Informational Interviewing: An easy way for students to start exploring careers and building their network NOW!
INFORMATIONAL INTERVIEWS ARE ONE OF MY FAVORITE “LOW BARRIER TO ENTRY” WAYS TO BEGIN EXPLORING CAREERS AND DEVELOPING YOUR NETWORK!
What is an Informational Interview?
An Informational Interview is a short (20-60 minute) structured interview that takes place between you and an adult in a career field you find interesting. During the interview, you will ask questions about the interviewee’s job, career path, and anything else you may be curious about that you can’t learn from a quick Google search.
Finding professionals to interview
Reach out to family members, family friends, or neighbors. Most people will be more than happy to spend a few minutes talking to you about what they do.
Try not to get too specific in your ask (for example, if you are interested in psychiatry, broaden your search to anyone in a psychology, social work, or counseling role). Once you complete your first informational interview, your interviewee may have suggestions for others you can reach out to that align with your interests.
Making it easy for the professional you interview
Let them know ahead of time you are only looking for between 20-60 minutes of their time and that you can work around their schedule. Emphasize that the interview can take place either in person, through a video chat, or over the phone.
Deciding what to ask
Develop your questions ahead of time. Craft 10-20 open-ended questions that you cannot get answered through other methods. Some of my favorite questions to ask include the following:
How did you decide this is what you wanted to do?
How did you get your job? Was it through a blind application… someone you knew?
What was your college major and how did that prepare you for your job?
What kinds of jobs did you hold before securing your current position?
What do you love most about your work?
What is the hardest or most frustrating thing about your job?
If you could go back in time, what is one piece of career advice you would give to your younger self during high school or college?
Staying in touch
Make sure you follow up with a thank you note! Taking a few minutes to thank your interviewee for their time can go a long way and builds a path for future communication.