Map of Mind Log★脈絡地圖

Informational or research interviews are interviews you conduct to get information about a field of work or a certain employer.

You set up the interview and ask the questions. You are not asking for a job interview when you set up an information interview — you are in the preliminary stage of your job search, gathering information, making connections and narrowing your focus.

Information interviews are especially useful if you are looking into different career fields. Speaking with people in professions you are considering can give you valuable insight into current trends and what the day-to-day job is like. You might also learn about other options you did not know existed.

The advantages of informational interviews are:

• You may meet with potential employers when you are in control of the discussion.
• You become a better job candidate because you have done your homework.
• You get first-hand information that isn’t dated.
• You build your confidence for job interviews.

The first step is to identify a career field you are interested in and research which companies/employers may be able to give you useful information. Then you need to find out who has the knowledge you want. This may or may not be the person who makes hiring decisions.

You can dial the company’s main line and ask for the name and number of the head of the department, or the person with the job you are targeting.

Place a call to the person’s direct number and ask if he/she is free to talk for a few minutes. Explain that you are researching career options and want to talk to professionals in your targeted field to find out what the jobs are actually like.

Remember that all people are significant to your goal of finding the job you want. Even if you don’t reach the person you had in mind, treat whomever answers the phone with courtesy and respect — a secretary may be the person who gets you the interview.

If you are able to schedule an informational interview, get your questions ready! Refer to "Informational Interviewing" (DWSJ-9407-P), for ideas on questions to ask.

Even if you are not able to arrange a meeting, always send a thank you note for any help you have been given.

Example: Arranging an Informational Interview

Julie Jobseeker wants to change careers and has gone back to school to complete her degree in accounting. Now that she is nearly done with her degree, she wants to explore different possibilities in the field to find a job that really interests her.

In her research she finds that the XYZ Company has a progressive accounting department. She calls the main line and asks for the name, title and telephone number of the head of the accounting department. She learns that she needs to speak with Barbara Budget.

What you should say / What you should do:

Julie dials her direct number and Ms. Budget’s office assistant answers.

Main line: "Ms. Budget’s office."

Julie: "Hello. My name is Julie Jobseeker. May I speak with Ms. Budget?"

Main line: "I’m sorry, she’s out of the office. May I take a message?"

Julie: "No, thank you. Could you tell me when a good time would be to reach her?"

Main line: "She’ll be in tomorrow morning."

Julie: "Thank you, I will call back then."

Be sure to return the call when you say you will! You can leave a message, but you must be available to receive a call. You keep the ball in your court when you do the calling.

Or, Julie reaches Ms. Budget on the first try.

Julie: "Hello, Ms. Budget. My name is Julie Jobseeker. Is this a good time for you to talk with me for a few minutes?"

If not, find out when a convenient time would be and call back.

Julie: "I will be completing an accounting degree this spring and want to learn more about options in the accounting field. I was given your name by Ivan Informed and know you are an expert in all areas of accounting.

Julie: "I am interested in meeting with you to discuss ways I can use my skills and what possibilities you see in this field."

Ms. Budget: "Well, Julie, I’ll be leaving on vacation for a couple of weeks, but I will give you the name of the supervisor for accounts receivable. He has worked here for 10 years and could give you some good insight. His name is Frank Finance. Why don’t you give him a call and arrange a time to meet?"

Listen carefully. Have a pen and paper handy to write down names and phone numbers.

Julie: "May I tell Mr. Finance you gave me his name?"

Ms. Budget: "Please do. His number is 555-6543."

Be courteous and thank the person for their time:

Julie: "Thank you very much for your time. I look forward to speaking with Mr. Finance. Good-bye."

http://www.wisconsinjobcenter.org/publications/6954/6954.htm