Depending on the questions asked, an informational interview can give you current facts about a specific occupation. These facts should help you to sort out personal options and to make choices. In addition, you can obtain valuable information about organizing your job search campaign and presenting your skills and experience in a positive, professional manner. Professors Friends Career Counselors Library Yellow Pages Professional Journals Local Chambers of Commerce Tell everyone you know about your career interests and ask if they could refer you to one resource person. You will be surprised how many contacts can be generated in this manner.
Preparation is essential.
Once you have been granted the interview, it is your responsibility to make good use of the time. As the interview is to determine whether there is a match between you and a particular job, it is important that you have a both a clear idea of the information you are seeking as well as the skills and experience you bring to this type of job. For more information on identifying your skills and interests, see our Getting Started page. The informational interview is your opportunity to learn what you need to know about a particular occupation. How you will answer will depend on where you are in your job search.