Informational Interviewing

Informational interviewing - Most Effective Strategy to Landing that Internship or Job

WHAT IS IT 

An informational interview is when you engage (interview) a person about their career path, occupation or organization. It is a way for you to gather information that will help you decide if this specific field is right for you. 

It is the BEST way for you to gather information about a future career before you embark on it.

Remember: The purpose of this type of interview is to find out more information, NOT to ask for a job.

WHY IT WORKS

Most people are flattered and enjoy talking about themselves and their job. Many are happy to advise you on possible next steps and open any doors they can to assist.

BENEFITS

• You gain personal career insights (love it or leave it)
• Make connections in the field you are interested in
• Educate yourself on the pro's and con's
• Gain insider information on the hiring process
• Potentially gain a mentor or inside advocate
• Expand your network of professional connections

WHO SHOULD I INTERVIEW?

Anyone in a position you are interested in! Find your peeps using these strategies:

• Connect UMass  - a global alumni community for personal and professional conversations and growth - the alumni here have already agreed to connect with you!
• LinkedIn  - professional networking community -search for UMass alumni, internships, jobs, communities to join.
• Handshake - connect with employers, fellow students across the nation and search for internships and jobs. 
• Your classmates - have a lab partner or buddy in class - ask them if they know anyone in the field you are interested in.
• Clubs, RSO's,Communities you already belong to.
• Friends - Your aunt's neighbor might be one step on your way to a great opportunity.
• Family - reach out to Uncle Darius who is already working in a hospital- he will be thrilled to help.
• Professors - use those office hours to have them help you apply your education.
• Academic/Career or other Advisors - friendly individuals who already get paid to help you.
• Career Fair Attendees- recruiters and reps either in-person or virtually 
• Campus Wide or Residence Halls sponsored events - don't be shy.
• Guest lecturers or presenters - introduce yourself after class and ask for their contact information 
• Current internship/practicum or work - who better to help you know what it's like to work there?
• Former supervisors/employees - Want honesty? This group can provide insights and might still be well-connected.
• Random strangers - on buses, planes and while waiting in lines- you would be surprised how well this works!

HOW (In order of most effective first)

1. In-person meet up (public location like a coffee shop- etiquette here says that you buy since you are inviting the person to chat with you.)
2. Phone/video call - don't be shy the phone is not just for texting and DM's.
3. Email or LinkedIn - Exchanging questions and answers by email or using LinkedIn messaging is a good fallback option; it's super convenient and less intimidating. But this method is the least likely to produce optimal results since it's hardest to make a connection and build a relationship with words alone.

Ask for 20 minutes (plan for more but don't be greedy- folks are busy).

WHAT TO DO BEFORE 

Typically you will ask most of the questions, not the other person.

• Conduct background research: this allows you to ask focused questions and get the most our of your time
• Prepare 5-10 open ended questions and prioritize them in case you don't get to ask all of them
• If in person, dress in a way that gives you confidence and says "I really want to be here"
• Confirm date, time, location and duration at least 2 days prior

SAMPLE QUESTIONS

•  Can you describe a typical day or week? Does your work change during the year?  

•  What do you like best about your job and/or field? Least?  

•  How did you learn how to do your work? On the job? At a previous job? Formal training?

If you were starting out in your field now, would you train in the same way?  

•  In this field, what credentials, trainings, qualities, skills or characteristics are most relevant or important to possess?  

•  What makes someone successful in your work? (Listen carefully for the skill words in their answer. You’ll need those terms for your resume).  

•  As you look back on your experiences, is there anything you wish you’d known? Anything you would do differently? 

•  Do people in your field belong to professional associations or organizations? Is there a local chapter? Do you think it would make sense for me to attend a meeting?  

•  How do you keep current in your field?  

•  What should I be reading?  

•  What advice do you have for someone starting out?  

•  Do you have any job search strategies you’d like to share with me?  

•  Can you suggest two or three other people I might contact? May I use your name if I contact them, just to explain how I got their names?  

DURING

Remember this is about them! When you authentically demonstrate your interest in learning about what they do- they will respond in kind.

Do not ask for a job.- asking for a job is not learning about their career or organization and a person could feel used and or upset that this was all you wanted.

• Arrive early if in person and offer to pay for any food/drinks of their choosing
• Provide a brief introduction of yourself and initial open ended question and then let them take the lead
• Limit the amount of time you spend talking about yourself. Ask your contacts to talk about themselves, their fields, and their work.
• Avoid asking them to do things for you -- such as to read or circulate your resume, or to find information for you that you could probably find yourself. If they offer to do such things for you, accept graciously.
• You can bring your resume but do not offer it-have it ready in case they ask- or email it as a follow-up is OK
• Take notes (during or immediately after if it helps you be a more engaged listener)
• At the end- ask them if they have 2 more people you could do an informational interview with about your areas of interest.
• Find out about keeping in contact with them or next steps (perhaps connecting on LinkedIn, etc)
• Thank them- best to send a thank you email right afterwards (no more than 24 hours later) include specifics from your notes on what you found most valuable and any next steps

REFLECTION QUESTIONS

Trust your gut instincts and ask yourself:

• “How do I feel /think about what I learned?"
• “Can I imagine myself working in that setting and/or doing those tasks?”
• “How has this informational interview changed, or added to, my initial impressions of this field or occupation?”
• "What additional information do I now need and where or who could help me find it?"

AFTER / FUTURE

• Maintain your networking relationships by reaching out periodically, especially if you have good news or helpful information to share.
• Share any resources, ideas, advice that you have that could be helpful - depending on the situation

Job Offers

Congratulations! You’ve received a job offer – or maybe even more than one!

Be sure to handle your job offer(s) as professionally as you did the job search, and pay careful attention to each step as you decide to accept or reject the offer.

When the employer makes you an offer, remain poised while expressing your enthusiasm. It is customary for the employer to provide you with a few days in which to decide to accept or reject the offer. Ask the employer for the details of the offer in writing, include the start date, position, title, duties, salary, and benefits. Even if you’re certain you’ll take the job, ask for time to evaluate the offer.

Take some time to determine if this is the right choice for you. Even if this seems like your dream job, evaluate it objectively to see if it is the right fit. If you are leaning toward rejecting the offer, spend time weighing the pros and cons of taking the position, and keep an open mind. Some things to consider:

• Does the job fit your values and lifestyle needs?
• Are you happy with the location?
• Can you live with the salary and compensation package?
• Is there room to grow in the position?
• Will the salary and benefits meet your needs

Just because you got an offer- doesn't mean you have to say yes.

Career Planning Office is here to help- reach out if you are unsure about what to do!

Salary Negotiation

Salary Negotiation

Massachusetts is the first state to prohibit potential employers from asking about applicants’ salary history before making a job offer. Learn more about The New Pay Equity Law in Massachusetts

Salary comparison links:

• Bureau of Labor Statistics
• Know Your Worth Tool (Glassdoor.com)
• Salary.com
• Salary and Compensation Center (About.com)
• Cost of Living Calculator (payscale.com)

For quick tips on Salary Negotiation, review our handout:

• Salary Negotiation Tips

Staffing or Temp agencies

Staffing or Temp agencies are often used as a vetting agency by large hospitals. You can register with a healthcare staffing agency, for example, and they can help you find temporary work that could lead to a full time position. This is a great opportunity to test out a career field without committing to it long-term – and get paid for it!

State and Federal Opportunities

USA Jobs (https://www.usajobs.gov/) provides resources for students and recent graduates, including information about how to apply for federal jobs, resume help, disability programs, service programs, veterans, national guard reserves, Peace Corps and AmeriCorps VISTA.