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Informational InterviewsGet That Knowledge!
What’s the Point?
Gain an understanding of the day to day life of a job or career
Learn how a person attained their position
What’s the person’s view on the future viability of that career or field
Making contacts and finding more networking opportunities
Discover Problems, Challenges, or Barriers
Can I Have a Job?
Not quite yet
The point of the informational interview is to gain information…
It never hurts to make a good impression and illustrate that you could be an asset
They or somebody they know might think of you when they are ready to hire
Making It Happen
Pursue your own contacts (don’t be afraid of awkwardness)
Google search to find organizations or people that are doing something of interest to you
Call or email organizations directly
Talk to your friends or colleagues
LinkedIn?
Introductory EmailIntroduce yourself
Explain what you are currently doing
Give context for how you found the person you are contacting
Explain why you’re interested in what they do and why you’re contacting them
Ask them to meet with you at their convenience (time and place)
Dear Ms. Person,
My name is Kathy, and I currently work in horse therapy, but I’m looking to expand my animal therapy experience. I’ve read about your organization in the New York Times, and I’m interested in the idea of school-based elephant therapy. I would love to find a time to meet and talk with you about your organization and experiences in this field. I’m sure you’re very busy, so please let me know if there’s a time and place when we could meet to discuss our mutual interests in this innovative therapeutic approach.
Thank you for your time, and I hope to hear from [email protected]
Prepare for the Interview
Research the person and organization
Come up with some open-ended questions to ask
Dress as you would for an interview
Find a time that works best for them
Do’s
Ask thoughtful questions and follow up questions
What are the financial prospects of this career?
How did you obtain the position you are in now?
What is your educational background?
What is a typical day at your job?
Be humble, Be grateful
Write a thank you note or email
Don’ts
Don’t ask how much money they make
Don’t be nervous and don’t be late
This is not a time to vent or be hyper critical
Remember this is your chance to learn about them
It’s not a job interview, so don’t talk about yourself too much
Time to InteractThink about an experience you have had prior to AmeriCorps
Find a partner
Choose someone to be the interviewer and interviewee and conduct an informational interview about that person’s experience
Switch
Share Out
Reflections
How did it feel to be interviewed?What were some good questions asked, in particular ones that got you talking?
Past Experiences
What did you learn?
