CAREER 101: INFORMATIONAL INTERVIEWING

Have you wondered what it might be like to be an Emergency Nurse? How about a Computer Programmer? If you believe that you are gleaning all of your knowledge of a Crime Scene Investigator from watching CBS’s CSI (Crime Scene Investigation) you may encounter a rude awakening when you go for your education and actually get your job.

Informational Interviewing is another foundational step within career exploration. While you are in your own investigative place as a student you would be wise to conduct informational interviews of people within the potential careers/jobs that you think you might enjoy. The informational interview communicates the first hand experiences and impressions of someone in the occupation, and is directed by your questions. Steps to conducting an interview of this type consist of locating a person that is currently employed within the field and calling to request a visit with them while they are on the job. The amount of time together is negotiable. You could spend an hour or you could plan to spend a day. Please be respectful of the professional’s time when making your request. Determine on your initial phone call if you might like your visit to include a departmental tour or perhaps a day long “job shadow” appointment. These may be items that your contact person can arrange. Also, regard the time together as a business appointment. Dress should be "business casual" and be sure to have a planned set of questions to ask.

Questions can vary based on what you wish to glean. Sample questions include: “What are the best and worst things about this career? Why might somebody leave this career? What are the things that it really takes to be great in this career? What is the smartest way to get trained?” Additional questions can be found HERE. Plan to take notes while with your interviewer being careful not to detract from the conversation. After your appointment, create an outline of themes from your questions asked. This can then carry you forward into next steps with your career exploration.

Feel free to connect with me with specific questions. Some information referenced can be fully located by visiting About.com/Informational Interviewing

Karen M Lingrell, M.Ed, Assistant Director of Collaborative Programs

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