Most people like to talk about themselves and what they do so you will probably find that most people are willing to help you, whether you are a recent college graduate or someone looking to make a career change.

Informational interviews are not job interviews. You are there to gain a deeper understanding of the job specifications, enhance your awareness of the company's culture, and network with professionals in a relatively low-stress setting to build self-confidence and assess whether you'd be interested in working there in the future.

As important, informational interviews are opportunities to get leads for positions in other divisions or at other companies that may have job openings and career potential.

Goals for an Informational Interview

• To let the person know that you are learning about a career that is of interest to you.
• To leave a positive impression.
• To gather useful information about the company and, more broadly, the field.
• To gather at least two new contacts to add to your network.

Questions to Get You Started

• How did you get into this job?
• What do you like about working in this job?
• Is there a career path to this job?
• What knowledge, experience and skills do people in this job have in common?
• What can you tell me about the responsibilities in this job at your company?
• What advice would you offer to someone wanting to get into this field?
• Who else at your company should I talk to about my qualifications?
• Can you recommend other people in this industry who can help me learn more?

Tips

• Remember, be respectful of the person's time and stay within your allocated time guidelines. Do not ask for a job, nor be too aggressive in your questioning or approach.
• Active listening is essential during an interview. If something isn't clear, don't hesitate to ask for a clarification. Hiring managers like people who get their facts straight!
• Take a notebook to record notes and recommendations for other people to contact. You can also include questions to ask during the interview.