../active.html

Job Search:
---------------------
Informational
Interviewing
---------------------
Job Shadowing
---------------------
Networking
---------------------
Career Fairs
---------------------
Mentoring
---------------------
Volunteering
---------------------
Service- Learning
---------------------
Internships
---------------------

Grad School:
---------------------
Learn More
---------------------
Choose It
---------------------
Grad School Fairs
---------------------
Informational Interviewing
---------------------
Visit Schools
---------------------
Cost Factors
---------------------
Tests and Prerequisites
---------------------
Special Populations
---------------------
CDC Services
---------------------

Return to GOALS menu

Informational Interviewing

Informational interviewing is an excellent tool that can be used to filter through potential job positions. This tool is not an opportunity to interview for a job but can be used to determine whether you want to pursue a specific career path or move on to graduate school. Informational interviewing allows you the opportunity to ask questions that you would not have been able to ask otherwise. Like normal interviews, you should dress appropriately for the informational interview. Also like a normal interview, you should send thank you and follow up letters. There are many good questions that are often overlooked when going to an informational interview, and there are some that should not be asked. Benefits of the informational interview include a more informed view of potential careers and an expanded network.

Informational Interviewing image    

» Preparing for an Informational Interview
» Informational Interview Questions
» Tools for Informational Interviewing
» Additional Resources

.................................................................................................................................

Preparing for an Informational Interview

To properly prepare for an informational interview, be sure to:

• Research the company
• Dress for success
• Update and bring your resume. The Career Development Center offers resume services to those who are in need of help.
• Practice interviewing with the Career Development Center, family, or friends
• Call to confirm your appointment
• Prepare and prioritize a list of open ended questions

Back to top

.................................................................................................................................

Informational Interview Questions

Question to consider asking:

• General questions about the career field
• Questions pertaining to all aspects of the interviewee’s job
• Preparations for the career
• Interviewee’s career path
• Culture of the company
• Company’s needs
• Opportunities for advancement within the company
• Seeking advice if you are a career changer
• Seeking general advice and referrals from your interviewee

Questions to avoid asking:

• Do not ask blunt questions about their salary
• Do not ask for a job or help getting a job
• Do not ask highly personal questions

Back to top

.................................................................................................................................

Tools for Informational Interviewing

» Informational Interview Request (Word)

Hands On Resource

» Watch a video on Informational Interviewing:

Visual Resource Auditory Resource

Back to top

.................................................................................................................................

Additional Resources

• Quint Careers: Informational Interviewing Tutorial http://www.quintcareers.com/informational_interviewing.html
• Colby Career Services Informational Interviewing Tutorial http://www.colby.edu/career.serv/student/info/interview/infointerview.shtml
  

Back to top

Back to previous page   Continue to next page

Top of page

Usablenet Assistive is a UsableNet product. Usablenet Assistive Main Page.