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Informational InterviewingA few years ago I found myself considering a job or career change. I’d been working for a non-profit agency for six years and felt a need to expand my skills and knowledge. I knew my job well and enjoyed it, but believed there were other opportunities in the world of work. The trouble was I didn’t know how to begin ….
I chatted with friends and acquaintances about work ideas related to my field. I wanted to use the training and skills I’d already developed, but perhaps find a new environment in which to apply them and learn others. One friend, who happened to be a Career Advisor, suggested I conduct informational interviews with employers who interested me.
An informational interview ?!! That sounded a little nerve racking and uncomfortable. What is an informational interview, I wanted to know and why would I bother employers? Couldn’t I just research employers using brochures and the internet? She explained…
An informational interview is an interview initiated by you with an employer or someone in an occupational field you are interested in. It is a fabulous opportunity to gather first hand, local, up-to-date labour market information. It could assist you in exploring career ideas, discovering employment opportunities not advertised, expanding your professional network, building confidence for job interviews and identifying how your own professional strengths could be applied in the field. I was convinced.
Next question of course; how would I go about setting up an informational interview? She suggested; a) identify the occupation I wanted to learn about, b) prepare for the interview by reading all I could about the field and preparing a list of questions I’d like to have answered, c) identify who I’d like to interview and d) arrange the interview by politely asking the potential interviewee if they had 10 to 15 minutes when I could ask a few questions and learn more about what they do, at their convenience of course.
I proceeded to conduct my interview. The employer was happy to discuss her background, the skills required for the field and details about the job, amongst other things. She gave me a tour of the agency and her business card if I had any further questions. I thanked her for her time and later that week sent a card of appreciation.
Two months later, there was a job opening within the agency I had interviewed. I used the information I had gathered to create a targeted cover letter and resume. I was offered an interview. The staff who interviewed me, I had met during my previous contact with the business. I had a strong sense of what I had to offer and how I would fit in, based on the information I had gathered. I attempted to put forth that information in the interview, and later was thrilled to be offered the job.
The informational interview had been invaluable. If you would like to learn more about informational interviewing and questions you could ask, contact the Job Shop @ #334-3119. |