Preparing to Conduct an Informational Interview

An informational interview is a conversation with an individual who can give you advice about an organization, a field of work, or a particular job that interests you.

Though it may seem awkward to approach someone you do not know, seeking career information is a very valuable job search tool. Remember, most people are more than happy to discuss what they do for a living. It is through your genuine interest in their job and career field that your questions will be answered.

Informational interviews can help you to:

  • Determine if a career field or company is right for you.
  • Uncover new possibilities in a career field.
  • Gain insight into future trends.
  • Learn the jargon of an industry.
  • Develop a network of contacts.
  • Organize your future job search.
  • Help improve your resume or gain an interview.

Making the Most of an Informational Interview

Step One: Self Assessment

Evaluate yourself so that you can better understand your unique combination of interests, values, personality traits, and skills. The more you know about yourself, the more likely you will be to pursue career choices that you find enjoyable and rewarding. Meet with a Career Counselor in Career Services to assist you in your self assessment and career goal-setting process.

Step Two: Conduct Research on Your Career Preferences

Once you have some career options in mind, learn as much as you can about them. As you become more informed about the organization or career field, you will be able to ask more relevant questions during the interview. You do not want to waste the employer's time with questions easily answered by doing research. There are many resources available to you during your research. Among the recommended resources are each organization's website and the Career Services website.

Step Three: Identify Potential Contacts to Interview

Develop a list of potential individuals to interview. You can create this list from personal contacts (friends, family, neighbors, co-workers, professors, etc.), occupational directories, public speakers or almost anyone in an organization that interests you.

TIP: Try utilizing LinkedIn to find TXST alumni from your major!

Step Four: Contact The Professional for An Interview

Schedule your interview through a phone call, email, letter, personal visit or through a referral.

By E-mail: An e-mail requesting an informational interview should include:

  • The name of the person you would like to interview
  • Why you are writing to the individual
  • A brief introduction of yourself
  • A brief statement of your interests or experiences in the employer's field or organization
  • Why you would like to contact them (for information or advice)
  • How and when you will contact the person again

Email Request Sample

Dear Mr. or Ms. Last Name,

Your name was given to me by [give referral's name and briefly describe your relationship to them (if applicable)]. Mr. or Ms. [Person's last name] suggested that I contact you when I told [him or her] that I am considering a career in [career field]. I am in the process of learning as much as I can about different career fields so that I can make the best decision about which field I should pursue.

I would very much appreciate a few minutes of your time so that I can ask you a few questions.

I am currently a [year in school] at Texas State University and would appreciate any information or advice you can provide. I am especially interested in learning more about how to increase my marketability in this field when I graduate.

I will contact you on [date about two weeks later] to arrange a meeting at your convenience. Thank you for your time.

Sincerely,
Your Name

By Phone: A phone contact should include a clear request for an appointment at a mutually agreed upon time and a prepared statement explaining your intent.

Phone Request Sample Script

"Hello, my name is [your first and last name]. I am a student at Texas State University, and I will be graduating [expected graduation date]."

"Your career field is one that I am researching to help me decide which career to pursue. [Share a sentence or
two explaining the reasons you are interested in their field or specific organization]. "

"I know you are likely busy, but I would appreciate if I could meet with you for a few minutes to ask some questions. Would that be possible in the near future?"

"Thank you for your time and I look forward to meeting you in person at [appointed time]."

Step Five: Develop A List of Questions

Since you are the one requesting the interview, you must be prepared to guide the direction of the interview. Your questions should cover what you want to research but, be flexible if new questions come to mind during the interview. Question topics could include Job Duties, Training/Education, Future Potential, Personal Experiences, Rewards of the Job, Advancement Potential, Skills Needed, Criteria for Hiring, and Advice.

Step Six: Utilize The Interview Process

Network: Realize that the person you are interviewing has invested time in you, and most people enjoy it when their investments pay off. Keep in touch with the interviewee, and, with their permission, utilize him/her as a contact within the company or field.

Get a referral: The interviewee may be able to refer you to someone who has additional information. Before leaving the interview, ask your contact to suggest the names of others who might also be helpful to you. Again, ask permission to use his or her name when contacting these new contacts.

Get more information than you share: Share information about yourself, but do not dominate the interview. Your purpose is to get information that will help you learn more about the career field, but keep the interview conversational.

Listen: Be receptive and show that the information the interviewee is providing is important to you.

Step Seven: Send a Thank You Letter

Be sure to send a thank you letter, within a few days of the interview. In the letter, include:

  • That the interviewee was very helpful
  • A request that the person keep you in mind if they come across any other information that may be helpful 
  • A thank you to the interviewee for his or her time

Last Minute Tips

  • Do not confuse informational interviews with job seeking. (Hitting your interviewee up for a job will only stand in the way of conversation.)
  • Ask what you want to know but allow the person answering your questions to talk. You might acquire information about unanticipated topics.
  • Be prepared to make a good impression and to be remembered by the employer.
  • Dress as you would for a regular job interview.
  • Be enthusiastic and show interest in the profession.
  • Employ an informal but polite tone during the interview.
  • Be direct and concise with your questions and answers.
  • Avoid rambling.
  • Maintain good eye contact and posture.
  • Be positive in your remarks and reflect a good sense of humor.