What is an Informational Interview ?
People will talk to you about their professional and personal experiences with the world of work. It can be very helpful to talk to people who work in career areas you are exploring. Obviously some care should be taken when gathering information this way since everyone’s experience differs; however, this type of interviewing can be very validating and may even provide the beginnings to a mentoring relationship.Here are some sample questions to get you started. Feel free to go with the flow of the interview rather than thinking you must get all the answers. Explain why you are doing this interview and why you picked them to interview.
• The informational interview is an opportunity to learn about a career which interests you, by meeting and talking with someone who is working professionally in that field. • In a question-and-answer session, you will learn first-hand about a job directly from someone who performs the tasks on a daily basis. Arranging the Informational Interview • Your Career Advisor at the Pomerantz Career Center can help you “brainstorm.” • Prioritize your list, based on areas of greatest interest to you and convenience of arrangements. Select two or three prospective subjects to contact. ICE-Net (Iowa Career Exploration Network is an online database that connects UI students and alumni in search of guidance and information with other alumni and professionals already established in their professions. This is a great way to network with UI alumni and friends of the University from targeted geographic regions, occupations, and majors/degree areas. • Contact the person(s) you wish to interview. Identif
