Career Options
Learn about a career with information interviewsIf you are interested in breaking into a new career or just want to learn whether a new career might be right for you, chances are someone has suggested you go on "information interviews." Tag and Catherine Goulet |
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 [ 2007-05-08 ] |
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An information interview is a brief meeting with someone who is working in a career you are interested in learning about. It gives you an opportunity to learn about the career while meeting people in that industry.
To arrange an information interview, start with your network of contacts (including family and friends) to ask if they know anyone working in the field you want to learn about. If possible, go beyond getting a name and telephone number. Ask if they would get in touch with people they know in the industry to see if you can contact them to ask a few questions.
While it usually doesn't hurt to ask for an introduction, realize that some people may not be eager to help. At Monster.com we read about a man who expected a stranger he'd met just a few minutes earlier (a friend of a friend) to arrange a meeting for him with an executive at Paramount Pictures so he could learn about the entertainment industry. He was shocked when the man refused to do so. However, it was unreasonable to expect a virtual stranger to risk his own reputation by giving him a personal referral to a movie studio executive.
If no one in your network knows anyone who works in your career field, you can try arranging meetings by making cold calls. Grab the phone book and start dialing, or do an online search and start emailing. For best results, contact the head of the department that you’re interested in working for.
Although you are conducting an “information interview,” it may be better to avoid using that term when you first call. Many professionals assume someone who wants to set up an information interview is actually looking for a job, not simply looking to learn about the profession. So they may decline to meet with you if they do not have any current job openings.
Instead, it may be better to say that you are doing research and politely ask if you can arrange to meet with them for 15-20 minutes to learn about the career. People are much more likely to agree to a meeting if they know it won't take too much time.
It's important to remember that while some people are generous with their time and encouraging to newcomers, others may simply be too busy to meet with everyone who wants career advice. Someone who works in a career field that many people are trying to break into may be inundated with requests for information interviews every week.
If someone you contact says they don't have time for a meeting, politely ask if they know anyone who might be available to talk with you.
Be prepared that someone may not be available for a personal meeting but may be willing to answer questions on the phone or by email.
If someone agrees to a meeting, arrive on time and come prepared with a list of questions such as the following:
Let the person know when the 15 or 20 minute time limit is up, say you know they are busy, and offer to leave. If they are willing to continue that’s fine, but don't stay longer without permission. Thank them for their time and any referrals they were able to provide.
Most importantly, this is not the time to ask for a job. A direct request puts the person who has done you a favor by meeting with you in an awkward spot. You can, however, ask if they will keep your resume to pass along and keep on file for future job openings.
After the meeting, send a thank you note to the person you met with and, if someone referred you, thank that person as well. Making a good impression in an information interview could lead to fabulous future opportunities.
Tag and Catherine Goulet are founders of FabJob.com. This article is an excerpt from their book Dream Careers. Visit www.FabJob.com to discover your dream career.
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