Benefits of an informational interview?
- Expand your network professional network
- Develop insights into the skills and attributes needed to be successful
- Learn about exciting new industries and career options
- Learn how other graduates with your degree have used their academic training in a real work setting
- Get an inside edge on job leads within the organization
- Improve your communication skills
Setting up informational interviews
When you request informational interviews, you can use a networking site like LinkedIn, email or call, or consider an email followed up by a phone call, if this information is available. Phone calls can feel more intimidating than emails, so practice what you’ll say before you call.
- Who you are (student or recent graduate).
- What you are looking for (advice, industry information, suggestions to make more informed career decisions).
- How much time you need (20-30 minutes) and if you are requesting a phone, video chat, or in person meeting.
- Who referred you (if applicable) and the reasons for wanting to speak with this person in particular (this includes doing your research about the person and/or their organization in advance so you can be specific)
- Your resume, in case you’re asked to provide more detail about your background; a list of questions, in case the person you are calling prefers to speak right away rather than schedule a meeting; and a pen and paper so you can jot down notes.
- Be ready for voicemail. You can leave a quick message stating why you’re calling, how the person can reach you if they have the time to return your call, and when you’ll try reaching the person again.
Should you bring your resume?
Pros: You can get industry-specific feedback on your resume, and you can quickly give your interviewee an overview of your skills and experience.
Cons: Your interviewee may feel that you’re trying to use the informational interview as a job interview, so make sure that you ask only for advice about your resume. Don’t ask your interviewee to keep your resume or to pass it on to anyone. Your best bet is to focus on building a professional relationship and wait on showing them your resume unless they bring it up.
Be prepared and do some research
Make the most of the informational interview by researching in advance the profession you’re investigating and the company you’re visiting. Identify your goals for the meeting.
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Access professionals on LinkedIn to research your questions about career and educational paths and identify key issues in your field of interest. Research how people in your careers of interest got their start. Post questions on professional organization discussion boards: search McMaster alumni, Join the SSC Career and Employment LinkedIn group.
Questions to ask
Through your research, identify thoughtful questions to ask, keeping in mind the amount of time requested.
- How did you get into this field?
- How has the field changed since you started?
- What advice do you have for someone starting out in this work?
- If you weren’t doing this job, what other work would you consider based on your skills and experience?
- What motivates you about this work? What excites you most about your job?
- What does a typical day look like in this job?
- What are the key competencies required to be successful in this line of work?
- What do you find most challenging?
- What is the employment outlook for this industry?
- Is there a shortage of skilled people in this field?
- What are some of the trends you have noticed over the years?
- Are there opportunities for self-employment in this field?
- What made you decide to choose this company?
- What does this company do differently than its competitors?
- Why do customers choose this company over others?
- What is the workplace culture like in this company?
- What could I do to make myself a successful candidate for a role in this organization or industry?
- What is the ideal educational path for someone in this position?
- If I’m willing to get that training at some point, but want to get involved in this field right away to test out whether it’s a good fit, where would I start?
- Would you feel comfortable giving me some feedback on my resume? How can I market myself more effectively?
- Given my skills in X, Y and Z, what other types of roles do you think I should consider?
- What professional journals, organizations or websites do you recommend?
- Who else would you recommend I speak with? What information might they be able to share with me? May I use your name when I contact them?
Saying thank you
After conducting an informational interview, follow-up with a thank you note to let your contact know their advice or referrals helped you. This will give the impression that you are professional and committed to career planning.
- Send a Thank You note through email, LinkedIn or mail within 24 hours of your networking connection.
- Recall key takeaways from your conversation.
- Send a ‘Connect’ request on LinkedIn and be intentional about opportunities to stay in touch
Sample thank you letter
Dear ___ [name],
Thank you for the time you spent with me on ___ [date]. I found your insights on ___ and ___ very interesting. I also contacted ___ [name] as you suggested, and we are meeting on ___ [date] to discuss some current opportunities with this organization.
Thank you again for your time and interest in my career. I hope to return your generosity one day.
Sincerely,
___ [name]
___ [contact information: phone number, personalized LinkedIn URL]