If you are in the career exploration process, one of the most useful tools available to you is the Informational Interview.

The Informational Interview is a process that allows one to discover more about a specific occupation, career or type of work that we are curious about and possibly interested in pursuing.

This “finding out” process will allow you to decide if this particular career is a possibility for you. It is a weeding out process.

It’s best to work with a career counselor, coach, or mentor to keep you accountable and share your finds.

Here’s how it works:

Interview at least 2 and up to 5 individuals for each career you are considering. This will allow you to obtain a valid cross section of individuals. The more you interview, the more “takes” you have on that career. Choose accomplished people in their line of work. Your goal also is to interview individuals who enjoy their work and see themselves as successful.

Create your own interview questions if possible (this keeps the interview meeting your needs), if not use some of the suggested questions at the end of this post. Write out a sample script to use when phoning or emailing a prospective interviewee. Keep it short and succinct.

For practice start with family, friends, fellow students, co-workers or acquaintances. Utilize them directly if they work in the specific career you are considering, or use them to see if they know of someone they can refer you to. Beyond your acquaintances, use other methods at your disposal to find leads. LinkedIn, (this can be particularly helpful as you can look up contacts at organizations you are exploring and see of you have any connection with them and potentially use a connection you do have as a way of introducing yourself), an organizational website, your local Chamber of Commerce, public library reference librarian, college career center or other creative means you can come up with.

When setting up your interview be clear with your interviewee that this is for information gathering only. You are not using this interview to find a job; you are using it to gather information to guide you in making a career decision. Be clear about this with your interviewee. Try to impress upon them that you are utilizing them as an expert in their field and you want to get a better idea of this field or career for yourself. Most individuals are flattered to share their knowledge and experience this way. This is a way for them to “pay it forward.” Consider yourself more of a reporter for a newspaper or television station as you conduct your informational interviews.

When setting up the interview, be clear on the amount of time you are requesting. Informational interviews can range from 10 to 30 minutes.

For someone you do not know, request 15 minutes. Use your judgment. Each situation and interviewee is unique. Consider taking the interviewee out to coffee or lunch if you are able, perhaps bring them a coffee,muffin or bagel (thank you colleague Linda Sollars for this suggestion); after all they are giving you their valuable time. Ideally you can conduct your interview in person, or by phone, Zoom or Google Meet. Be as flexible as possible and meet them where they suggest. Show up or connect with them on time and if going in person, dress appropriately. When finished with the interview, consider asking them if they know anyone else they would suggest you could interview. This can give you additional contacts to interview and learn from.

Here are some sample questions to stimulate you coming up with your own:

• What is most satisfying about your work?
• How did you become interested in this line of work?
• What was the progression from when you decided you were interested in your career till now?
• Give me an example of the flow of a workday?
• What’s the most challenging aspect of your work?
• What are your future plans?
• What suggestions would you give someone such as myself who may be interested in pursuing this career?
• What preparation, education or training do you suggest for this work?
• What changes are happening in this field?
• What are some of the skills you utilize?
• What personality type does well in this career?
• In what ways do you find meaning and fulfillment in your work?
• If you had to do it all over again would you do anything differently?
• Is there anyone else in your field you would suggest I contact?

The best questions are the ones you come up with. Be respectful and take notes.

As you are in the midst of the interview you may come up with questions on the spot. Go with these. If the interview goes well you may want to ask the interviewee if there is a possibility to spend more time observing or job shadowing to get even more of a feel for this career. Be sure and write them a thank you note or email no longer than one day after your interview.

Informational Interviewing can be a powerful tool as you are exploring careers. They may provide you with information on whether you want to pursue a particular career or not.

Again, I suggest you work with a career counselor, coach or mentor with this process. 

Let me know how it goes.