INFORMATIONAL INTERVIEW ASSIGNMENT

An informational interview is a way to gain insight into particular careers by talking with people in them. For this assignment, you are to find someone knowledgeable about the field you are researching for your “Get A Job” or “MoreSchool” assignment, interview them, and write a 1- to 2-page typed report on the results of your interview.

Contacts may be found via web searches, the phone book, professional directories, or by referral from family, friends or faculty. The Student Alumni Association maintains an online Alumni Contact list which may be used by students who are members of SAA and classified as sophomores, juniors or seniors.

STEPS IN THE PROCESS:

Investigate and identify someone with to talk about the career/education you are researching.

Prepare a list of questions to be asked in the interview; some suggestions are listed below. Try to stay with 5-7 main questions, but build in time to ask questions that may arise in the course of the interview. Your questions should concentrate on three key issues: the background required and/or preferred for the career, the nature of the work, and the “market” for employment in this field. Your interview should be able to be completed in a period of 15-30 minutes.

Contact your source to make an appointment for the interview. Inform them of your purpose for contacting them, how you obtained their name, the nature of the assignment, and how long you anticipate the interview will take. Be sure they know that you are seeking information only – not a job! Assume that your contact will not have time to do an interview when you first contact them. However, if they volunteer to do it right then, go ahead!

Keep the appointment and be prompt. Dress professionally if conducting the interview in person.

Take notes during the interview and be respectful of their time.

Send a thank you note (e-mail is tacky).

POSSIBLE QUESTIONS:

  • What kinds of skills and experience are necessary for this career?
  • What parts of your education do you feel were most valuable in preparing you for this career?
  • What is a typical day like?
  • What do you like best about your job? What do you like least?
  • What is the “market” for this career?
  • What would be a typical starting salary for this career? (but, first, ask if they mind telling you this)