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What is an informational interview? <br />An informational interview is an interview initiated for the purpose of obtaining the <br />information that will assist you in making a career or job decision. An informational <br />interview should not be confused with a job interview. <br />Why should I consider doing informational interviews? <br />1. You can obtain information from individuals who are working in an area of interest or <br />from those in positions of authority who have accurate information about career paths, <br />occupations, or specific jabs. <br />2. You will prepare yourself for a job interview because you will have a new understanding <br />of occupations or specific jobs. <br />3. You can build a network of contacts to broaden your job search. <br />How do I set them up? <br />1. Arrange an informational interview by phone or by letter. <br />2. Be clear about how you present your request. Ask for about a 30- minute interview. <br />3. Prepare your questions beforehand and bring them with you. Ask yourself what you need <br />.to know about the career path, occupation, or job. Some important questions are: <br />a. How did you get your job or position? <br />b. What are the assets and liabilities of this kind of work? <br />c. What are the challenges in this work? Program? <br />d. What are the salary ranges? Promotions? <br />e. What is the size of your division? Department? <br />f. What are the future prospects of this division? Department? <br />g. What job would I start with to obtain a position like yours? <br />The interview <br />The informational interview is not as stressful as job interviews. Since you are initiating the <br />action for this interview, you are in control of how it goes. Have your questions ready. Be <br />on time and don't stay beyond the agreed time for the interview. Thank the person for <br />his/her time at the conclusion of the interview. Do not forget to ask for other contacts that <br />might be of help to you. Remember that while you are in control of this particular interview <br />situation, the amount of help you get will depend on how you conduct yourself. Be tactful, <br />courteous, and listen attentively. New questions that you haven't thought of may become <br />apparent as the interview progresses. <br />After the interview <br />Take some time to analyze the interview. Refer to your notes, think about the information <br />that you obtained, and evaluate it objectively.. Ask yourself the following: <br />1. L1id I get the answers 1 needed? What did I leave out? <br />2. Has this interview changed my mind about a career, occupation, or job? <br />3. Do I need to see more people to obtain a more objective opinion? <br />4. What characteristics did this successful person have that I need or can develop? <br />5. Did I find out how to get the job I want? <br />6. What new strategies can 1 use that 1 have neglected so far? <br />29 <br />