Interviewing for Information (part 2)

Last time I wrote about Interviewing for Information as a resource in your career decision-making. It is important that you approach those meetings, whether in person or by phone, in the same professional manner as you would an employment interview. You should, of course, prepare your questions in advance and have them written down (or typed and printed). One reason to consider typing them is because, depending on your handwriting, it will probably leave a better impression. Long ago, I was meeting with a young man who was interviewing me and he had written his questions out - only he had a hard time reading what he had written. I guess he had written them rather hurriedly and used some abbreviations that he couldn't quite remember, which of course, did not impress me.

So, some questions to consider for your informational interviews:
1. How would you describe your "typical" day?
2. What are the biggest obstacles you face in trying to do your job?
3. Which skills do you use most often in your work?
4. What personal traits are most helpful to you in doing your work?
5. How did you begin your career in ________?
6. Are there particular suggestions you have for an aspiring _______?
7. How extensive is your interaction with ___________?
8. If you had it to do over, would you pursue this same field, or go a different direction? Or prepare for it differently?
9. Do you see opportunities in this field increasing - or is this field limited in terms of the kinds of organizations where one could work?
10. What is the typical educational background of people in this field? Are there specific experiences that would make me most qualified to work as a _________?

Other good questions can be worded to indicate you have done some homework - for example, I read where the National Association for __________ is involved in ____. Is there ___(local activity...)____? OR, I saw where the __________ meets on the second Tuesday of the month. Are those meetings open and do you think it might be beneficial for me to attend one?

Generally, you would also want to ask if they can recommend one or two other people you could talk to regarding your interest in that field. It is also a good idea to ask if you can use their name when you contact anyone they suggest.

Depending on the amount of time you have been given, you may only have the opportunity to ask a three or four questions, but it is better to have more questions than you will need. That also gives you the flexibility to ask some different questions depending on the direction the interview takes.

In my next blog entry, I will add some additional comments about interviewing for information.


Mary Ann Davis is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in private practice providing coaching and counseling for life's transitions; including career change or job search, as well as loss of job, retirement planning, grief work, coping with an empty nest, and other life planning issues. She meets with individuals in person and on-line. Mary Ann is certified as a Master Career Counselor (MCC) by the National Career Development Association; a Life/Work Counselor (L/WC) by the National Employment Counseling Association; and is a Distance Credentialed Counselor (DCC). Please visit her web site at www.YourCareerPlan.com.

To contact Mary Ann, please call (513) 665-4444 x3 and leave a personal and confidential message or send an email to YourCareerPlan@cinci.rr.com.