An informational interview is a meeting you initiate with someone who has specific knowledge about a career in which you have an interest. Informational interviews are a method of conducting organizational and occupational research to acquire information about a field, industry, or position. These interviews are particularly useful when you have very little awareness about a career field, limited work experience, or are considering a career shift. Keep in mind three goals when conducting informational interviews:

1. Gather Information. Ask questions that will help you determine if this is a position you would like to seriously consider pursuing. Seek out information that you will not likely find in printed resources, such as the career path of your interviewee and their experiences in the industry.
2. Obtain Advice. Ask your interviewee for suggestions on how to prepare for a career in his/her respective field and tips for success. Try to seek advice on relevant courses that may prepare you for the field, additional experiences/activities that will make you more marketable, and how to get your foot in the door.
3. Leave a Positive Impression. Consider this interview as an opportunity for you to develop professional contacts in a particular field. If you leave a positive and lasting impression, the interviewee may communicate future job leads or introduce you to additional contacts.

Identifying People to Interview
Using a combination of personal referrals and direct contacts will be helpful as you develop your list of potential interviewees.

Personal Referrals. These contacts are individuals in your current network such as friends, family, neighbors, co-workers, and professors. You can also use your personal network to obtain names of individuals they know who are employed in your career area of choice.

Direct Contacts. These people are individuals who you identify through professional organizations, employer-hosted events, and/or web sites.

Additional resources include Northwestern specific databases for identifying individuals in your field of interest such as the Kellogg Mentors Program and/or CareerNet

Setting up an Informational Interview
Initiate contact with your prospective interviewee either by e-mail, phone, or mail. Within each communication, be sure to identify who you are, how you were referred, and why you are contacting them. When speaking with potential sources, indicate that you would appreciate 20-30 minutes of their time to learn more about his/her position and career field. You should try to make an effort to schedule the interview at the actual workplace setting. If it is not possible to meet at the workplace, your informational interview can be conducted via phone or e-mail.

In the event that you have not heard back from your prospective interviewee, try sending a follow-up e-mail. If your second attempt is not successful, move onto potential interviewees who may be more receptive to an informational interview.

Preparing for an Informational Interview
Consider the type of information that is helpful to you and what you hope to learn from this particular individual. It is important to confirm your interview date and time, review the company’s website, and develop a list of potential questions to ask the interviewee.

Potential Questions to Ask
Before your meeting, develop a list of 10-15 relevant questions. Your questions should be tailored to your needs and the knowledge of the interviewee. It is important to remember that you are in charge of asking the questions and directing the conversation.

Sample Questions

• What is your background? Will you discuss your career path?
• How did you decide on this career?
• What internships did you do while you were a student?
• What are the major responsibilities of your position?
• If there is such a thing as an average week, what is it like for you?
• What do you find most/least satisfying about your job?
• What are the positive/negative aspects of working in this field?
• What type of individual usually succeeds in this field/organization?
• What are the "hot issues" in this field?
• What trends/developments do you see affecting career opportunities?
• What steps would you recommend that I take in order to prepare to enter this field?
• What factors influence hiring decisions in this field?
• What professional associations do you recommend that I join?
• What specific ways should I market my skills and experience in the recruitment process?
• Do you have any other specific advice for me?
• Can you recommend anyone else for me to contact?

The Interview
On the day of your scheduled informational interview, make sure to dress professionally and arrive at least a few minutes early (if your interview is in-person). Remember to stay within the amount of time you originally specified. Steps to follow for the interview include:

1. Start by thanking the interviewee for their willingness to meet with you.
2. Provide the interviewee a little background on yourself and your interests.
3. Consider a quick topic to break the ice and establish rapport. If they are an NU alum, ask them which clubs, activities, etc. they were a part of while a student. Ask them where they lived.
4. Begin discussing your prepared list of questions, but let the dialogue progress naturally.
5. Take notes throughout the interview to retain valuable information.
6. End your interview by expressing your appreciation for their time and ask if you can follow-up/stay in touch. Ask if you can have a business card.

After the Informational Interview
Always follow-up after the interview by writing a personalized thank-you note that highlights the value of the meeting. If a suggestion, tip, or referral the interviewee provided was helpful, mention this in your note. Your thank-you note should be written and sent within 48 hours of the interview.