Tip #1
Think about family, teachers, counselors, friends, social media friends, church members, neighbors, someone on the bus, or anyone else.
Tip #2
Look at “What Questions Should I Ask?” in your toolkit.
Tip #3
Check out the sample script in your toolkit for ideas.
Tip #4
Look at the information in your toolkit.
Tip #4.1
Use the note page in your toolkit for additional notes.
Tip #5
See the sample thank you not in your toolkit.
Tip #6
Do something nice for yourself! You deserve it!
1. Create My List
Who Do I Know? List some people you know who have jobs you are interested in learning more about.
2. Get Ready to talk to people
- Develop a brief introduction of yourself and what you hope to get out of the interview.
- Make a list of questions you’d like to have answered.
3. Contact people or organizations
- Call or email ahead to set up an appointment.
- Introduce yourself. Say who you are and why you want to meet with someone.
- Say how much time you’d like: 30-60 minutes?
- Tell them that you are looking for information and not expecting a job.
4. Conduct the Informational Interview
- Google map directions to the location and have a plan on how to get there.
- Arrive on time or a few minutes early.
- Dress neatly.
- Turn your phone off so you can give the person your full attention.
- Give a brief introduction of yourself. Tell them a little bit about yourself and ask questions about them.
- Take notes about the information you receive.
- Respect the person’s time and keep the length of the interview to the amount of time agreed upon.
5. Follow up
Write this Down!
- What did you learn?
- What more would you like to know about the job?
- Does this job fit with your skills, lifestyle, interests, and future plans?
- Send a thank you note within 1-2 days.
6. Congratulate yourself!
Well done, good job! Want to have access to all of this information later? Download and save the Informational Interviewing Toolkit (pdf)