Informational Interviewing

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.

• 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.

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!

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.)

1. Phone/video call - don't be shy the phone is not just for texting and DM's.
2. 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).

•  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?  

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.

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?"

• 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.