Informational Interviewing is one of your first and most important methods of networking in exploring and researching career options. Also, the Informational Interview may result in learning about a position that is not publicly announced. Some suggest that 50% of the job market is revealed through this networking process. However, please note that an Informational Interview is NOT a job interview. Also, because you are on your best professional behavior, an employer may be impressed enough to create a position for you.

Research has indicated that 80 to 85% of the population would change their careers/jobs if they could. Because most people do not do research into jobs prior to accepting an offer, they frequently discover after they are hired that the work doesn’t quite fit, or the atmosphere is oppressive.

Since information gathering is an essential part of the job search process, it is important to use all methods of networking available to you. Even the annual career days at Fort Lewis College are designed as networking opportunities. In fact, the career days are informal exploration settings in which you can practice informational interviewing.

First, you need to have done some preliminary exploration of the company and of yourself. Be sure you are able to articulate your goals and skills even though you are directing the interview to gain information.

Create a list of organizations with which you would like to interview and locate a contact person and telephone number. Use your skills in database management to keep track of the contacts and contact information. The Career Services Office has directories that may be of help in identifying organizations and contacts and also may have some personal contacts you can use.

Once you have identified the organizations, you need to schedule an appointment for your informational interview. Just showing up is not in good taste. Typically half an hour should be enough although the time will depend upon how busy the employer is and how well you have prepared.

Having a list of questions prepared will be extremely important to conducting a good interview. Determine what it is you need to know and put together your list of questions. By using the same questions with each employer you will be gathering data that you can compare. Decide what it is that you want to know and develop questions that will provide you with the information you need. Some questions you may want to consider are:

Once you have completed your interview, be sure to send a thank you note to the person with whom you have met. This will not only create a more positive impression of you, but will remind the person of what you discussed.  You can do as many of these interviews as you wish.  The more you do, the better quality your information will be and your interpersonal skills will also be improved.