Informational Interviews

Informational Interview Outline

An informational interview is a low-stress way to make a connection, expand your professional network, and find out more about career options you are considering. An informational interview is NOT a chance to ask for a job or request an interview. I encourage students to reach out to alumni and professionals in roles that they are interested in after graduation or who are working at organizations of interest. If you can, try to schedule these prior to your search for a job. It shows how well prepared you are and you avoid any awkwardness around asking to fill a current or nonexistent open role at the company. Here are is an outline on how to prepare and things to consider when conducting the interview.

Outreach

Not sure how to word the introduction or who to meet with? Check out introduction examples. In considering who to meet with Here are a few options:

  • Go to LinkedIn and use the following tips for finding connections through and using LinkedIn for online networking.

  • Research the organizations that you are interested in working with directly and check out their Teams or About Us page. You may find contact information here or then find the person on LinkedIn to reach them directly.

  • Ask someone you do know in the field to help with introducing you to someone who may be able to provide you with advice about the profession. This weak tie (friend of a friend) can be extremely helpful in the career networking process.

Remember, people genuinely want to help others and connect. When reaching out you are more likely to get a response when calling out the why you contacted this person - such as they also graduated from UC, you really admire their career choices and path, or someone who they know (mention person) suggested you meet with this person based on your interest. Try to own the logistics - send the meeting invite, send a reminder the day before, and make it easy for them to meet with you on their terms (consider virtual options). Don't wait to reach out.

Warm-up

People love to talk about themselves, so when you first sit down, let them! Get the conversation going by asking your contact something about their experiences thus far—something they know all about. This will call for you to research the company they work with or have worked with and their own professional history.

Some good places to begin:

  • Respect their time. Don't be late or start early.

  • Try to find some commonalities by preparing and doing research on them and their organization(s) - look them up on LinkedIn and make note of any common interests or items that stood out

  • How did you get your start in this field?

  • What’s it like working at your company?

  • What projects are you working on right now?

  • What’s your opinion on [an exciting development in the industry]?

  • We are taking several assessments on our values, skills, and personality preferences? What skills, values, or personality traits allow you to excel in this type of role/field/position?

You should also be prepared to chat about yourself, your past experiences, and your career goals. Remember, this meeting isn’t just a time to ask for advice and learn from your contact’s experiences—it’s also a chance to make an impression. For example, don’t be afraid to start your question with information that you already know. Something like, “In my computer networking class this semester we have been working on how to connect services to devices like the Amazon Echo, how is the Internet of Things being incorporated into the work that you do?”

Get What You Want

After you’ve made some general conversation, it’s time to move on to what you came for: the advice you can’t get anywhere else.

Before the meeting, think through the insider information you want to learn from this person. Is there something you can learn from this person that would be difficult for you to learn on your own? Would it be helpful to share your resume and experience with this person and ask about the gaps in your skills and experience to help determine where to go next professionally? How will their perspective add to your knowledge and prepare you for your next role or interview process? Depending on where you are in the job search process, adjust your questions accordingly.

For example, if you’re still figuring “it” out, trying to find out if, say, working for a community non for profit is for you, then ask questions like:

  • How did you choose this company or position over others in your field?

  • What is the most rewarding thing about working in this industry? The most challenging?

  • How does this position differ from the work you have done in previous positions?

Ask questions that would inform a future job search, such as:

  • My coursework is focusing on [current subjects], but I see that many of the entry [type of] level positions ask for prior work experience—how do you think I can best leverage my educational experience for entry into this field? What first positions would be a good start in your opinion?

  • If you’re further along in your job search and could use some job hunting and interviewing tips for specific companies, don’t be afraid to ask questions like: (1) What experiences, skills (human and technical), or personality traits does your company look for in new hires? (2) What job search advice would you give to someone in my situation?

Of course, you’ll want to go with the flow of the conversation—you’re trying to build a relationship, not get as many questions answered as you can or follow an interview script. Also, remember that what these questions have in common is that they are all seeking advice and to inform your career path and future job search. Keep it that way. The person you are meeting knows that you are interested in the role, but putting them on the spot and asking for a position is what you want to avoid. If your contact offers to forward your resume based on your conversation, then by all means, take advantage of it. But that process is for him or her to initiate, not you. Take notes and refer back when prepping for interviews as this first-hand knowledge from the industry can make you seem like a much more informed candidate especially if this is your first search for a role in this specific industry.

Tap Into the Network

That said, as you’re wrapping up the meeting, you should ask for recommendations for two or three more people who would be good to talk to as you continue networking. The likelihood someone will take time to chat with you goes up significantly if your initial request comes from a mutual contact.

Make your request as specific as possible. This might be counterintuitive, but it actually makes it easier for your contact to think of someone when you say, “Could you recommend a couple more people for me to speak with to learn more about opportunities in [field and industry of interest or knowledge] in [preferred geographic location]?” then to come up with an answer to, “Is there anyone else you would recommend that I speak with?”

Recap

Be prepared to talk about yourself and why you are interested in meeting with the contact to get the conversation going, know what you want to get out of the meeting, and don’t leave without knowing who you will contact next. Dress for success and bring a resume to reference if they ask. Remember to follow up with a thank-you note and even connect on Linkedin (if you haven’t already connected)! Even better, follow up again with an update on your meetings with the people the contact recommended and the results of your job search. In the end, your informational interview contacts are not just useful for their one-time advice—they can become a part of your industry-driven network.

Last Resource

Having a hard time figuring out who to meet with. Check out the Candid Career site and listen to professionals talk about their roles and positions. This may then give you a better idea of who it would be good to touch base with.

References