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The Main purpose of An informational interview is to investigate a Career or Field area by talking to a person Currently in that field. It enables you to flesh out your career prototype and have it be a bit more real, and multidimensional.
The Main purpose of An informational interview is to investigate a Career or Field area by talking to a person Currently in that field. It enables you to flesh out your career prototype and have it be a bit more real, and multidimensional.
Informational Interviews are introduced in M5 TAO but are encouraged and available for all students. They are a great opportunity to connect with people who are excited or engaged in something that you are interested in or to connect with people who are living your dream job.
An additional Resource that we use in M5 TAO classes that I would encourage everyone to check out is: Roadtrip Nation.
Planing Ahead
Planing Ahead
Once you have an idea of what you might be interested in investigating further it is now time to get started finding someone to talk to.
Who - Use your network, do your parents know anyone? Do your friends parents know anyone? Do your Uncles, Aunts, teachers, bankers, driver or any one you have a relationship with know anyone in your field of interest?
Point of challenge: You can start with someone you may know, but I encourage you to interview someone you do not know if possible.
Arranging an Interview - An email or phone call is a great way to reach out for an initial contact. Be prepared! Think through what you are going to say and keep your message brief and formal. Make sure that you tell them who you are, what your connection to them is (how you found them), and that you are NOT looking for a job but rather investigating and researching their career field. If they are not able or willing you can always ask them if they know someone who might be willing to talk to you!.
Do your research - of the person, the company, the career field and yourself so that you can ask the questions that will assist your choosing process. Remember there are no right or wrong answers to the questions you are asking in this process, but you are gathering information for making good choices.
Day of the Interview
Day of the Interview
Time - BE ON TIME! Be aware of cultural time and be courteous of their time. If you are interviewing with an American as an example be there 5-10 minutes early-- on time is late. Work to keep your conversation to the time allotted, and be prepared with your questions in hand and paper and pen to take notes with during your conversation.
Dress - Know what the dress code of the company is and dress that way plus just a bit. You want to dress to the top end of the dress code. You want to look like you belong there, that you are taking this seriously, and that this is important to you.
Starting off the conversation - Work to know, as much as you can about what is culturally appropriate! Is a gift appropriate? Do you take a business card with both hands? When shaking their hand do so firmly, but not too firm, and look them in the eye (this is business culture in most but not all situations) . Follow their lead or ask if you are not sure. Start off your conversation with a overview of yourself, and remind them that you are not here for a job, but are eager to learn more about what they do!
Wrapping up - A good ending question for a conversation is to ask if there is anyone else that they would suggest you talk to. Make sure to say thank you and let them know what you learned or most appreciated!
After the Interview
After the Interview
Following up - This is vital after an interview! A hand written note is a very nice gesture saying thank you (if you can't give them a note an email is perfectly fine)!
Further information - Email them if they suggested that you talk to someone else and let them know that you have followed up. On top of this, if you want clarification about something this is the time to do so!
Keep following up - Contact them every 6 months or so and say thank you again for their support! Let them know the progress you are making and the interesting things you are following up on. This is NETWORKING! When you want a summer job/internship, job when you are done with your studies, this gives you a foot into the industry!
Possible Questions
Possible Questions
What does a typical day at work look like?
What are the most challenging aspects of your job?
What’s your first thought when you get up for work every morning?
Who has been most influential in your career?
What is the life/work balance like?
What attracted you to this career path?
What previous professional experiences have helped you the most for this role.
Knowing what you know now what would you want to tell the high school you?
What is something that would surprise most people about your day to day work life?
What is one thing that you wish someone would have told you before you started in this field?
What do you think will be the most important focus for the future of this field?
What people/relationship skills do you think are the most important for success in this field?
What are some of the biggest rewards of this field?
What are some of the biggest challenges of this field?
How would you describe some one who would be successful in this field?
What preparation do you think is most important for success in this field?
Additional Resources
Additional Resources
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