Informational Interviewing

How do I set up the interview?

• Start by sending a networking letter and resume to the contacts on your list (See attached Content of a Networking Letter). Your resume is only included so that the contact can get a sense of your background; not so that the person can look for jobs for you or pass it to other colleagues.
• These materials should be sent (by postal mail or email) 2 - 3 weeks in advance of your desired meeting time. After making the initial contact, follow up with a phone call within 3 - 5 business days of the letter/email. This call will allow you to schedule a time to meet. The more lead time you give them, the better the chance that you'll find a mutually convenient time to meet.

What if I cannot meet with the contact in person?

• It is not always possible or necessary to conduct a face-to-face meeting. Geographic distance may prohibit you, in which case we advise that you set up an informational interview on the phone.
• The protocol for a phone informational interview is much the same as for a face-to-face meeting. When you call, state your interest in conducting an informational interview by phone, possibly explaining that you are unable to travel to their geographic area. Be sure to ask if it is convenient to talk with them now or if you should schedule a time at a later date to call them back. Then follow the guidelines for a face-to-face meeting. Note that a thank-you letter should still be sent even though you did not meet with them in person.

How should I dress?

• For informational interviews in finance and law you should dress as you would for a job interview; in other words, wear a suit. For most other fields, you are not expected to dress as formally but you should not show up looking like a student! You will rarely go wrong if you wear a suit: remember that this is a chance to make an impression and you will never go wrong if you dress as professionally as possible.

What should I expect at the interview, and what should I come away with?

• In an informational interview, you ask the questions and direct the interview. Therefore you must be prepared with questions. Think before you go to the interview -What do you need to know about this field? What do you think this person will be able to shed light on? Some possible questions are included in this guide but most should stem from what you want to know about the field.
• Prior to the interview, do your RESEARCH! It is important to be well informed about the person you are interviewing, the company they work for, and the field in general. Utilize the internet, the library, and the Career Center!
• DO NOT ASK FOR A JOB! The key here is that you are developing networking relationships. If done professionally and courteously, these can be lifelong contacts that you can tap into again and again. Most people will be turned off if you simply ask if they can get you a job! Spend the time necessary to ask them questions about what they do, and most importantly what advice they can offer you in regard to your job search (this is a lot different than asking FOR a job).
• It is also appropriate to ask if you can keep a person updated on your job search. The more people you keep in the loop, the more chances you have of someone passing a job lead along.

Resources

Networking