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Conducting an Informational Interview Video

Conducting an Informational Interview Video Transcript

Conducting an informational interview is a great way to get information about a field or profession you may be interested in. Watching the video will walk you through preparing for the interview, preparing and asking questions, proper etiquette and appropriate follow up after the informational interview is conducted.

  1. What is an Informational Interview?
    • An informational interview is when you talk to somebody with experience in the field you're interested in exploring. It's a good way to get a lot of information you can't read on the web. Know who to contact.
    • Suspects for an informational interview include family, your parents' friends and professional contacts. The understanding you've acquired through this video also establishes college alumni and community contacts, such as people who know a lot of other people, to be good sources of information. Go to professional associations. See if you can join or look at a list of members.
  2. Introduction to the Informational Interview
    • Prepare an introduction for your informational interview. This can be delivered by email, phone or in person.
    • The introduction to the informational interview needs to be short. Break it down into A, B and C parts. Establish what your mutual connection is, what the goal of the interview is and what relevant experience and education you have. Don't send a resume. This is not a job application.
  3. Setting up an Informational Interview
    • Ask for a 20 to 30 minute meeting. The interview should be conducted at the workplace and on a face to face basis. You can learn a lot more and make a better personal connection this way. If this is not possible, schedule a phone talk.
    • When setting up the meeting, know that people really do want to help you, but are very busy. Talking with them is one of your priorities. Talking with you is interesting since people like to talk about themselves, but low on their priority list. It is okay to contact them every four or five days. Try about five to six times before you give up.

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