Part 2: How to conduct an informational interview
This is a two-part post on informational interviews. Today: best practices. Last week: the benefits.
If you haven't worked or volunteered in the career field you are interested in, informational interviews are a great way to get a good sense of whether or not you really want to pursue a career in that field.
Be sure to check out Part 1 of this series on informational interviewing from last week, which outlines the reasons why students and new grads should use informational interviewing as a networking tool and to help them figure out what they want to do.
But be aware of how to do it right, or you risk alienating the very people you want to woo.
Where to meet
Meeting at the workplace of the person you are interviewing takes minimal effort on the part of the interviewee and can give you a sense of the working environment of the career you are interested in.
If the person you are interviewing would prefer to meet elsewhere, allow them to suggest a place that is most convenient for them, such as a restaurant or coffee shop.
Let your personality show
While your interview should be focused on career-related discussion, allowing time to discuss other related interests can help you build a relationship with the interviewee.
Building a professional friendship with your interviewee will make it easier to maintain contact after the interview.
Examples of questions to ask
Be sure to do research before you meet the person! Asking questions you could have easily found answers to elsewhere will be a waste of time for both of you and is unlikely to make a good impression on the person you are interviewing.
Check out their LinkedIn or other professional profile before you meet them, and then ask them to elaborate on the basics in the interview.
· How did you end up on your career path or in your current job?
· What level of education do you think would best prepare me for a career in this field?
· What skills are necessary to be successful in this field?
· What type of personality do you think is best suited for this career?
· Are there opportunities for advancement in this field?
· What are the best or worst parts of your job?
· Do you find this career to be stressful? Fulfilling? Challenging? Interesting?
· I heard you are working on a new project; can you tell me about your involvement?
· Are there any professional organizations you would recommend I join?
· What is the best way to look for job openings in this field?
What you can offer
Before finishing the interview, you may want to ask if there are any questions your interviewee has for you. They may be interested to know what program you are in or why you are interested in their career path.
You also might be able to offer information from your perspective, for instance about technology, or new courses, programs or trends that are related to their career field.
How to follow up
Sending a hand-written thank-you note reminds your interviewee that you appreciate them taking the time to meet with you. A hand-written note stands out from an e-mail and offers you another chance to follow up with any further comments or questions you might have.
A thank-you note is also a great opportunity to remind the person you interviewed that you would be grateful to remain in contact should any suitable job opportunities or events arise.
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Comments
I think this is great advice! Students need to know they will not be handed a job out of school...and the majority of jobs aren't even posted on job sites!
Developing a strong network is essential for long term career performance!
As someone who does these fairly frequently with alumni or senior students of my old program, I think this is very good advice. I can't stress enough to the "candidates" doing these to research the person and company before hand. Nothing irks me more about these than when the person I'm meeting with knows nothing about my industry or job. I don't expect them to know to everything, but at least show me you have taken the time to research my field.
On the subject of thank you emails, I would go against the grain and say a hand-written note is a bit too weird if not done exactly correct (which is tough). A thank you email is great as well, but don't make it a) too long or b) too exaggerated. It reeks of butt-kissing when you talk about how I have "re-iterated your lifetime dream / of working in..[my field]". To me, it either seems phony or just strange. Might be just me though
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