The Informational InterviewThe Informational Interview

What …..What …..

Interview designed to produce information

Information you need to choose, refine or break into a career

Information you need to find out if you have what it takes to succeed

Focused conversation within network

Why …Why …

Explore careers/clarify your career Explore careers/clarify your career goalsgoals

Expand your professional networkExpand your professional network Build confidence for your job interviewsBuild confidence for your job interviews Access up-to-date career informationAccess up-to-date career information Identify your professional strengthsIdentify your professional strengths

Tips …Tips …

Identify people to interview (professionals in the field, people you’ve read about, people you have worked with, people your parents know)

Consider entry level versus ten years of experience

Never ask for a job Seek career advice

More Tips …More Tips …

Do some research so you ask good questions

Prepare questions ahead of time Take notes Ask for a a business card Send a a thank you note

Asking for time …Asking for time …

“Hi, my name is ______________ and I am a student at Fleming College in the Outdoors Adventure Skills Program. I got your name from ____________. You are in a line of work that I am interested in and I was hoping that you could help me gain some insight into the profession. I am sure that my questions could be answered in less than 20 minutes of your time. Please let me know if you have the time to help me.”

Questions …Questions …

How did you get started? What is your job like? What are your responsibilities? What is a typical day like? What kinds of decisions do you make? When is it busy, when is it slow?

More questions …More questions …

How did you get your job? How did you get interested in this

work? What experience led you to your

current job? What is personally satisfying about

your job? What is not satisfying?

Questions more, more, Questions more, more, moremore

Do you have any special word of warning or encouragement as a result of your experiences?

Keep the conversation friendly, brief and focused on the contact person’s job and career field.