SOU CG 2024-24 DM Accessible - Flipbook - Page 10
Informational Interviews
Informational interviews allow you to gather
information about a career path, industry,
or company. As you embark on your career
journey, informational interviews can help
you identify what you want to pursue and
how to pursue it.
Requesting an Informational
Interview
Reach out to a potential interviewee with a professional email.
■
Explain how you got their contact information (alumni
network, mutual friend, professor, etc.)
■
Describe your background (college major and relevant work,
educational, or extracurricular experiences)
■
Express why you are interested in their industry
■
Ask if you could set up a meeting
When it comes to scheduling, offer a variety of times. Be open
to both in-person and virtual meeting options, and plan to
meet for about half an hour. There may be a little back-andforth as you find a time, so make sure you respond promptly.
Use the Rogue Valley Employer Database to find South Oregon
employers who are willing to do informational interviews with
SOU students.
Sample Informational
Interview Questions
■
What educational experiences prepared you for this job?
■
Is there something you wish you had known when you
started this career?
■
Are there certain locations that are better for this field?
■
What are the entry-level jobs in this industry?
■
Why did you decide to work for this company?
■
What does a typical work day look like for you?
■
How much flexibility does your schedule allow?
■
What do you enjoy most about your work?
■
What do you find most challenging about your work?
■
What skills are most critical to your job?
■
How does this company differ from its competitors?
■
Have you had opportunities for professional development?
■
What do you think your field will look like in five years?
■
What do hiring managers look for in your industry?
*
Remember: Do not ask for a job. This interview is about
getting advice, not a position.
Informational Interview Tips
■
Research the interviewee’s industry and organization
beforehand.
■
Prepare a list of questions relating to the interviewee’s field,
career preparation, current company, job responsibilities,
and industry advice.
■
Arrive on time.
■
Bring your resume and be prepared to answer questions.
Your interviewee will probably ask you a few things about
yourself so that they can advise you better.
■
Ask your interviewee whether they recommend you talk to
anyone else about this career path. If your interviewee gives
you someone else’s contact information, ask for permission
to use their name when you reach out.
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S O U C A R E E R CO N N E C T I O N S - C A R E E R S . S O U . E D U
After the Informational
Interview
Follow up with an email within 24 hours and
a short, handwritten thank you note within a
week. If you aren’t already connected with your
interviewee on LinkedIn, add them so that you
keep building your relationship.
If you act on any of your interviewee’s advice, let
them know! Send an update email and express
your appreciation for their guidance.
