What is an informational interview?
Monster.com includes this article in their Career Advice section about how to conduct an informational interview.
Informational Interviewing The Neglected Job Search Tool By Carole Martin, Monster Contributing Writer
Informational interviewing is a largely overlooked process, because it is misunderstood. In an informational interview, you are seeking leads and information regarding an industry, a career path or an employer by talking to people you know or who have been referred to you. But before you run out and begin informational interviewing, you have to do your homework. Follow these 10 tips to prepare:
Identify the Information You Want
Deciding which position, company or industry you want to learn about will depend on what you want to do with your life and career. You should have a sense of what is important to you and what you want.
Make a List of People You Know
Choose those who can help you connect to other people within a company or an industry. Since this is part of networking, you will want to include anyone and everyone you know, from your barber to your sister-in-law.
Make the Appointment
Set up a 15- to 30-minute interview with the person identified, regarding his specialty. Most people will be more than happy to help you. Don't get discouraged if you find some people are just too busy to give you an appointment.
Plan an Agenda for the Session
This is your meeting. Don't assume the person will give you the information you need unless you ask the right questions. Select questions that will give you the most information. Be efficient, and do not overstay your welcome.
Conduct Yourself as a Professional
Dress and act the role of the position you are seeking. Know as much as possible about the company before the interview so you can ask informed questions.
Show Interest
A little flattery goes a long way. Say something like, "Mary gave me your name and told me you're considered to be an expert in your field. How did you get started?"
Be Prepared to Answer Questions About What You're Looking For
Have a short personal statement prepared that you can present if you're asked about your job search. Bring a resume, but don't offer it unless requested. Remember, the purpose of this interview is to obtain information.
Get Names
Ask for other contacts in the field. If no names are suggested, be grateful for information or suggestions obtained.
Send Thank-You and Follow-Up Letters
Thank the person at the conclusion of the interview, but also send a letter stating your gratitude for the time given. Stay in touch with your contacts by writing notes or emails, informing the person how helpful his suggestions have been to you.
Take Advantage of Any Referrals You Receive
In this process, you will have to take risks and stretch beyond your comfort zone. Each step will take you closer to that job offer.
The informational interview is a source of power you can use to your advantage. With preparation, listening and follow-through, you will find the power of people helping each other.
Informational Interviewing The Neglected Job Search Tool By Carole Martin, Monster Contributing Writer
Informational interviewing is a largely overlooked process, because it is misunderstood. In an informational interview, you are seeking leads and information regarding an industry, a career path or an employer by talking to people you know or who have been referred to you. But before you run out and begin informational interviewing, you have to do your homework. Follow these 10 tips to prepare:
Identify the Information You Want
Deciding which position, company or industry you want to learn about will depend on what you want to do with your life and career. You should have a sense of what is important to you and what you want.
Make a List of People You Know
Choose those who can help you connect to other people within a company or an industry. Since this is part of networking, you will want to include anyone and everyone you know, from your barber to your sister-in-law.
Make the Appointment
Set up a 15- to 30-minute interview with the person identified, regarding his specialty. Most people will be more than happy to help you. Don't get discouraged if you find some people are just too busy to give you an appointment.
Plan an Agenda for the Session
This is your meeting. Don't assume the person will give you the information you need unless you ask the right questions. Select questions that will give you the most information. Be efficient, and do not overstay your welcome.
Conduct Yourself as a Professional
Dress and act the role of the position you are seeking. Know as much as possible about the company before the interview so you can ask informed questions.
Show Interest
A little flattery goes a long way. Say something like, "Mary gave me your name and told me you're considered to be an expert in your field. How did you get started?"
Be Prepared to Answer Questions About What You're Looking For
Have a short personal statement prepared that you can present if you're asked about your job search. Bring a resume, but don't offer it unless requested. Remember, the purpose of this interview is to obtain information.
Get Names
Ask for other contacts in the field. If no names are suggested, be grateful for information or suggestions obtained.
Send Thank-You and Follow-Up Letters
Thank the person at the conclusion of the interview, but also send a letter stating your gratitude for the time given. Stay in touch with your contacts by writing notes or emails, informing the person how helpful his suggestions have been to you.
Take Advantage of Any Referrals You Receive
In this process, you will have to take risks and stretch beyond your comfort zone. Each step will take you closer to that job offer.
The informational interview is a source of power you can use to your advantage. With preparation, listening and follow-through, you will find the power of people helping each other.
Questions to ask.
Remember it is important to prepare questions and bring them with you to the informational interview. You won't have to worry about "blanking" and you'll be sure not to forget important details even if you get a little nervous. Here is a list that will get you thinking. Feel free to add other questions that are appropriate for your situation.
1. How did you get started in this field?
2. What do you like about your job or field?
3. What skills and abilities are needed to do this type of work?
4. What changes do see you in your field in the near and distant future?
5. What are the challenges you face in your job?
6. What are the educational or training requirements?
7. What are the minimum licensing or certification requirements?
8. What are your duties in a typical day?
9. How do people advance in this field? What are the typical career paths of advancement?
10. What is the salary range for entry-level positions?
11. What are the usual benefits offered by companies for this level position?
12. Do you see a demand for this type of work increasing in the future?
13. Are internships offered by companies in this field? Does you company offer any?
14. Do you have any suggestions, recommendations or advice to offer me concerning this occupation?
15. Are you aware of any professional organizations where I could get more information?
16. Could you refer me to others, who can give me information about this occupation?
1. How did you get started in this field?
2. What do you like about your job or field?
3. What skills and abilities are needed to do this type of work?
4. What changes do see you in your field in the near and distant future?
5. What are the challenges you face in your job?
6. What are the educational or training requirements?
7. What are the minimum licensing or certification requirements?
8. What are your duties in a typical day?
9. How do people advance in this field? What are the typical career paths of advancement?
10. What is the salary range for entry-level positions?
11. What are the usual benefits offered by companies for this level position?
12. Do you see a demand for this type of work increasing in the future?
13. Are internships offered by companies in this field? Does you company offer any?
14. Do you have any suggestions, recommendations or advice to offer me concerning this occupation?
15. Are you aware of any professional organizations where I could get more information?
16. Could you refer me to others, who can give me information about this occupation?
What is next?
Please be sure to see Mrs. Soeder after your informational interview. You must write a thank-you note to the person you interviewed. Mrs. Soeder has note cards and wants to hear about your experience!
JOb Shadowing
Monster.com includes this article in their Career Advice section about the basics of a job shadowing experience.
The Job Shadow Knows: Try on a Career Before You Commit
By Caroline M.L. Potter, Yahoo! HotJobs
Dreaming of pursuing a new career? Take a step closer to making it a reality through job shadowing.
"Job shadowing is a great way to get a sense of what it's truly like working at a specific job," says certified career coach Hallie Crawford. "There's no way to be 100 percent sure you're going to fit into a position until you've actually tried it -- and shadowing or volunteering is as close as you can get."
Job shadowing involves following, or shadowing, a professional throughout a workday (or work week) to get a close look at what a particular job involves. It's an ideal way to determine if you might really be cut out for a career -- or not. You may have always wanted to work as a chef only to spend a workday with one and learn that you don't enjoying being on your feet all day. Conversely, you may find that you enjoy the excitement and interaction that you witness while shadowing a seasoned sales professional.
It's a Good Time
While students and recent graduates have long embraced job shadowing, Crawford, author of Flying Solo: Career Transition Tips for Singles, says everyone should consider job shadowing, especially in this economy. "You have to be more assertive than ever with your career, and asking for the opportunity to shadow someone is a way to not only learn what that job is like, but to expand your network as well," she says.
Crawford, who is based in Atlanta, notes that certain industries lend themselves well to job shadowing, including medicine and law. However, you can usually plan a job shadow for any kind of job. Your college's career center, alumni association or your local chamber of commerce can all be instrumental in helping to arrange a job shadow if your immediate network doesn't yield any possibilities.
What You Should Do
Before you show up for your shadowing assignment, do a little homework to make the most of it. Research the company, its competitors, the industry and the position of the person you're tailing so you have a context for your new experiences. Come prepared to merely observe, but be ready to roll up your sleeves and work as well.
Ask to spend the last few minutes of your day reviewing your experiences with the person you're shadowing and getting answers to questions you may have. Solicit feedback as well.
Be sure to thank your job-shadow host, either over email or with a handwritten note. Make every effort to maintain your new contact as an active member of your network. You may even ask her to help you pursue additional job-shadowing opportunities within the industry so you have the broadest picture possible of the profession.
While job shadowing is essential when planning a career switch, it probably won't answer every question or banish any doubt you may have. "You have to do the work required to determine if a job is the right fit, but after that, you have to go with your gut and decide whether to dive in," Crawford says.