INFORMATIONAL INTERVIEWS
Informational interviews should be part of your networking, career exploration, and job-hunting plan. It involves talking with people who are currently working in the field to gain a better understanding of an occupation or industry, with the added bonus of building valuable contacts and networking which is important in a competitive job environment.
Here are some questions to ask in an Informational Interview:
Industry Related
What are the prospects for growth in this industry?
What are the various types of jobs available within this field?
Are there possibilities of working part time or job sharing?
What are the typical hours of work for this occupation?
What is the career expectancy for this occupation?
What qualifications are required for this type of position?
What sort of experience do you look for?
What academic background do you require for this position?
What academic institutions do you recommend?
Are there junior entry level jobs?
What is the general salary range?
Are there associations you can join?
Is there a demand for this occupation these days?
How will demand change over the next five years?
What computer skills are needed for this occupation?
Personal Questions
What kind of salary range can an entry level/experienced person expect to receive?
How much vacation time?
What kind of people succeed in this job?
What type of people are best suited?
What are the main challenges facing staff?
How did you get into this position?
What do you enjoy about your job?
What do you dislike in your work?
Where did you get the skills needed for this kind of work?
At the close of an Informational Interview, remember to ask for suggestions for leads or other people and organizations that you might contact. You can also ask them for suggestions on how to improve your resume, and its best to get their business card so that you have contact information to send a thank you note.
Want to practice your information interview skills? Need more questions? Come see us in Career Centre for more help.
Informational interviews should be part of your networking, career exploration, and job-hunting plan. It involves talking with people who are currently working in the field to gain a better understanding of an occupation or industry, with the added bonus of building valuable contacts and networking which is important in a competitive job environment.
Here are some questions to ask in an Informational Interview:
Industry Related
What are the prospects for growth in this industry?
What are the various types of jobs available within this field?
Are there possibilities of working part time or job sharing?
What are the typical hours of work for this occupation?
What is the career expectancy for this occupation?
What qualifications are required for this type of position?
What sort of experience do you look for?
What academic background do you require for this position?
What academic institutions do you recommend?
Are there junior entry level jobs?
What is the general salary range?
Are there associations you can join?
Is there a demand for this occupation these days?
How will demand change over the next five years?
What computer skills are needed for this occupation?
Personal Questions
What kind of salary range can an entry level/experienced person expect to receive?
How much vacation time?
What kind of people succeed in this job?
What type of people are best suited?
What are the main challenges facing staff?
How did you get into this position?
What do you enjoy about your job?
What do you dislike in your work?
Where did you get the skills needed for this kind of work?
At the close of an Informational Interview, remember to ask for suggestions for leads or other people and organizations that you might contact. You can also ask them for suggestions on how to improve your resume, and its best to get their business card so that you have contact information to send a thank you note.
Want to practice your information interview skills? Need more questions? Come see us in Career Centre for more help.