Information Interviews

We recommend "information interviewing" before seeking an actual job. Such an interview is conducted simply for that purpose - to obtain information, not to apply for a specific job.

Why talk to people?

Printed material on a career (websites, pamphlets, guidebooks, etc.) can be very useful as you decide you are interested in a particular field; however, you need to check the relevance of that information for YOU through interviews with people currently active in the field. Sometimes no accurate, current printed information exists on your field of interest. (This may be true, for example, in high tech fields, health care, or engineering where change is fast and constant.)

Different professionals have different opinions.

Keep in mind that personal experiences and opinions shape the advice others will give you. Learn to separate opinion/advice from concrete information. Be alert to the problem of accuracy in information you receive. You could apply the journalist's rule - never accept a piece of information unless it is corroborated by another independent source.

What could you learn?

  • Learn if your qualifications fit a particular business, industry, or organization.
  • Assess future employment prospects in a certain career field for people with your interests and skills.
  • Determine where such prospects might be best.
  • Seek alternative paths to one career goal.
  • Find out about related occupations.

You may interview anyone for information -- parents, neighbors, parents of friends, faculty members, persons whose names you have selected from a company roster or from the Yellow Pages, Hiram College alumni, and others. Contact the Career Center to assist you in finding alumni who can help you.

How should you handle the interview?

Plan to handle an information interview as you would an interview for work. Prepare yourself in advance about the organization (what they do, who their clients are, what industry problems do they face, etc.). Do not go in to an information interview "cold." You must do your share of preparing for the interview, even though you are only seeking information. Additionally, follow these guidelines:

  • dress neatly.
  • know the name and title of the person you are to see.
  • be well prepared to ask questions that will uncover the information you seek.
  • take notes if you wish.
  • always ask for the name of another person to interview.
  • follow your interview with a thank you note (hard copy, not e-mail).

Questions to ask.

The questions you ask during your interview should be tailored to you -- they should suit your needs and particular interests, skills, and experiences. Be sure to read about the career before your information interview and use the interview to ask more complex questions. Some sample questions follow:

  • How did you get into this field?
  • What do you like best and least about your work?
  • What steps did you take to obtain your current job?
  • What entry-level jobs are best for learning as much as possible about this field?
  • What is the typical career path for advancement?
  • What salary can one expect to earn at the entry level?
  • If you could start all over again today in launching your career, what steps would you take?
  • Re-phrase personal concerns such as "Will I be successful in this field" into a general question, "What skills, education, and experience are needed for success in this field"

Don't be shy!

A major factor inhibiting many from interviewing for information is shyness. In a survey done recently at Stanford University, one out of two people given a "shyness" questionnaire described themselves as shy. Therefore, you may be talking to a professional who also feels shy! Keep in mind, however, that this is not a strained social situation where small talk must be made. The easiest conversations are those between two people with mutual interests and enthusiasm, and the better prepared and the more informed you are, the easier the conversation will be. Remember that this information will be much less formal and relaxed than a job interview and will help to prepare you to handle a formal job interview with more confidence.

Always follow up.

Be sure to send a thank you note to everyone who helps you in your job search. Review briefly the information you received and express appreciation for their help. Be sure to keep contacts updated on your job search.

Remember, the most important thing to gain from the interviews is practical information and a real-life perspective about the occupation/career.

Still not convinced?

Use these articles for insight from other colleges: