Informational Interviewing

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Informational InterviewingA Way to Learn About Different Careers

Informational Interviewing

What is an informational interview?•A way to learn from professionals in various fields – You

ask the questions (about)• Real life experiences• Challenges and opportunities• Career paths• Limitations and demands• Different organizations• Other possible sources of information

Informational InterviewingWhat are the benefits of informational interviewing?• Gain firsthand, current information from professionals in fields

(or at organizations) you are considering• Clarify what jobs might be a good fit for you• Learn what different options might be available• Find out what, if any graduate school is necessary• BEFORE you commit yourself to long expensive programs

Informational InterviewingWhat are the benefits of informational interviewing?• Find out how specific organizations find interns and other

employees• Learn which companies are hiring• Hiring cycle specifics• Important timeline information

• Get current information on salary ranges and opportunities for advancement and professional growth

Informational InterviewingWhat are the benefits of informational interviewing?• Build your professional network• Support network for future job search• Insider advice and access to non-advertised job leads• Introductions to other professionals

• Job shadowing opportunities

Informational InterviewingInformational Interview Questions:•What qualifications do I need to gain an entry-level

position in your career field? •What are the characteristics and skills of successful

people in this career or organization?•Do you belong to or know of any professional

organizations that you recommend I join as a student?

Informational InterviewingInformational Interview Questions:•What experience and skillset do you suggest I pursue

to be a strong candidate in this field?•What is a typical day like on the job for you? •What do you enjoy most/least about your current

work?•How much variety is there on a day-to-day basis?

Informational InterviewingInformational Interview Questions:•What kind of work/internship experience would

employers look for in a job applicant?•What are the employment prospects in your

geographic area? Where are the best employment prospects? • Is mobility a necessary factor for success?

Informational InterviewingInformational Interview Questions:•What are some related occupations? What are the

salary ranges for these occupations?•What types of technology are used and how are they

used? • Is there a set schedule in this field or are the hours

flexible?

Informational InterviewingInformational Interview Questions:•What are the toughest problems and decisions with

which you must cope?•What are the most satisfying aspects of your work?•What do you know about this field now that you wish

you had known when you were a student?•Can you suggest other professionals who may be

valuable sources of information?

Informational InterviewingSteps to Successful Informational Interviewing:•Develop your contact list – Identify professionals• You already know• In professional organizations• Alumni groups• Career Advice Network (login via Sun Devil CareerLink)• LinkedIn groups

Informational InterviewingSteps to Successful Informational Interviewing:•Ask for the interview• Call, email, or In-message• Briefly identify yourself• Explain how you found him/her• Ask for 10-15 minutes of time• At his/her convenience• To discuss career paths, job responsibilities, etc

Informational InterviewingSteps to Successful Informational Interviewing:•Prepare in advance• Research the company and the individual• Prepare your questions before the interview• Plan to explain why you are interested in the field• Brief, 30- 60 seconds

Informational InterviewingSteps to Successful Informational Interviewing:•Conduct an effective meeting• Start and end the interview on time• Get as much information as you can in the time allowed• Be clear and concise about your needs and interests• Take notes throughout the interview• Say “Thank You”

Informational InterviewingSteps to Successful Informational Interviewing:• Follow Up• Send a brief thank you note within 24 hours of the

interview• Periodically stay in touch• Share industry information (2 way street)

•Keep track of your contacts• Start building your network now

Informational InterviewingSteps to Successful Informational Interviewing:•Attend professional events• Fulton engineering mixers and career panels• Engineering Career Exploration Night• University events

•NOTE – Although informational interviewing may eventually lead to a job or internship opportunity, do NOT treat this as another way to ask for a job

Informational InterviewingSteps to Successful Informational Interviewing:

REFLECT. ACT.Now that you have all of this information, do something with

itWhat did you like about the career? What did you dislike about the career?

Can you do it? Do you want to do it?Do you have follow-up questions? Schedule another meeting

Go to O*NETonline and company websites to find out more about careersMake an appointment with the Engineering Career Center, an academic advisor, a

professor or someone who can help get you to the next steps

Informational InterviewingAdditional Resources:• ASU Fulton Engineering Career Center• http://more.engineering.asu.edu/career/

• ASU Career Services• https://eoss.asu.edu/careerguide/majorsandcareers/careerexplorationstrategies

• UCLA• http://career.ucla.edu/students/ExploreCareers/WhatIsAnInformationalIntervie

w.aspx• UC Berkeley• https://career.berkeley.edu/Info/InfoInterview.stm

For More Information

Connect with Fulton Engineering Career Center

Phone: (480) 965-2966 Email: engineering.careers@asu.eduWebsite: http://engineering.asu.edu/career Sun Devil CareerLink: MyASU>Campus Services>Jobs & Careers>Sun Devil CareerLinkFacebook: Engineering Career Center Arizona State University

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