Steps
- Conduct the interview with people who are actually doing the work you are interested in finding out about and have sufficient experience working in your area of interest.
- Set up the interview by contacting the relevant individual and requesting an opportunity to talk with them for about thirty minutes.
- Tell them straight away that you want to learn more about the industry, job, company and that you have prepared a list of questions to ask them. Highlight the fact that you are not asking for a job.
- Prepare properly by conducting background research to understand the basics of the industry, company and specific position.
- Plan a list of questions to ask that will give you insight into the following areas of employment in this career field: the education, experience, skills and abilities needed for the career, a typical day on the job and the rewards and challenges of this type of work.
Tips
- Stick to the time limit you initially stated
- Stick to information gathering, the purpose is not to ask about available employment
- Although this is not a job interview you should dress smartly and be punctual and polite
- Straight after the interview follow up with a thank you note
Sources and Citations
- Informational Interview Questions to Ask - Original source of this page. Shared with permission
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