Job Search:
Informational Interviewing

Informational interviewing is one of the most important parts of successful career planning. Obtaining information about your target career fields, industries, and markets saves valuable job search time and resources. It also helps build a network of contacts who can help you now or in the future.

Why Go On An Informational Interview?

Obtain data about a particular career, including the specific daily duties, and what it takes to succeed in that field.
Discover if your interests, personality, and values will be satisfied in the field.
Receive feedback on your potential to succeed in this career field.
Get "market-based" information on what job opportunities exist in a given field, industry, or market.
Practice describing your skills and goals in a less threatening situation.
Expand your network and open doors at your target companies.
Determine what it takes to break into the field.

Who do I contact?

Friends and relatives
Former and current employers/coworkers
Faculty and administrators
Fellow students
Alumni (see the Career Advisory Network at www.bu.edu/alumni)
Community and civic leaders
Government representatives (state and federal)
Professional association members
People you read about in newspapers and magazines
People listed in directories of companies and associations
Conference speakers from your target companies/industries
Regional networking groups (WIND, ExecUNet, etc.)
Online networking groups (i.e., LinkedIn.com)

How Do I Prepare?

Conduct a thorough self-evaluation. Know, and be prepared to describe, who you are, what you can do, and why you believe in your potential to succeed. Demonstrate your interest by doing some preliminary research on the career field and market you'd like to learn more about. Contact possible interviewees by phone, email or letter. Explain who you are, how you got their name, why you are interested in learning more about the field/job or industry, and request a 20- to 30-minute meeting. If you do not speak with them directly, let them know when you will follow up. (DO NOT ASK FOR A JOB OR SEND A RESUMÉ unless requested.)

Create a specific agenda. Your contact is giving you valuable time; don't waste it. You called the meeting, you set the agenda. Develop questions to fit the organization, the industry you have explored, and your particular situation and experience level. Some suggested questions:

How did you enter the field? How long have you been in it?
What are your major responsibilities?
How did you reach your current position?
How does your job fit into the organization or department?
What skills, education, and experience are required?
What are typical entry-level jobs in your field?
What is the career path in your field/organization?
What courses or work experience would you recommend?

Helpful Hints...

You are not asking for a job. Obviously, this is your end goal in the job search; but it should not be the formal intent of every meeting you schedule. In an informational interview, you are gathering information on which to base future decisions. Make sure your contact understands this.
Always make an appointment and arrive on time. This puts your conversation on a professional basis and helps eliminate interruptions.
Look professional. Dress as they would in the company you are visiting.
Demonstrate your enthusiasm. Smile. Be appreciative of their time.
Be prepared to take the lead in the conversation. Remember, you are doing the interviewing.
Do your homework. Learn everything you can about the person, the organization, and the field before your interview. Have a solid list of 20 to 30 questions. Some will be general questions, but make sure you have questions specific to the individual contact as well.
Sometimes an informational interview can turn into a job interview. While it isn't the norm, be prepared to talk about yourself and your accomplishments as if you were being interviewed for a job.
Respect your contact's time. Plan a manageable agenda. Do not wear out your welcome!
Recognize that everyone has his/her own attitudes, biases, and feelings that must be evaluated. Talk to a number of people, and be prepared to discount at least one opinion.
Keep your eyes and ears open for other clues about the organization and its environment.
Ask for referrals. It's always good to expand your networking prospects. Ask for names of people who work in another area of the company, or might just be good contacts. It is not unusual to receive two or three names out of one original contact.
Keep your contacts informed of job interviews and offers, especially if they have taken an interest in your career. You may be a valuable contact to them in the future.
Ask your contacts for a business card and keep a record of people you have met. Maintaining such contacts is an ongoing process that will help you throughout your career.

Thank You Note for an Informational Interview

Guidelines

If someone meets with you regarding your career search, you should send him or her a thank-you note. Even if you did not find the meeting particularly helpful, always send an enthusiastic follow-up note.

Send the thank-you email and/or note within 24 hours of your meeting. This prompt letter conveys you have a good sense of business protocol. If the person is inclined to recommend you to someone else, your timely response will indicate that you will repeat the behavior and not embarrass him or her.
Tailor and customize the note to the person with whom you met. If you received help in a specific area, be sure to mention this. Be sincere. Here are some sample phrases:
- "Thanks for your help."
- "I sincerely appreciate your assistance."
- "Your help is greatly appreciated."
- "Your advice on XYZ is greatly appreciated."
Focus on content. Remind the person why you met, what you gained from the meeting, and the steps you plan to take from the recommendations. Keep your note short and sweet.
Make sure they have all your contact information in case they need to reach you (i.e., a job or internship opportunity!).
If the person indicates he or she would like to be kept in the loop regarding your career moves, then by all means send him or her a note when you find a job. You can even follow-up with contacts at interim points in your career search.
You can add another thank you again in the closing paragraph. Some suggestions include:
- "Thanks again for all you have contributed to strengthening my career search."
- "Thanks again for providing additional contacts to my referral network."
- "Thank you for introducing me to Mr. X."
DO NOT, UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES, ASK FOR A JOB. Keep the focus on informational issues.

Job Search: Informational Interviewing