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Informational Interview Guide

The document provides a comprehensive guide on conducting informational interviews, emphasizing their purpose of networking and gaining industry insights rather than seeking job opportunities. It includes steps for preparation, sample questions to ask during the interview, and examples of introductory and follow-up emails. Additionally, it offers checklists to ensure effective communication before, during, and after the interview process.

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Rommel Romero
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13 views4 pages

Informational Interview Guide

The document provides a comprehensive guide on conducting informational interviews, emphasizing their purpose of networking and gaining industry insights rather than seeking job opportunities. It includes steps for preparation, sample questions to ask during the interview, and examples of introductory and follow-up emails. Additionally, it offers checklists to ensure effective communication before, during, and after the interview process.

Uploaded by

Rommel Romero
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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INFORMATIONAL INTERVIEW GUIDE

STEP 1/4: INTRODUCTION TO INFORMATIONAL INTERVIEWS

What is an informational interview?


Did you know that 70-80% of job seekers find their next job through a professional contact or
someone they know? Informational interviews are about connecting with professionals in your
field to learn more about their industry and/or their employer. An informational interview is NOT a
request for a job and should never be approached that way; sometimes an informational interview
may lead to a job opportunity, but not always. Ultimately, it is a chance for you to make more
contacts in your field and gain valuable information.

How do I conduct an informational interview?


Make a list of employers and job titles that are relevant and interesting to you.
Seek connections in and through your personal network (friends, family) and via LinkedIn.
Introduce yourself and your career interests, and request a 30-minute conversation.
If the individual is in a specific role that interests you, ask questions related to their job.
If the individual is in an industry that interests you, ask questions about their career field.
Make sure to always follow up with an email within 24 hours.
Regularly update your contacts every couple of months to let them know about your job search.
PROFESSIONAL REFERENCES GUIDE
STEP 2/4: SAMPLE QUESTIONS

Ask yourself what you want to learn from this professional contact. After this, do your
research and create a list of specific questions related to their job, skills, place of work, or
career field:

Questions to Ask on Job & Experience


What are your major responsibilities in this position?
How long have you been in this position?
How did you enter this professional field? What steps did you have to take?
How did you reach your current position in the organization/company?
What do you do in a typical workday?
What kinds of challenges do you deal with in your work?
What do you find most satisfying about your job? Most frustrating?
What kinds of decisions do you have to make?
How does your job fit into the organization, company, or department?
What social or other obligations outside of normal work hours, are part of your job?

Questions to Ask on Necessary Skills


What skills, education and experience are required to succeed in this field?
What certifications or licenses are required or suggested?
What courses or work experience would you recommend for me?
Looking at my resume and experience, do you see any gaps in my skills or experience?
What else do I need to be competitive for this type of role?
What are typical entry-level jobs in your field?
What positions are most appropriate for my experience level?
Looking at my background, what do you think my salary range would be for this type of role?

Questions to Ask for Specific Employers


Can you tell me about your experience working for XYZ company/organization?
What are the goals of the company/organization for the next year or two years?
What are the opportunities for professional growth within the company/organization?
Can you describe the company/organizational culture?

Questions to Ask on Career Field and Industry


Is there a definite or expected career path in your field? Can you describe it?
What sort of professional publications or associations do you recommend?
If I decide to pursue this type of work, what suggestions do you have for my job search?
How is the current job market in your field?
What kinds of changes are occurring in your field?
What trends or patterns do you foresee in this field over the next 5-10 years?
What kind of growth or job outlook do you anticipate during the next 5 years?

At the end of every informational interview, ask:


Can you recommend anyone else I can speak with for additional information?
PROFESSIONAL REFERENCES GUIDE
STEP 3/4: SAMPLE EMAILS

Here are two examples of emails. Sample 1 is an example of the first email you might send
to a new contact, while Sample 2 is a follow-up email designed to be sent after you've
already spoken with your prospective contact, and if they have expressed interest in
scheduling a meeting.

Sample 1
Hi Nancy,

My name is Belinda. I am a former teacher and nonprofit professional originally from Burkina Faso. I
moved to the U.S. four years ago and am currently trying to break into the nonprofit sector in
Chicago. I am specifically interested in women’s and girls’ empowerment, which is how I came across
your organization, Boundless Brilliance. I was wondering if it would be possible to speak with you for
20-30 minutes to talk about your professional experience. Please let me know if you are interested. If
so, I am happy to set up the logistics for our meeting!

Looking forward to hearing from you,


Belinda Johnson
555-123-1234

Sample 2
Hi Jason,

Thank you for your willingness to meet with me for an informational interview to share your rich
work experience in software engineering. I am particularly interested in gaining your advice and
learning more about your career path and specific work at GC&E Technologies. In particular, I would
like to better understand how I can leverage my own past professional experience and education to
enter the field.

When would be a convenient time for us to meet or chat? I’m available on Monday, September 18th,
in the afternoon, and Wednesday, September 20th, between 11am and 1pm EST. For your
convenience, I have attached below my recent resume.

Thanks again. Looking forward to hearing from you!

Best Regards,
John Doe
444-123-1234
PROFESSIONAL REFERENCES GUIDE
STEP 4/4: COMPLETE CHECKLISTS

When contacting someone for an informational interview, check for the following:

Briefly introduced myself and my background, including professional field and interests.

Stated how I found the individual (contact).

Asked if they have 30 minutes to talk about their professional experience.

Provided available date and time windows.

Included my contact information.

During an informational interview, check for the following:

Asked relevant questions.

Did NOT ask for a job.

Request additional referrals or contacts.

During an informational interview, check for the following:

Sent a thank you note within 24 hours. See "Thank You" Notes Guide.

Connected on Linkedin and reached out to any additional referalls or contacts.

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