The Power of Informational Interviews

"I think I'd like to go into teaching," states the corporate accountant who has just been downsized. But it has been 25 years since he sat in a high school math classroom, so his dream job bears no resemblance to today's high tech classroom of Millennial Generation students.

A high school junior thinks it would be cool to be a forensic scientist, based only on what she sees in her favorite television programs on crime scene investigations and solving cold cases.

Both of these individuals can use a powerful tool to learn accurate and current information about those jobs: informational interviews.

Talking with people who are actually working in a job you find interesting gives you firsthand information about that career. This realistic preview can provide guidance about college majors and increase your confidence in making college and career decisions.

The practice of informational interviewing has been around for many years, and yet most people have never taken advantage of its power. It is a key skill of Career Literacy™ and part of the "backwards planning" strategy Career Vision promotes: Go to the source to find out about the job and evaluate why it is or isn't a good fit for you before making your career choice.

Most people are familiar with job interviews, where the hiring manager controls the conversation and evaluates a person applying for a specific position. Job interviews can be a high risk and high pressure situation. The ultimate goal is to get a job offer.

The information interview is dramatically different. You request a brief interview with a person who is working in the kind of job that you think you might like to do. You research the field and type of work so you prepare informed questions. Finally, you direct the conversation by asking questions that you want answered about the work, industry or company. An informational interview is low risk, low pressure and typically lasts 20 minutes or less. It is a short learning opportunity and most business people are happy to take a few minutes for a prepared individual. Your goal is to find out the best strategies to prepare yourself for that type of position, to get into a particular industry or work at that company. Sometimes the outcome is a realization that this is not the right field for you. It is much better to find this out before you invest time and money in your schooling.

Richard Bolles originated the term "informational interviewing" and has been advocating its importance for over 35 years in his career best-seller "What Color Is Your Parachute? A Practical Manual for Job-Hunters and Career Changers." He suggests starting with basic questions first, then as you gain experience, customizing your queries to the specific information you are seeking.

Here are some questions related to exploring a job:

1. How did you get into this kind of job?
2. What kinds of tasks do you do?
3. What do you like about your job?
4. What don't you like?
5. What kind of training or education did you need for this job?
6. Who else, doing this kind of work, would you recommend that I go talk to?

Great questions, you say, but how can I find people who will agree to talk with me? Start with asking family, friends, colleagues and acquaintances if they know someone who is in the job you are researching. Tap into your college or community college career services offices or alumni networks. Next, scope out the officers and committee heads listed on the websites of professional associations related to the job you're researching. Often these individuals are involved with the organization because they like what they do and enjoy mentoring less experienced people in the field. Expect a turndown of your request once in awhile. However, know that it's often because of their busy schedule, not your request. You might use the turndown as an opportunity to ask if they know of someone else you might talk to about the job.

Call your contact person and explain the purpose of the information interview you are requesting. Be clear about the short time frame, demonstrating respect for their commitments. It's best to conduct informational interviews in person, although this might not always be possible because of geographic distance.

At the interview, arrive on time, dress professionally and be strict about sticking to the time you have requested with them. Sometimes they will really engage and extend their time. Let it be their decision. It goes without saying to thank them for their time, and to follow it up with a thank you note within 24-hours. When you make a decision based on your research, be sure to let them know. They may offer to serve as a further contact for you to help you find a job.

High school and college students who learn how to conduct informational interviews will have a significant competitive advantage. The people you interview may become part of your personal network. If a student is interested in architecture for example, then she might consider investigating what different kinds of architect positions are available and set up information interviews with a variety of architects to learn about different requirements and abilities used in the field. These conversations can guide high school course selection, college and major decisions, internship opportunities, and part-time or summer jobs. The network you build may influence future jobs and career paths as well.

Informational interviewing is an important tool in helping individuals of all ages gain a better understanding about the knowledge, skills and abilities needed in different careers. It also can broaden your perspective to look at possible career paths. Whatever stage you are in your career, just beginning the journey or a veteran, remember to invest the time when you someone seeks your advice or expertise. An information interview is a conversation that can be meaningful to both parties.

Related articles:
Trends and Resources: Informational Interviews

© Copyright 2006, Career Vision / Ball Foundation. Article may be reprinted with permission.

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