Informational Interviewing/Networking

What is an Informational Interviewing / Networking?
Steps to follow
Sample Questions
Timetable for informational interviewing

What is an Informational Interview/Networking?

Informational interviewing/networking is essentially talking with people about their careers. It is a valuable career exploration technique which allows you to learn about career fields first hand. It can also be a good job search strategy because it allows you to gain insights into the hidden job market (jobs not normally advertised). In an informational interview you will be asking most of the questions. The process is not difficult since most people enjoy talking about their careers. Basically, this is your opportunity to get the "inside story" - the pros/cons, salary/wages, hiring practices, required preparation, etc.

Why is informational interviewing/networking important?

  • It allows you to gather current, first-hand information about your field(s) of interest and potential places of employment.
  • It helps to open avenues for internship/summer jobs
  • It helps you to make contacts and establish a "network" of people who may be able to help you get started and/or advance your career.

It helps you with your career and academic decision-making by providing you with information about the skills you need to develop and the type of preparation required to enter a particular field.

Informational interview - Is that anything like a job interview?

Informational interviewing should not be confused with job interviewing. While there are some similarities in format, there is a world of difference in its goal and purpose. However, you should keep in mind that through informational interviewing you are developing a relationship that may lead to job interviews in the future. Therefore, make every effort to establish a good first impression. Have fun & good luck!!

Steps

Step 1: Locating Contacts
Informational interviewing involves meeting and talking with people in career fields of interest to you.

So what if you don't know anyone working in that particular field? Where can you find career contacts?

Contacts can be found almost anywhere. People generally like to be asked for their advice and most people are flattered that you are interested in their careers as long as you are polite and respectful of their time. You may pursue contacts the CDC has available within its BisonConnect (formerly CareerNet) program -- a database of Bucknell alumni and parents who have volunteered to assist students in this manner (located in the CDC Channel on myBucknell). You may also follow up on suggestions from family, friends, and faculty members or find contacts through directories or by contacting organizations in which you are interested. Finally, guest lecturers, past employers, or even authors of articles you have read can be potential contacts. Networking is the key aspect of any successful job search and it is a skill that can be learned and mastered.

Step 2: Arranging an Interview
After you have identified the names of people you wish to interview, you will need to contact them to see if an appointment time can be scheduled. Obviously, if you were talking with a guest lecturer, you might simply ask that person if another meeting could be arranged. Otherwise you need to decide whether to contact the person by telephone or by letter. Telephoning the person directly is usually the quickest way to arrange for an interview. However, you run the risk of having your call screened by a secretary who refuses to put you through to your contact. If this should happen, be polite but persistent. Explain that you are not looking for a job, only career information. If necessary, be prepared to give the secretary some of your specific questions. The preferred method of arranging an informational interview is to write a letter and follow up with a phone call. In the letter be sure to:

  1.  
    1. Introduce yourself and indicate how or where you found their name.
    2. Explain why you are writing to them.
    3. Provide them with a time frame of when you would like to meet.
    4. Name a certain date that you will call to arrange for an appointment.

Make sure that your letter is error free, reflects proper business style and is on quality paper. It is best to express yourself in your own words and style. If you have questions, the CDC counselors will be happy to review a draft of the letter with you.

Step 3: Conducting an Interview
Once you arrange an informational interview, the next step is to do your homework. Be sure that you thoroughly research both the organization and the career field before your interview. The resources of the CDC and Bertrand Library can help. Remember you will be doing the interviewing, so be sure to prepare questions which you want to ask. Check out the list of sample questions in this guide, however, you will want to relate them to your specific field and circumstance. Start by interviewing people with whom you feel more comfortable, like a friend or recent graduate. Keep the following in mind as elements of a successful interview:

  1.  
    1. Make a good first impression.
    2. Establish rapport.
    3. Get your most important questions answered first.
    4. Ask your career contact if he/she knows of any other people in your field of interest who may be helpful to you.
    5. Express your appreciation for the person's time and inquire if you can stay in touch with them.

Step 4: Follow-up to the Interview
After the interview, you will want to follow through immediately with a thank-you note. This is a courtesy which takes very little time but should not be overlooked! It is preferable to type a thank you letter using appropriate business style, but on occasion it may be hand-written.

Step 5: Evaluating an Interview
It is important that you take a few minutes after your interview to evaluate the information you have gathered. You may want to use the informational interviewing contact log provided in this handout to help keep track of the people you have contacted and what you may have learned from each. As a general rule, you will want to answer the following:

  • What are your impressions now of the career field?
  • What are the positive & negative aspects of the field?
  • Do my values, skills, and interests seem appropriate for the field
  • Did you gather names for additional contacts? If so, who?

Step 6: Repeat the Process and Continue to Build your Career Network!!

Sample Questions

Preparation

  1. What was your educational background? Undergraduate major?
  2. How important is graduate school in your field?
  3. What special preparation do you have that you regard as important for the job you are in now?
  4. Could you recommend some courses that I should be taking now?
  5. What kind of experience is necessary to enter the field?

Lifestyle

  1. What types of hours do you work each week?
  2. What level of demand is made upon the employee? To what degree is there pressure on the job?
  3. Are there travel opportunities?
  4. How much flexibility do you have in terms of dress, vacation time, hours worked?

Job Routine

  1. How did you get started in the field?
  2. What types of work do you do during a typical week?
  3. What do you like most/least about your present position?
  4. What major satisfactions do you derive from working in this field
  5. What are some of the issues/problems that you must deal with in your work?
  6. What skills or talents are most essential for your job?

Job Outlook

  1. What is the employment outlook? What is the future of the field?
  2. What opportunities are there for advancement? Is turnover high in your profession?
  3. What types of employers hire people in your line of work?
  4. Where do you see yourself headed? What are your career goals?

Job Hunting Advice

  1. In hiring someone in this field, what "credentials" would you look for?
  2. What entry-level jobs are best for learning as much as possible?
  3. How would you suggest I conduct a job search in this field?

General Advice

  1. If you had to do it all over again, what would you do differently?
  2. How well suited is my background for this type of work?
  3. Do you know of others in the field with whom I might talk?

IdealTimetable for Informational Interviewing

Locate career contacts 3 to 4 weeks before interview
Send letter of inquiry 2 to 3 weeks before interview
Follow-up phone call (date and time specified in letter) 1 to 3 weeks before interview
Research and prepare 1 to 2 weeks before interview
Conduct the informational interview
Evaluate interview and plan next steps Immediately upon completion of interview
Follow-up with thank you within one week of informational interview