Informational interviewing is talking to people who know about:

• the type of job you think you want

• the organization you think you want to work for

Informational interviewing helps you focus your job search on:

• the type of industry you are interested in

• the people who do the hiring 

The steps:

• Identify through the HR dept or other contacts within the company, a manager for the type of position you are interested in.

• Ask for an appointment to speak to this person for twenty to thirty minutes.

• Explain that at this point you are seeking information, not a job. 

The questions to ask:

• How did the interviewee get into the field?

• What do they like most/least about their work?

• How is the field changing?

• What is a typical day like?

• What education/training/experience would he/she recommend

• What key skills does the interviewee look for in candidates for openings.

• Additional contacts in the field. (Can I tell them you referred me?)

  • Tip: Type "informational interview" into your favorite search engine to retrieve lists of specific questions to ask and other helpful advice.

You are in charge of this interview. 

• Be prepared, concise, and interested. 

• Remember that you are gathering information not asking for a job. (yet)

• Be a good listener

• Be alert to lines of questioning that emerge from your questions. (don’t be too rigid using your list of questions)

• Listen for the use of jargon in conversation

• Observe the appearance of employees, facility, the level of formality, and general atmosphere. Would you be comfortable working here?

Follow up with a brief, typed thank you note.