Information Interviews
Researching Careers and Employers
Explore and research occupations and organizations by information interviewing. Talk to potential employers or professionals in the career or occupation you are considering.
Information interviewing has several benefits, including:
• “First hand” information about an occupation. Reference books can provide facts about an occupation, but information interviews provide a personalized perspective.
• Access to the hidden job market. Only 20 percent of all job openings are advertised. Direct contact and networking is essential to finding out about unadvertised job openings.
• Improvement of self-confidence and interviewing skills.
How to set up and conduct an information interview.
STEP 1: Determine your Purpose. In his book, The Complete Job Search Handbook, Howard Figler identifies five levels of information interviews, including (1) background research on a field of work, (2) researching a type of organization, (3) finding out where the jobs are, (4) exploring a particular organization and (5) talking with someone with the power to hire you. Each level requires skills and planning. What do you hope to achieve?
STEP 2: Identify Occupations, Job Titles or Potential Employers. Research these areas as thoroughly before beginning your information interviews. You can find information in the Career Resource Center library, in the "Occupational Information" sections and the "Company Literature" sections; local public libraries, which typically have career sections and information on local companies; professional associations related to a particular industry or occupation, which frequently will send brochures and literature about the occupation; through employees of the targeted organization; and through the local Chamber of Commerce.
STEP 3: Identify Potential Contacts. Begin to identify contacts through family, friends, instructors, employer directories, Career Resource Center employer listings, telephone directories and other networking contacts within the community. You may have to contact the organization directly to identify someone you can interview. Once you have researched your area thoroughly, you should be familiar with professional titles for the types of people you're trying to contact. Usually you don't have to identify yourself to elicit the name, title and business mailing address of the individual.
STEP 4: Schedule Information Interviews. You can either write a letter or call to arrange appointments; however, direct phone calls are usually most effective. You might begin your conversation like this:
Student: "Hi, Ms. Smith, my name is __________, and I'm a University of Florida student. I'm very interested in the marketing field and I'm trying to find out as much as I can about it. I have read a lot about the area, but I really feel it might help to talk to someone who works in the field. I would appreciate meeting with you to discuss this occupation, if you have the time. The interview would only take approximately 20-30 minutes to complete. My schedule is flexible and I can meet with you at your convenience."
Be sure to make it clear that you're not looking for a job at this time, but that you are just trying to obtain information.
STEP 5: Prepare Your Questions. Based upon your goals for the interview and the results of your research, prepare your questions for the interview. Try to make them open-ended questions, meaning those which can be answered other than by "yes" or "no." The suggestions below may give you some ideas:
What is a typical day in the life of a _______?
How did you get interested in this occupation?
What do you like and dislike about your occupation?
What is a typical career path in this occupation?
What kind of academic/training preparation do you recommend for this occupation?
What is the projected growth in this occupation?
What skills should I be developing?
Are there any clubs or organizations you would recommend?
What is the organizational structure and where does your position fit in the organization?
Is there someone else you can suggest for me to contact?
If you were going to hire a new entry level person, what would a highly qualified candidate be like?
What are the major challenges/problems that your organization is facing in the coming year?
STEP 6: Conducting the Interview. Dress in business attire and arrive early for the interview. When you meet your interview contact, shake hands and exchange greetings. Take notes during the interview. At the end of the interview, shake hands again, and express your appreciation for the interview. Send a thank you note to the contact following the interview.
Additional resources include:
Books on information interviewing and career exploration available at the CRC library, local libraries or bookstores, contain information on occupations and how to explore careers. Some sources in the CRC include Information Interviewing by Martha Stoodley, and What Color is Your Parachute? by Richard Bolles.
CRC Workshops: Learn how to market your skills and prepare for all aspects of the career-development process.