Informational interview: (20 points)

The informational interview is a method of information gathering as you explore possible career options and a
way of building personal contacts or networks. A student actually interviews someone in a profession they are
exploring to discuss the pros, cons, and other information that will help them understand the day to day work of a
professional in that career and to gather information about how they might best prepare for a future career in that
field if they feel to pursue it. Use the sheet on the next page to write questions which you would most like
answered, then summarize answers you receive in the interview. For Section 300 submit on Canvas as attachment
on assignment page after clicking “Submit assignment” For other sections bring to class on due date.

Sample questions to ask:

Here are some of the questions you might ask to get helpful information about a new careers option.

1. What is it that you do on your job? Help me understand a little more about what you actually do. What is
a typical day like?
2. Do you like doing what you do? Why? / Why not?
3. What attracted you to this type of work?
4. How did you get involved in this kind of work?/ Why did you decide to go into this type of profession?
5. How is your job different from how it appears to an outsider?
6. What training/education is needed to do what you do? What kind of formal education and college majors
are most useful for preparation in this type of work?
7. What is your most significant accomplishment this past year?
8. How does this profession fit with family life?
9. Are you making the amount of money you thought you would? What is a reasonable amount of money to
expect in two years?
10. What keeps you interested in the work?
11. What does it take to become successful here?
12. What are the professional networks or organizations associated with this career?
13. What other professions are related?
14. Why did you choose to work for this particular employer or organization?
15. What do you think the future holds for a job like yours?
16. Are their special areas or needs that a newcomer could fill?
17. What advice do you have for a person who is interested in doing this kind of work?
18. Who else should I talk with about this kind of work?
19. If you were starting again, what would you do differently?
20. What books or sources of information should I read?

You will a find more sample questions and information in our text book pgs. 242-248
REMEMBER TO SEND A THANK YOU NOTE TO EACH PROFESSIONAL YOU INTERVIEW
 Your Name: __________________________

INFORMATIONAL INTERVIEW WORKSHEET

Professional’s name interviewed: ______________________

Career/Job Title: ______________________

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Q4._________________________________________________________________________________
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Q5._________________________________________________________________________________
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Q6._________________________________________________________________________________
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Q7._________________________________________________________________________________
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Q8._________________________________________________________________________________
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Additional information
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