Informational Interview Steps

Identify someone to interview:Professors, advisors, alumni, and members of professional organizations are great candidates for informational interviews. If you’re having difficulty finding someone to talk to, look to job databases, as well as LinkedIn and other online directories. If you are currently interning, you may want to ask your supervisor for potential leads for a contact.
Reach out to the contact:Call or email the contact to request an appointment. Be sure to state the reason you are contacting the individual, explain how you learned about his/her work, and state how much of his/her time you will need. Ask the contact when it is convenient to meet with you. Be prepared to adjust your schedule to accommodate the contact.
Confirm the appointment:Be sure you have agreed on the date and place of your meeting. A brief note of confirmation can be a helpful reminder to you both.
Research:Informational interviews should not be a starting point for your career research—they should supplement what you have already learned. For this interview, you should focus your efforts on researching your contact’s organization.
Preparation: Prepare your resume and take a copy with you in case you are asked for it. Be aware that it may be inappropriate to offer it during your meeting; let the contact determine the formality of the interview. Prepare a list of relevant questions. See the following list for ideas:
- Occupational requirements and experience
  - How did you get started in this field? Is your story typical of most people in the field?
  - Describe a typical work week. Are your duties generally the same for anyone with your job title or level within an organization?
  - What skills and personal qualities are most important for success in this job?
- Occupational environment
  - How would you describe the professional climate in your office? In your industry?
  - What portions of your job involve interaction with coworkers, clients, or vendors?
  - How much evening, weekend, or overtime work is required? What about travel?
- Benefits and challenges
  - What are the greatest rewards of your work?
  - What are the greatest frustrations? How do you deal with them?
  - On what basis are professionals in your field evaluated? How is success measured?
- Occupational outlook
  - What are the opportunities for advancement in this field? Could you describe a typical promotion path?
  - What are some growth areas in this field, and what impact are they likely to have on job opportunities?
  - How is this field likely to be affected by changes in technology and/or globalization?
- Advice
  - What kinds of education or specialized training would best prepare me for this field?
  - What courses should I take or what projects should I complete?
  - Are there any professional organizations that would help me build my network in this field? How do people find out about job openings in your line of work?
  - Where do people in this field typically look for internship opportunities?
  - What do you wish you had known about this field when you were just starting out?

Appearance and arrival:Plan what you will wear. Also bear in mind how long it will take you to get to the meeting place.
Ask for additional contacts or information:For example,” Are there any other resources or individuals you think would provide additional insight?”
Thank you:Ask for a business card before you leave and send a short note thanking the person for his/her time. Remember, these contacts can continue to serve as resources throughout your career.