Information Interviewing

Choosing a career is not an easy task.  It takes a lot of soul-searching followed by careful research. Researching a career can be conducted a number of ways, through the use of books, encyclopedias, computer databases, and Internet sites.  One of the most effective research tools is to talk with people who are performing the job you would like to do.  This type of research is called information interviewing.  Information interviews help you to learn first hand what it is like to work in that career, gain new insight into a career, and develop new contacts.  Meeting directly with someone working in the field in which you are interested, will allow you to learn more about the career before you commit your time, energy and money in pursuing that field.  By meeting with several different people working in the same career, you can also learn how the job may differ by job setting or industry and discover if that particular work setting and/or industry will be a good fit for you.  You will also be able to learn about the types of people with whom you would work and the length of a typical workday.

Preparing for an information interview consists of several steps.  The first step is to identify people who are working in your field of interest.  You can start by asking people with whom you are already familiar if they know of anyone who is working in that career.  If they don’t, ask them for the name of someone who might.  Another way to contact people is through local business directories, webpages, alumni associations, or even the telephone book.  Once you have identified some possible candidates to interview, you are ready to begin making contacts.  This can often be the hardest step, so before you call, prepare what you are going to say, how you are going introduce yourself and what you will ask them.  At this point, you will not be asking for information about the career but merely asking for some time to talk to them about their career.  As you explain that your purpose is to seek information about their choice of careers and not for job-hunting purposes, most people will be willing to help you.  If they are unable to meet with you, ask them for the name of someone else.

Once you find someone willing to meet with you, set up an appointment for a specific and brief amount of time (e.g., 15 to 20 minutes).  Be flexible and sensitive to their schedule. Try to arrange to interview the person at his/her work site and make sure to keep your appointment and be on time.  During the interview, you will want to ask questions pertaining to that particular organization.  Ask about the person’s position, specific job duties, and the work environment.  Also, find out hiring requirements for the position. What type of education and training is required?  What kind of education background do they have?  Did they feel adequately prepared when they started in that position.  You may also want to ask what they like best about their position and what would they like to change. Make sure you customize your questions in order to get information that is important and relevant to you.  Make sure to keep your interview within the agreed upon time frame. If the person you are meeting with offers to continue, you may stay.  Before you leave thank them for their time and follow up by mailing a thank you letter.

If you’d like to practice your information interviewing skills before you begin, you may want to start by meeting with someone you know.  Another option is to participate in a mock interview.  The Boise State Career Center offers mock-interview training for jobs, internships, and information interviewing.  For more details about information interviewing, make an appointment at the Career Center.