will usually be inclined to help you.
If you tell a contact that all you want is advice, though, make sure you mean it. Never approach an informational interview as though it were a job interview--just stick to gathering information and leads and see what happens. Also, unless specifically requested to do so, sending your resume to someone you'd like to meet for an informational interview will probably give the wrong impression.
Conducting Informational Interviews
Now that you've scheduled an informational interview, make sure you're prepared to take the lead. After all, you're the one doing the interviewing-not vice versa. Prepare a list of ten to twenty questions, such as:
- How did you get started in this business?
- What experience helped you to be prepared and qualified for this job? (How did you get to this point in your career?)
- What do you believe is the ideal education and background?
- What are your primary responsibilities in your current job?
- What do you like most about your job, your company, and your industry?
- What do you dislike most about them?
- What's been your greatest challenge?
- If you could work with anybody in this field, whom would you want to work with?
- Five years out, what are your career goals?
- What are typical career path options from here?
- If you could change something about your career path, what would you change?
- What are the most valuable skills to have in this field?
- What specific experiences helped you build these skills?
- What opportunities do you see in this business?
- Why did you want this job?
- What would you say are the current career opportunities for someone with my qualifications in the industry?
- If you were in the job market tomorrow, how would you get started? What would you do?
- What are the basic requirements for an entry-level position in the industry?
- What do you consider a must-read list in your field?
- Where do you see the industry heading in the near future?
- Is there a trade association that might aid me in my job search?
- What things impress you when you interview candidates for positions in this field?
- What would be turn offs when you interview candidates?
- What critical questions should I expect to be asked in a job interview?
- What advice would you give to someone looking for a job in the industry?
- Is there anything else I should know about the industry?
- Do you know of anyone who might be looking for someone with my qualifications?
- Is there anything you think I should've brought up (but didn't) that should be a consideration? (What have I missed in this line of questioning?)
Always end by thanking the person and promising to follow up on any important leads he or she has provided, and to let the person know how things turn out. You should also send a thank-you note within one or two days of the informational interview.
Follow up periodically with everyone in your network-even after you get a job. Once you develop a network, it's important not to lose those contacts. You want to translate your informational network into a support network and maintain it throughout your career.
