An informational interview is different from an employment interview. Don’t mix up the two!

In an employment interview:
· You are being interviewed and
· You are trying to obtain a job with the person interviewing you

In an informational interview:
· You are interviewing the other person and
· You are trying to obtain information about the person’s job that will help you decide if you are interested in that kind of work as a possible career choice

Below are some guidelines for arranging an informational interview.
· Identify someone working in the profession in which you are interested.
· Check with family, friends, professors or Alumni Affairs for contacts.
· Call the person and indicate that you are a student interested in learning about his/her career.
· Ask if you can interview him/her for information to learn more about his/her career field. Indicate that you will only take 15 to 30 minutes.
· If you are invited to his/her work place, accept graciously; you will learn more about the work environment.
· For some very busy professionals a telephone interview may be all the time he/she can give you. Accept this alternative graciously as well.

The following questions are suggested to get you started. Feel free to ask other questions that will help you get the information you need.

Background and Training
· What kind of education and/or training prepared you for your current position?
· What other jobs have you held? How were they related?
· What skills are the most important for this field? How did you acquire them?
· What has been most helpful to you in reaching your present position?
· What other occupations did you consider before you chose this one? Why did you choose this occupation rather than one of the alternatives?

Present Position
· What types of activities do you complete during an “average” day or week? What percentage of your time is spent on each?
· What types of interaction do you have with other people?
· What are your responsibilities?
· What do you like most and least about your position and about the industry?
· What professional associations are related to your industry?

Other Questions
· What would you do differently if you were just starting college?
· What advice would you give someone like me who is considering this field?
· What kinds of opportunities do you think this field offers new professionals?
· What do you think is the best education, training or experience to enter this field?

USING HOLLAND CODES IN INFORMATION INTERVIEWING

Your Holland Code can help you ask questions which are related to your interests and personality. Look below for sample questions applicable to your Holland Code.

If you are a Realistic type, you may want to ask your contact:
· Are there tangible goals to work for? Will I see concrete results when the job is done?
· Does this job produce a practical, useful product or service?
· Are there clear lines of responsibility?
· Will I be working with tools or machinery?

If you are an Investigative type, you may want to ask your contact:
· How flexible is this position? How structured is the environment?
· Will I be free to pursue projects independently?
· Is there opportunity to exercise research and analytical skills?
· Will I be able to learn new skills and concepts or be challenged intellectually?

If you are an Artistic type, you may want to ask your contact:
· Will I have the opportunity to be imaginative, creative, inventive or curious?
· Is the environment flexible?
· Will I be able to pursue projects independently?
· Will I have time for consideration or contemplation?

If you are a Social type, you may want to ask your contact:
· Is there emphasis on group work and social interaction?
· Will I be helping people by training, teaching, guiding or mentoring?
· Will I be able to share my feelings and intuitions as well as my responsibilities?
· Does this position advance ethical or humanistic goals?

If you are an Enterprising type, you may want to ask your contact:
· Does this position have a good possibility for advancement?
· Will I be able to assume a leadership role?
· Is there opportunity to exercise skills in speaking, selling, negotiating or persuading?
· Is this a dynamic or competitive work environment?

If you are a Conventional type, you may want to ask your contact:
· Is the environment well organized and efficient?
· Are the lines of responsibility clear?
· Will I be able to exercise my own judgment and control my schedule?
· Are the hours regular and the duties consistent?

Adapted from Sall Brew, Ph.D., “Use of Occupational Codes in Informational Interviewing,” Career Development Guide for Use with the Strong Interest Inventory (Palo Alto, CA: Consulting Psychologist Press, 1988)