Informational Interviews
An informational interview offers you an opportunity to gather information about a career field, job, or employer in which you are interested. The purpose of an informational interview is to expand your understanding, not to ask for a job or internship. This guide provides an overview about informational interviews and provide a walk through of the different steps to take.
Conducting an informational interview will help you actively:
- Secure firsthand information about industries, jobs, work responsibilities, career paths, work settings, and
- organizational cultures
- Build contacts and referrals for your personal network (increasing your chances of securing employment in the
- future)
- Increase your self-confidence and interviewing skills
- Gather insight for stronger career decisions
Ways to Conduct an Informational Interview
- In-person (ideal)
- Phone
- Skype
Make sure to ask your contact for the most convenient way to conduct the interview
Important Tips to Remember:
- This is not the time to ask for a job or internship – Focus on gathering information
- Most Informational Interviews last 20-30 minutes – Keep the conversation brief and friendly
- Professionalism & Reliability are essential
- If you must cancel your interview, call or email 24 hours prior and reschedule at that time.
- Arrive early – Prepare for traffic and parking
- Begin and end the interview with a “thank you” and a handshake
- Dress appropriately – Business Casual is ideal 5.Conduct several informational interviews – patterns about the industry, occupation and/or career field
Step I: Getting Started – Finding Contacts to Interview
The first step is to find people to interview. The goal is to find someone in a desired industry, organization, job, or career field. Typically, the best place to start is with your personal network. This may include family, friends, roommates, past employers, and/or professors. Ask these contacts for the names of people within occupations or organizations that interest you.
- Gator Network
- Organizational websites/literature
- Professional/trade association chapters
- Chamber of Commerce directories
- Gator CareerLink Employer Directory
- LinkedIn Alumni Feature – Search for UF alumni by organization, major, location, industry, job, and/or skills.
- UF Faculty and Staff: University of Florida’s academic and administrative employees can provide guidance, support, and networking opportunities.
- Student Organizations: Join clubs and organizations related to your areas of interest. These groups often have members who are happy to share their experiences and advice.
- Social Media and Online Platforms: Utilize platforms like LinkedIn, Facebook, and Gator Network to find and reach out to students in your desired majors.
- Campus Events: Attend events such as majors and minors fairs, mixers, student panels, and networking events where you can meet students from various backgrounds.
- Classmates: Talk to students in your general education or elective courses who might be majoring in areas you’re interested in.
After identifying the person to contact, request an appointment via email, telephone, or through the source who helped you secure the contact. If calling or emailing, use professional language, state who you are (including that you are a student), why you are contacting them, clearly state that you are not seeking a job at this time, but gathering career information, and ask if they are available to talk with you for 20-30 minutes.
Create your network web – Friends, professors, or relatives, can help introduce you or arrange an informational interview for you. Start by identifying who is currently in your network
List those in your network to initially contact
| Person Name | Contact Information |
|---|---|
| Person 1 | Contact Information |
| Person 2 | Contact Information |
| Person 2 | Contact Information |
| Person 4 | Contact Information |
| Person 4 | Contact Information |
| Person 6 | Contact Information |
| Person 7 | Contact Information |
Step II: Requesting an Interview
Once you’ve identified the right person, reach out to schedule a meeting via email, phone, or through the person who provided you with the contact. When reaching out, maintain a professional tone, introduce yourself as a student, explain the purpose of your message, clearly communicate that you are seeking career information, and inquire if they would be available for a 20-30 minute discussion.
Dear [Name],
I hope this message finds you well. My name is [Your Name], and I am a student at the University of Florida. I came across your profile through
[source] and was inspired by your work in [Industry/Field]. I am interested in learning more about your career journey and the industry. Would you be available to schedule a 20-30 minute meeting sometime soon?
Thank you in advance for your consideration.
Best regards,
[Your Full Name]
[Your Contact Information]
Hi [Name],
My name is [Your Name], and I’m currently an exploratory student at UF. I’m considering [Major/Field of Interest] as a potential major and came
across your profile. I would love to learn more about your experiences in this field. If you’re available, could we chat for 20-30 minutes about your major and career goals?
Thank you for your time!
Best regards,
[Your Name]
Step III: Prepare for the Interview
Always prepare before an informational interview to ensure that you make a professional first-impression.
- Gather facts in order to formulate intelligent questions
- Avoid asking questions easily answered on the company’s website or LinkedIn profile
- Career choice and goals
- Education or Work/life balance and their career progression
- Organizational culture o Day-to-day responsibilities
- Technical skills o Making informed career decisions
- In-Person Interview: Consider issues related to traffic and parking
- Virtual Interview: Ensure technology is working adequately, secure a quiet space, and make sure the background behind you is clean and distraction free
Step IV: Conduct the Interview
Remember to take notes during the interview. If you want to record the conversation, make sure to ask permission first
- Start the interview by building rapport. Ask questions about their day before jumping into the interview. Once rapport has been established, then:
- Restate your purpose for the interview
- Share insight as to why you are seeking career information and the general types of questions you will be asking
- Be prepared to answer questions about yourself
- Keep in mind: education, background, and career ambitions
- Offer to share your resume to help them understand your experiences and qualifications
- Ask for feedback
- Additional questions to consider:
- Ask for a business card (if necessary) to follow up
- Ask if you can connect with the person on LinkedIn
- Ask if there are articles, professional associations, websites, or books that might help you learn more
- Ask who they recommend you talk with next
Step V: After the Interview
Send a handwritten card or email thanking the contact for their time. Refer to some portion of the conversation and explain why the advice that was given was helpful to you.
Dear [Name],
I wanted to extend my thanks for taking the time to speak with me today. Our conversation was incredibly helpful, and I appreciate your willingness
to share your experiences and insights into [specific industry/role].
I am especially grateful for [specific piece of advice or insight they provided], which I found particularly enlightening. Thank you once again for your generosity and support. I look forward to staying in touch and hopefully connecting again in the future.
Best regards,
[Your Full Name]
[Your Contact Information]
Dear [Name],
Thank you so much for taking the time to speak with me about your experiences in [Major/Field]. Your insights were incredibly helpful and have given me a lot to think about as I make my decision. I appreciate your willingness to share your journey and advice.
Best regards,
[Your Full Name]
[Your Contact Information]
Sample Questions for Informational Interviews
- How did you get into this career field/industry?
- Which majors are most successful with securing employment in this field?
- How would you describe a typical day/week on the job?
- What is your job like?
- What kind of decisions do you make?
- How did you get your job? Why did you decide to work for this company/organization?
- What are the most satisfying aspects of your job?
- What frustrations or drawbacks do you experience at work?
- How would you describe the work environment such as work, pressure, deadlines, and routines?
- What are the essential skills to be successful in this line of work? How did you learn these skills (e.g., training programs, classroom, on the job)?
- What are the key software programs in the field?
- How much time do you spend alone? Interacting with people? Writing reports? Reading job related publications?
- What’s an example of a problem that you help solve at work?
- How does your career affect your lifestyle (the amount of time you work vs. time for leisure, traveling, family, outside interests)?
- What are the latest developments and primary issues impacting this field today?
- How do you see jobs in the field changing over the next five to ten years?
- What educational degrees, licenses, or other credentials are required for entry and advancement in your kind of work? Are there any which are preferred or helpful?
- What are the trade/professional groups to which you belong and which do you find most beneficial to your work?
- What is your advice about getting involved with these organizations as a student?
- What other career areas do you see as being related to your work?
- What other functional areas within the organization do you collaborate with the most?
- What personal, characteristics, personality traits, values, strengths, and/or interests do you believe are necessary or helpful for success and satisfaction in this occupation (or organization)?
- How do people learn about job openings in the field?
- What do you wish you had known about this career field before you entered it? What about your current employer?
- How is this organization structured? What kinds of entry level jobs are typical for this career field or employer (e.g., typical titles, responsibilities)
- What is your organization’s leadership/management philosophy? How does this differ from other organizations in this field/industry?
- What is the typical career progression in this field? What are the keys to advancement?
- What books/periodicals/websites that you would recommend?
- What special advice would you give to a young person entering this field?
- What is the next step in your career?
- Who else do you recommend I talk with about careers in this field?
- What made you choose your major?
- What other majors were you considering, and why did you choose this one over the others?
- How did you decide that this major was the right fit for you?
- What do you like most about your major?
- What are the biggest challenges you’ve faced in your major?
- Can you describe a typical day/week in your major?
- What are some of the most interesting courses you’ve taken so far?
- How have your perspectives on this major changed since you started?
- How do you manage your coursework and workload?
- Are there any resources (tutors, study groups, online resources) that you have found particularly helpful?
- How do you balance your academic responsibilities with extracurricular activities and internships?
- What strategies do you use to prepare for exams and complete projects?
- Can you share any tips for succeeding in this major?
- What are your career goals after graduation?
- How has your major prepared you for your intended career path?
- Have you completed any internships or work experiences related to your major?
- What kinds of career opportunities do you see available for graduates in this field?
- What advice would you give to someone considering a career in this field?