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Tips on Informational Interviewing
Once you have identified some people you think would be helpful to you and have received their contact information, spend some time thinking about the kind of information you would like to receive from them.
Basic Approach
"I am a student/alumnus from the University of Arizona and want to learn more about opportunities in___________for someone with my skills and experience. I got your e-mail (phone number) from the UA Alumni Career Connections and was hoping you could assist me."
"I am a student/alumnus from the University of Arizona and am trying to make a decision about what career field to go into. I got your e-mail (phone number) from the UA Alumni Career Connections and was hoping you could assist me."
It is up to the two of you to decide if you want to interview by e-mail, telephone or in person.
During the Interview
Be prepared with specific questions. Do your homework. Know something about the field or organization.
Be on time and dressed professionally (if you are interviewing in person).
Bring a resume with you (if you are interviewing in person). Often you can leave it with the interviewee.
At the end, ALWAYS thank the person for their time and ALWAYS ask them if they know of anyone else you could talk to. This is the key to developing more contacts.
After the Interview
ALWAYS write a thank-you letter, which will help you be remembered.
Keep records of whom you interviewed with.
Some Typical Questions to Ask
1. What is your title?
2. Where did you work before this job?
3. What are the duties, responsibilities, and activities of the job?
4. What do you do on a typical day?
5. How did you get into this field?
6. What is the best way to enter the occupation?
7. What advice would you give to a person planning to enter this type of work now?
8. What special skills are needed?
9. What kind of education, training, experience is needed?
10. How well did your education train you?
11. Are there other skills you needed to obtain?
12. What do you like best about your work? Least?
13. Is this type of work limited to a geographic area?
14. What is the job outlook nationally in this field?
15. What kinds of changes are taking place in this field?
16. What is the average salary range for this field?
17. What are employers usually looking for in potential employees?
18. Do the work settings vary much in this type of field?
19. What opportunities for growth (education, personal, position advancement) do you see in this job area?
20. Did any of your leisure activities increase your ability to obtain this job or help you perform better in this occupation?
21. Can volunteer work be obtained?
22. How would you suggest going about getting it?
23. If I am looking for a job in this particular field, what are some of the best ways to go about doing so?
24. What types of organizations should I look at?
25. If I am interested in finding employment in "the city this person lives in," where should I begin to look?
26. Would you be willing to look over my resume and give me suggestions if I e-mailed it to you?
27. Who else would you recommend I talk to?
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