Career Planning: Conducting Informational Interviews

By Author: Ket Ledford
Total Articles: 99
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You have shortlisted a career. The search engines on the internet led to millions of site; however, you were able to find little, if at all any, relevant information especially for someone who is just starting. So how do you explore your career option in that case? By conducting informational interviews. This article explains the basics of informational interview and how to conduct one.

What is informational interview?

An informational interview is conducted by someone who is seeking information about an occupation from someone who is into the same occupation so as to be able to obtain first-hand knowledge about that field.

How to find someone for conducting informational interview?

Use your network to find someone for conducting informational interview. Ask your friends, relatives, neighbors, teachers, just about anyone who can lead you to someone working in your shortlisted field.

Pre-interview preparation

It is obvious that you would have already conducted a self-assessment and figured out which career options are of the most interest to you. Find out as much information as you ...
... can about the career before you go for the interview. This is necessary so that you are able to ask intelligent questions and utilize fully the short amount of time that the interviewee has provided you out of his/her busy schedule.

The next thing to do is find out more about the person you are going to interview. If someone introduced you to him/her, the best way to know is through that introducer. Find more information about the organization that the interviewee works for. All this will help make a good impression on the interviewee.

During interview

Make sure you reach on time and finish off on time. Dress appropriately. Do not forget good manners and etiquette.

Post-interview

Remember to appreciate the time the interviewee spent with you with a thank you note.