Informational Interview

http://shiftingcareers.blogs.nytimes.com/2008/01/29/mastering-the-informational-interview/

http://jobsearch.about.com/cs/infointerviews/a/infointerview.htm

http://career.ucla.edu/Students/ExploreCareers/WhatIsAnInformationalInterview.aspx



An Informational Interview involves talking with people who are currently working in the field to gain a better understanding of an occupation or industry and to build a network interest in that field. It is less stressful for both you and the employer than a typical job interview since you are the one in control.


Informational interviews can be a useful tool throughout your career, not just when you’re thinking about a new job or a new line of work. You can do informational interviews when you want to learn more about a certain career move or even what it would feel like to get involved in a new project like writing a book, starting a blog, or running your own company.


The above websites will show you:

• How to Conduct an Informational Interview
• Informational Interview Questions to Ask
• Follow Up With a Thank You Note

And, some question for an Informational Interview are:

1. Can you tell me about a typical day on the job?
2. How did you get started doing this type of work?
3. What is your favorite part of your job?
4. What is your least favorite part of your job?
5. What surprised you the most when you started working in this field?
6. What is the typical salary range for someone in this line of work? (People are typically uncomfortable stating their salaries, but if you ask in this more general way you can often get an idea of the range.)
7. How do you see this industry developing in the future? How is your industry changing?
8. What advice would you give to someone who wants to get started in this industry?
9. What are employers typically looking for when hiring people in this line of work?
10. My background and experience is (briefly note your major qualifications). How do that compare with employers' expectations when hiring in this industry?
    This question gives you the opportunity to present some of your qualifications to your contact, and if your contact is aware of a job opening, it can prompt him or her to mention that.