Seattle Central Community College PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT (BUS 216) Instructor/Facilitator: Marlene M.

Palazzo

HOW TO DO AN INFORMATIONAL INTERVIEW

In job hunting, as in career planning, you cannot choose what you don't know about! Informational interviews will prepare you for job interviews. You'll become more comfortable talking with people about your career goal, more skillful at researching organizations and asking informed questions, and better able to build rapport with interviewers. 1. 2. Begin by generating a list of potential interviewees--people who are doing the work you want to do or who supervise or employ those doing the work. Identify the growth firms in your field. Do you know anyone who works there? If you know of individuals in occupations you want to investigate, contact them for an interview. If you have no contacts in the occupations you have targeted, use the Yellow Pages of the phone directory, the newspaper, or professional organizations to locate names of companies who hire in your field. Call the companies and tell the switchboard operator your mission and s/he will connect you with someone who can help you. Be sure to get the person's name from the operator before your call is transferred. When you are connected to that person, you can say: "Hello, Mr./Mrs./Ms. ____________________. My name is ___________________; I'm a student at ___________________ (name of your school). As a part of one of my classes, I've been asked to explore several career areas. "I'm interested in the type of work that is done in your industry/agency/organization, and I would really like to know more about the kind of work you do. The purpose of my call is to ask if I could have about 30 minutes of your time to ask you a few questions relating to your job. My questions would be general. For example, I'd like to get your advice about how to get into the field and what the work is like on a typical day. "Would you consider having this meeting; it can be whenever it's convenient for you." (Now pause and let the person respond.) If they cannot meet with you, you thank them for their time and ask, "Who else might I talk to in this field?" Hopefully, they can refer you to someone else. 5. You can also talk to the Job Service Center of the State Employment Security Office, teachers, counselors or the college placement office for names of persons engaged in the type of work you want to learn more about.

3. 4.

HOW TO DO AN INFORMATIONAL INTERVIEW

a. Whenever possible, interview people in their work environment so that you can get a more complete picture. Get a "foot in the door" by having a personal referral or by demonstrating an interest in that person's career and a desire to learn more about it. If you want things to go smoothly, do not drop in on a busy person unexpectedly. Call or write for an appointment. Arrange a 30- to 40-minute interview. When you reach them by phone, ask if this is a good time to talk. Give the person a chance to say yes or to suggest a better time when you can get his or her undivided attention. Keep in mind, once you have the person on the line, you may have a mere minute to line up an appointment. This is not a time to ad lib! Plan your opening remarks. Use a formula that states who you are, who knows you (if you have a referral) and what you want. (See Item No. 4)

b.

c.

AFTER YOU TALK TO THE PERSON YOU WILL BE INTERVIEWING

6. Write down the time and date of your appointment, as well as the full name, address, phone number of the company, and the person's name you will meet with.

BE PREPARED!
7. 8. 9. 10. 11. Find out what the company/agency/organization does. Think about the information you want. Then, write a list of the questions you intend to ask. (See the attached list and take these with you to the interview.) Arrive on time dressed appropriately. After being seated, say, "I have written down a few questions that I would like to ask you. The first is . . . . " (It is O.K. to take notes as they are speaking.) During the interview: a. Be a good listener. React to the interviewee's comments with interest. b. Never criticize former employers. c. Use proper grammar and avoid slang and street talk. d. Don't place your purse or other articles on the interviewee's desk. 12. If your interview continues beyond the agreed time limit, wait until they have answered your last question and then say, "I'm enjoying this interview very much but it's beginning to go beyond the time frame, is that O.K.?" If s/he offers you more time, choose one more question before you close.

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT (BUS 216)

HOW TO DO AN INFORMATIONAL INTERVIEW

13.

After they have answered your last question, thank them again, tell them how helpful it has been and ask, "Who else would you suggest I talk to get more information in this career area?" (Hopefully, you'll get a referral to another person. If you do, ask, "May I say that you suggested I call them?" This will make it easier for you when you make the call.) Also, remember to ask if you could have one of his/her business cards.

14.

IMMEDIATELY FOLLOWING THE INTERVIEW

Write a summary of what you learned and your impressions of the workplace you visited: Location Building Appearance Work Stations Cafeteria 15. Restrooms Equipment Colors Odors/Sounds Furnishings (Type/Arrangement) General Employee Appearance Friendly/Not Friendly Order, Confusion, Etc.

Note the date of your visit. Write down any referrals you received from your contact including name, title, company, address, and phone number.

FOLLOW-UP WITH A THANK YOU NOTE WITHIN THREE DAYS

And, then, repeat the process by setting up appointments with the referrals.

Palazzo

January 1999

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT (BUS 216)