|
Tip Sheets
Information Interviewing for Career Options
Information interviewing is a method of finding out about career options. It is based on the idea that if you want to know what it is like to be a graphic artist, you should ask a graphic artist! Likewise, if you want to know what it is like to work for a particular company or to take a particular post-secondary or training program, you should talk to company employees or program graduates.
An information interview doesn't have to be a formal occasion. Often, it's just a matter of talking to people you already know who have experience in jobs or programs that interest you.
You need solid information to make informed decisions. Interviewing people is one of the best ways to get the career information you need.
How to Begin
 |
Start by doing some homework: find and read relevant published information, e.g. Alberta Occupational Profiles (OCCinfo) at alis.alberta.ca/occinfo, post-secondary institution websites at alis.alberta.ca/ps/studyinalberta/postsecondary.html or calendars, company websites and annual reports.
|
 |
Write a list of questions that are not answered in the published information. Decide which questions are the most important to you, and plan to ask them first. People are usually willing to answer a few questions, but probably will not be willing to talk for hours!
|
 |
Look for on-line listservs and chat rooms that relate to your area of interest. Listservs and chat rooms allow you to electronically post questions where they are likely to be seen by large groups of people who may know the answers. To find the appropriate listservs and chat rooms, use Internet search engines and/or gateway websites. If you are not an experienced Internet searcher, ask someone you know or your local librarian for help. |
Interview Tips
 |
Interview people you have met before (in person or via the Internet). If they don't have the information you are looking for, ask them to refer you to other people who might be able to answer your questions.
|
|
People are usually willing to talk longer if you meet them in person, so try to arrange face-to-face meetings. If that's not possible, you can interview people over the phone or by e-mail, but you will have to be brief and get right to the point. Don't expect long, detailed answers on the phone or by e-mail.
|
|
When you contact strangers by telephone, what you say in the first 30 seconds will be extremely important. Arranging this first contact is easier to do if you prepare a script before you call. Briefly explain who you are, who referred you, and what information you are looking for. Then ask if the person would be willing to meet with you for 15 minutes or so.
|
|
Be prepared for one of three possible answers when you call to ask for an information interview:
"Yes, certainly,"
" No, I'm sorry ..." or
"Let's talk over the phone right now."
If the answer is "yes", arrange a time and place (their office or a public place in which you will both feel comfortable). If the answer is "no", accept the answer graciously and, if appropriate, ask if the person knows someone else you could talk to. If the person wants to conduct the interview over the phone, ask your most important question first. Have your list of questions, note paper and pen in front of you.
|
|
If you get nervous about calling someone you do not know, ask yourself "What have I got to lose?" If the person says "no", you are no further ahead but you haven't lost anything either. If you are still nervous, try practising with a friend until you feel more confident. After making several calls, you will find it gets much easier. Keep asking for referrals so you never come to a dead end.
|
|
When someone agrees to meet with you, be considerate of the person's time. Arrive promptly and, unless the person invites you to stay longer, don't take any more time than you promised you would.
|
|
Persevere until you have interviewed several people. If you rely on one person's advice or information, you may not get a balanced view.
|
|
After each face-to-face interview, send a thank-you note by mail. Tell the person how much you appreciate the time given, and what information was of greatest interest to you. |
In the 1970s, Richard Bolles introduced the idea of conducting information interviews in his book What Color is Your Parachute? Since then, a great many people have used this technique to gather information and find work. Unfortunately, some job seekers have used information interviewing as a ploy to get in to see employers so they can "sell" themselves as potential employees. This has resulted in some employers refusing to grant information interviews. Don't get discouraged if you run into a few of these employers.
If you use information interviewing in a sincere and honest manner, many people will welcome you warmly. After all, people generally love to talk about themselves—in this case, about their work and workplaces.
Last Updated: June 14, 2006
|
