1.
What and why of informational interviewing? The Process of obtaining Information and Advice on career options or job search strategies through conversations with people already working in a particular career field.

2.
<ul><li>Helps you find out what courses you should take; </li></ul><ul><li>What additional experiences or activities look good to an employer; </li></ul><ul><li>Learn more about the realities of working in a particular field; </li></ul><ul><li>You get an insider’s perspective on future trends and growth potential; and </li></ul><ul><li>May discover your professional strengths and weaknesses. </li></ul>

3.
The bare facts of informational interviewing <ul><li>It’s not a job interview. </li></ul><ul><li>It usually lasts 20-30 minutes. </li></ul><ul><li>Less stressful than other interviews. </li></ul><ul><li>Polishes communication skills. </li></ul><ul><li>Helps you gain confidence and poise. </li></ul>

4.
How do I set up an informational interview <ul><li>Telephone </li></ul><ul><li>Email </li></ul><ul><li>Letter </li></ul><ul><li>Drop-in </li></ul><ul><li>Most important! Be considerate. Interviewees have busy schedules-be respectful in accommodating them. </li></ul>

5.
How do I prepare? <ul><li>Do your homework. </li></ul><ul><li>Prepare questions in advance. </li></ul><ul><li>Learn more about the career. </li></ul><ul><li>Dress appropriately. </li></ul>

6.
What happens when you walk in? <ul><li>Thank the interviewee for their time. </li></ul><ul><li>Who you are, which may include: </li></ul><ul><ul><li>Background </li></ul></ul><ul><ul><li>Interests </li></ul></ul><ul><ul><li>Career goals </li></ul></ul><ul><li>Reiterate your reasons for meeting with this person. </li></ul>

7.
How do I conduct the interview? <ul><li>Relax. Remember, this is not a job interview. </li></ul><ul><li>Ask open-ended questions. </li></ul><ul><li>Take notes. </li></ul><ul><li>DON’T ASK FOR A JOB!!! </li></ul><ul><li>Get names of others to contact. </li></ul><ul><li>Honor the time the interviewee has scheduled. </li></ul>

8.
How should I follow up <ul><li>Send a thank you letter via mail or e-mail. </li></ul><ul><li>Evaluate the information you received. </li></ul><ul><li>Keep good notes- such as dates, names, addresses, etc. </li></ul><ul><li>Contact the appropriate individuals when you begin your job search. </li></ul>

9.
FINALLY… <ul><li>BE REMEMBERED POSITIVELY </li></ul><ul><li>WHY??? </li></ul><ul><li>It’s a small world. Period. </li></ul><ul><li>Develop professional contacts </li></ul><ul><li>It’s going to be easier for your contact to keep you in mind as opportunities arises. </li></ul><ul><li>Your interviewee may refer you to someone else if they are favorably impressed by you. </li></ul>

10.
Sample Questions <ul><li>What is your academic background? </li></ul><ul><li>How did you become interested in the type of work you do? </li></ul><ul><li>What is the most challenging aspect of your job? </li></ul><ul><li>What are the basic prerequisites for jobs in this field? </li></ul>

11.
Questions (con’t) <ul><li>What other kinds of experience are desirable for a job in this field? </li></ul><ul><li>Are work schedule flexible? </li></ul><ul><li>What would be a typical career path in this field? </li></ul><ul><li>Based on your experience, do you have any special advice for someone entering the field </li></ul><ul><li>If you were me and looking for this type of work in an organization such as yours, how would you proceed? </li></ul>

12.
Good Luck!