If you have questions about careers you are considering, the best person to ask is a career adviser, right?
Not necessarily. Meeting with a career adviser is an important step in the job-search process. Your career adviser can assist you with many aspects of your career development, including learning about occupations through research. But to learn what a job is really like—the good, the bad, and the ugly—speaking with someone who works in that job everyday is the best approach. You can get the scoop by conducting an information interview.
"What exactly is an information interview?" This is an opportunity for you to learn firsthand about a particular profession by speaking with someone who works in the profession. By asking this person questions about his or her work tasks, work environment, and personal/educational background, and how he or she obtained the position, you can learn about careers you may be considering. Information interviews are very beneficial because they can help you decide if a particular job is (or isn't) the right career choice for you.
"I'd like to speak with someone, but I don't know anyone working in the career(s) I'm researching." Yes you do! The person may not be your mom, dad, or sibling; but, if you brainstorm and ask people, you'll find someone to interview. The person may be your mom's friend or your friend's mom. Consider everyone you know—friends, family, neighbors, etc. What do they do for a living? Who do they know? Eventually you will learn of someone working in the occupation you want to research.
Or, turn to your college or university career center for help. Many career services offices maintain lists of alumni and/or employers who are willing to help you in your career exploration. They may be willing to speak to you in person or over the phone, or allow you to shadow them at work. Stop by your school's career office to inquire about assistance they can provide.
"Why would a professional want to speak with me?" Information interviewing is one arena where flattery will get you somewhere. Most people who like their jobs are interested in talking about them. You've complimented them by expressing an interest in their career. And, people genuinely like being helpful.
"Okay, I've got a contact name. How do I arrange this interview?" Call the person or write a letter requesting an information interview. If someone you know has referred you to this person, you could also have him or her contact the person first on your behalf. Clearly explain the purpose of your request for an appointment. Emphasize that you are not looking for a job. Rather, you would simply like to speak to the person about the job and career background.
"What questions do I ask?" Take this opportunity to learn as much as you can about this career interest. Some suggested questions are as follows:
About the job:
- What is your typical workday like?
- What aspects of your job take the most time?
- What do you like the most (and the least) about your job?
- What skills/abilities are most important to succeed in this job?
- What specific advice would you give to someone entering this field?
- What is the path of career advancement in this field?
- What is the work environment like regarding overtime, hours of work, vacation, office attire?
About the person:
- What is your educational background?
- How did you get started in this field?
- What job(s) did you have prior to this position?
- What are your future career plans?
- What courses were most useful to you? Which courses would you recommend?
About the job search:
- How suited is my background for this field (education, interests, experiences)?
- What is the common job-search method used for people in this field (networking, newspaper, personnel office, or other publications)?
- Do you know of others I may speak with? May I mention you referred me?
"Any additional tips to help me prepare?" Enjoy talking with the person. It's a great opportunity to learn a lot of valuable information. Review your notes after the interview, taking time to process. What was your impression?
Clarify your reactions to the interviewee vs. the occupation. If you left the interview feeling discouraged, was it because of what you learned or the person you spoke with? Try to envision yourself in this occupation.
Schedule an appointment with a career adviser to discuss what you learned. Send a thank-you letter after the interview. Let the person know if he or she confirmed your interest in their career. And keep in touch—he or she may be a valuable resource when you begin your job search!
In some ways, information interviewing is like test-driving a car. Buying a car is a big decision, but choosing a career is even bigger. An information interview can help you test-drive a career before selecting it. So talk to friends and family or stop by your school's career center for your test drive today!