Informational Interviews
If you want still more information than you can find in publications or on the Internet, it's time to talk to people in the careers that interest you. If the field is new to you, the people in the trenches are the ones who can tell you what it's really like to work in those jobs on a daily basis. It may not be as glamorous as you think it is! But then, it might just be even more exciting and rewarding than you can even imagine.
If you've ever looked for work or held a job, you've no doubt had to endure one or a series of job interviews. They can be fun or excruciating, depending on your level of anxiety. Fortunately, informational interviews are a lot more enjoyable. After all, you just want to pick someone's brain about something about which they're passionate. Who wouldn't enjoy that? Here are some ways to make the most out of your informational interviewing experience.
Prepare Your Script
A script will help you to be prepared, just as you would be in a job interview. After all, you're asking to take up someone's valuable time. Don't leave them wondering why you bothered. Go ahead and jot down what you want to say. You don't want to read off a script, so memorize the salient points before the meeting.
I am___________________
I have expertise in___________________
I'm interested in ___________________
Prepare Yourself
Remember that politeness counts! If in doubt, reread the chapter on emotional intelligence.
Ask for twenty to thirty minutes of a person's time.
Prepare your questions and your script ahead of time.
Dress appropriately and arrive on time.
Stick to the allotted time.
Write a prompt thank you.
Send any agreed-upon follow-up material.
Let each person know what you decide in the future.
Ask the Right Questions
Depending on the career, what you already know about it, your level of familiarity with the person you're interviewing, and a host of other factors, your questions will vary from these. Here are a few to get you thinking.
Could you give me a brief overview of your role and responsibilities?
What do you do on a typical day?
Did you receive any formal or informal company training?
What are the major rewards and frustrations of your job?
What skills do you use the most?
What have been some of your most interesting or difficult challenges?
How did you make your transition?
What associations or publications are relevant to this field?
What personal qualities are important for this position or industry?
What is the best piece of career advice you have ever been given?
What kind of opportunities does this field hold for someone with my skills and experience?
What is the salary range for someone with my expertise?
If I were interested in a position or career such as yours, what steps would you recommend I take?
Where do you think the opportunities will be within (months/ years) in the future?
Can you recommend other people with whom I should talk?
When I get more focused, may I call you again?
