Information Interview

What is an information interview?
An information interview is an interview during which you gather career information from people working in areas of interest to you. It is a research and networking activity, and is therefore a prime job hunting strategy.
Why is it important?
The information interview offers several advantages. It gives you the opportunity to make personal contacts with management-levelpersonnel. You gain insight into the hidden job market. You become aware of the needs of employers and the realities of employment. And finally, you gain invaluable interviewing experience. Remember, an information interview is not a job interview. Trying to turn an information interview into a job interview is not appropriate and can hurt your credibility.
How does it work?
The first step in this process is to identify the career field or fields that interest you. Second, identify individuals who are currently working in those fields. Third, contact one or more of these persons and set up conversation times.
How do I identify candidates for information interviews?
In identifying candidates for information interviews, the logical place for a job seeker to start is with family members, friends, or even parents of friends and classmates. Remember family professional contacts such as lawyers, doctors, stockbrokers, etc. Members of professional organizations, such as the Society of Government Meeting Planners or the American Marketing Association, are also especially helpful. They have the inside track on the direction an industry or career field is headed as well as the employment outlook. Chamber of Commerce members are also almost always willing to help.
How do I schedule an information interview?
Scheduling an information interview is easiest, of course, if you know someone who’s doing a job you think you’d like. If the person you call says she or he is too busy, ask if they will refer you to someone else. If you are being referred to someone, call the person and mention who referred you. Explain that you are doing some career research, tell why, and ask if you could talk to them for a few minutes about their job. Unless they are truly too busy to help, most people will feel flattered by being asked to talk about their job with someone who is really interested. Ideally, the interview should take place at the work site to help you get a sense of the work environment, the physical layout, the people, etc.
What questions do I ask in an information interview?
Before you go to the interview, prepare a list of questions that will give you the information you need to gain an understanding of the job and career area. The following questions are examples:
  • How did you get into this line of work? Can you describe your career path?
  • What do you like best about your job? What do you like least about your job?
  • What education/training do you have that prepared you to do your job?
  • What are the most important skills one needs to do this work effectively?
  • What are your major responsibilities?
  • What are some common business problems you face, and how do you handle them?
  • What are some common business communication problems, and how do you handle them?
  • What external trends impact your business/industry?
  • What does it take to become successful in this field/profession?
  • What is the salary range for your occupation? Fringe benefits? Personal benefits?
  • What are some of the entry-level and other positions in this field/profession?
  • What is the salary range for these entry-level and other positions? Fringe benefits? Personal benefits?
  • How difficult will it be to get a job in this field/profession after graduation from college?
  • What should I be doing now to prepare myself for a career in this field/profession?
  • What is the overall job outlook in this field/profession? Is it a growing/developing profession/business?
  • What advice would you give someone seeking to learn more about career opportunities in this field/profession?
  • Who could you suggest I go see to learn more about this field/profession?
What do I do after the information interview?
Without fail, send a thank-you note within 48 hours. Indicate that the information was helpful and that you appreciate the time they spent with you. In addition to simply being the polite and the proper thing to do, your note affords you the opportunity for another interaction with someone in a field you may choose to enter. You never know if and when you might want to touch base again.
Tips on scheduling the appointments. Tips on making the calls.
Call well in advance of the date and time you want to make the appointment. Identify who you are, what you want, and why you want it! For example:

"Hello, my name is and I am a student at the University of Texas. I am researching potential career areas and I would like to speak with you to learn more about your career. Would it be possible to schedule an appointment to meet with you for about 30 minutes?"
  • Always say WHO your contact is (if you have one), WHY you want the information (not a job), and ask for a specific appointment (WHEN). Offer two choices of WHEN; usually they will chose one or offer you an alternative time.
  • Ask for directions to the specific place of the meeting and agree on an exact time.
  • Be upbeat and positive. No one wants to talk to a whiner!
Tips on the appointments themselves. Where I can get additional information about information interviews?
Career Services career counselors will be happy to provide you with more information about information interviews. If you would like their assistance, call 471-6700 or come by PAI 5.03 to schedule an appointment.