informational interviewing
What is an informational interview?
It is:
- an interview designed to produce information needed to choose and refine a career path.
- the process of spending time with one key industry network in a highly focused conversationa process of screening.
Why do informational interviews?
- To explore career options and clarify goals.
- To expand your professional network.
- To build your confidence in a non-threatening environment.
- To access up-to-date information.
- To identify personal strengths and areas for development.
Step 1: Identify one or more occupations you are interested in (assess your own interests, abilities, skills and values; evaluate the labour condition and trends; prepare your questions).
Step 2: Identify people to interview; start with a list of people you already know – family and friends; locate alumni from your institution; use organisation directories; lecturers; career offices.
Step 3: Schedule your meeting by correspondence or by phone. Introduce yourself; state why you are contacting this individual; state your interest and experience in this field; and why you would like to converse – information and advice are the key components.
Step 4: Do thorough company research before the interview to increase the quality of your interview by using company websites; annual reports; company literature; library reference material; university career office material; professional society magazines.
Step 5: The Interview (pretend you are a reporter; be enthusiastic; listen carefully and show interest; be direct and concise; share information about yourself; do not dominate conversation; use your time allocated effectively; ask for one other contact; look for links).
Step 6: Record, analyse and evaluate information by answering these questions: What did I learn (positive and negative)? How does what I learnt fit with my own interests, abilities, goals and values? What do I still need to know? What plan of action can I make?
Step 7: Write a thank- you note. Remember to include your contact details.
Questions you could ask if you wish to find out more about a specific career/ job:
- What are your duties/ functions/ responsibilities?
- What do you enjoy most about your job?
- What do you enjoy least about your job?/ What frustrates you most about your job?
- How did you obtain this position? What jobs/ experiences led you to this job?
- What sort of changes are happening in your occupation?
What are the educational & training requirements for this job/ occupation? What other types of credentials or licenses are required?
- What skills are important for this job/ occupation?
- What personal qualities are important for this job/ occupation?
- What work-related values are most important in this type of work (for example, security; creativity; education)?
- From your perspective, what are the problems you see with working in this field?
- Do you have any advice for someone interested in this field? Are there any professional organisations or professional journals that could help me find out more about this occupation?
- Do you have any suggestions as to how one could gain experience in this field (for example volunteer work; internship programmes)?
- What are the typical entry-level job titles and functions for this occupation? What entry level jobs are best for learning as much as possible?
- What are the salary ranges for various levels in this field? Is there a salary ceiling?
- If you could do things over, would you choose the same path for yourself? Why? What would you change?
- How is the economy affecting this occupation?
- What can you tell about the employment outlook in your occupational field? How much demand is there for people in this occupation? How difficult is it to be employed as an entry-level employee in this occupation? Is there much demand for people trained in this field?
Source:
- Sims, Cathy. 2003. Handout for Networking workshop
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