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AAU Home > myAcademy Home > Student Resources > Toolbox for Professional Success: Informational Interviews

Informational Interviews



The What and How of Informational Interviews


DEFINITION:
INFORMATIONAL INTERVIEWING is a process of gathering information about a specific industry by talking with professionals.
The object of this face-to-face discussion is to:
  • Meet and cultivate industry professionals.
  • Learn about specific companies, the job market, and various hiring practices.
  • To obtain referral names of other professionals to meet and interview.

WHY DO IT?
People hire people. The more industry people and information you know, the more likely you are to be successful.

WHY WOULD A BUSY PROFESSIONAL WANT TO TALK TO YOU?
Most people, by human nature love to talk about themselves and to give advice. A savvy professional is always on the lookout for good people!

HOW TO SET IT UP?
  • Call the company first. Ask for the person’s name and title.
  • Call back and ask to speak to that person by name. If unavailable, do not leave a message. Call back until you speak with them.
  • Introduce yourself. State that you are researching companies and would like 15 minutes of the person’s time to conduct an informational interview. Be open to time and date.

RULES OF THE GAME - THIS IS NOT AN EMPLOYMENT INTERVIEW
  • Seek the top person in the company. They usually have more time and have been in the industry the longest and are in the best position to be helpful.
  • You are gathering facts for the future and cultivating people. Stress the fact that you are not seeking employment.
  • Be prompt. Stick to the 15-minute format. If the interviewer chooses to continue, all the better.
  • You conduct the interview. You ask the questions and have them ready. Take notes.
  • Develop an opening comment or icebreaker.
  • Dress professionally.
  • Follow up.


Questions to ask at Informational Interviews


Be prepared to ask at least five (5) questions. You may choose from the list below. Remember, your goal is to stimulate conversation and listen.
  • Can you describe a typical day?
  • What do you like best about your work?
  • What do you like best about your company?
  • What advice do you have for someone just entering this industry?
  • What specific skills and attitudes does someone need to succeed?
  • Do you belong to any professional organizations?
  • What Publications do you subscribe to?
  • What industry publications do you read?
  • What future trends do you see?
  • Where do you see your work in five years?
  • Who do you consider your competition? How do you rate them?
  • How did you get your start?
  • What was your career path?
  • What is your educational background?
  • How did you happen to join the company?
  • What kind of people do you look for when hiring?
  • What are the average entry-level salaries for this industry?
  • May I have one of your cards?
  • What other professionals do you know that I could speak with? Could you give me their names?
The last question is vital in the process of informational interviewing. Part of the goal of informational interviewing is to obtain at least two (2) referral names of professionals that you may contact.


Follow Up


  • Write a thank you letter within one day. Refer to information that was discussed in the interview.
  • Keep the name, address and phone number in a contacts file.
  • Keep in touch by the phone or letter periodically.


Researching Companies


GENERAL RESEARCH - For general Business information

Newspapers - a window to the community
Read: Want Ads Regular Ads Articles General Ads Out of Town Papers for general hiring info for company information for news, products, trends for trade shows, etc. if relocating
Internet
General company information, specific job listings, company product lines, personnel profiles, and industry newspapers/magazines

Yellow Pages
Every company has a phone
Cross-search for various headings. You’ll find information on suppliers, manufacturers, and services.
Use out of town yellow page if relocating. Use business-to-business yellow pages.

Chamber of Commerce
Mission of the Chamber is to build business and services in a specific tax base to increase value to an area. The Chamber compiles listings of businesses and references to create more business opportunities.

General Magazines - general business information
Examples: Newsweek, Forbes, Working Women, Fortune, Time, U.S., News
And World Report, Consumer Reports


SPECIFIC RESEARCH - For specific company/industry information

Periodicals, Trade Publications and Magazines
Examples: WWD, AdWeek, Communications Arts, Animation,
Architectural Digest, Art News, Media Magazine, Art Search

Associations
Industry and Business Associations - to meet people and make contacts, gather information about specific companies and hiring practices.
Examples: Siggraph, ASID, AIA, Artists in Print

Specific Business Directories
Examples: Dictionary of Occupational Titles, Book of Lists, and Directory of Directories

Company Annual Reports and 10-K Reports
For public company reports, call and request an annual report and/or 10-K report from the P.R. or Marketing department of the company.
Examples: AIA, AIGA, IDSA, California Society of Printmakers, Artists in Print.