Transcript Interviewing Skills

Informational Interviewing
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Informational Interviewing
A Way to Learn About Different Careers
Informational Interviewing
What is an informational interview?
• A way to learn from professionals in various fields – You
ask the questions (about)
• Real life experiences
• Challenges and opportunities
• Career paths
• Limitations and demands
• Different organizations
• Other possible sources of information
Informational Interviewing
What are the benefits of informational interviewing?
• Gain firsthand, current information from professionals in fields
(or at organizations) you are considering
• Clarify what jobs might be a good fit for you
• Learn what different options might be available
• Find out what, if any graduate school is necessary
• BEFORE you commit yourself to long expensive programs
Informational Interviewing
What are the benefits of informational interviewing?
• Find out how specific organizations find interns and other
employees
• Learn which companies are hiring
• Hiring cycle specifics
• Important timeline information
• Get current information on salary ranges and opportunities for
advancement and professional growth
Informational Interviewing
What are the benefits of informational interviewing?
• Build your professional network
• Support network for future job search
• Insider advice and access to non-advertised job leads
• Introductions to other professionals
• Job shadowing opportunities
Informational Interviewing
Informational Interview Questions:
• What qualifications do I need to gain an entry-level
position in your career field?
• What are the characteristics and skills of successful
people in this career or organization?
• Do you belong to or know of any professional
organizations that you recommend I join as a student?
Informational Interviewing
Informational Interview Questions:
• What experience and skillset do you suggest I pursue
to be a strong candidate in this field?
• What is a typical day like on the job for you?
• What do you enjoy most/least about your current
work?
• How much variety is there on a day-to-day basis?
Informational Interviewing
Informational Interview Questions:
• What kind of work/internship experience would
employers look for in a job applicant?
• What are the employment prospects in your
geographic area? Where are the best employment
prospects?
• Is mobility a necessary factor for success?
Informational Interviewing
Informational Interview Questions:
• What are some related occupations? What are the
salary ranges for these occupations?
• What types of technology are used and how are they
used?
• Is there a set schedule in this field or are the hours
flexible?
Informational Interviewing
Informational Interview Questions:
• What are the toughest problems and decisions with
which you must cope?
• What are the most satisfying aspects of your work?
• What do you know about this field now that you wish
you had known when you were a student?
• Can you suggest other professionals who may be
valuable sources of information?
Informational Interviewing
Steps to Successful Informational Interviewing:
• Develop your contact list – Identify professionals
• You already know
• In professional organizations
• Alumni groups
• Career Advice Network (login via Sun Devil CareerLink)
• LinkedIn groups
Informational Interviewing
Steps to Successful Informational Interviewing:
• Ask for the interview
• Call, email, or In-message
• Briefly identify yourself
• Explain how you found him/her
• Ask for 10-15 minutes of time
• At his/her convenience
• To discuss career paths, job responsibilities, etc
Informational Interviewing
Steps to Successful Informational Interviewing:
• Prepare in advance
• Research the company and the individual
• Prepare your questions before the interview
• Plan to explain why you are interested in the field
• Brief, 30- 60 seconds
Informational Interviewing
Steps to Successful Informational Interviewing:
• Conduct an effective meeting
• Start and end the interview on time
• Get as much information as you can in the time allowed
• Be clear and concise about your needs and interests
• Take notes throughout the interview
• Say “Thank You”
Informational Interviewing
Steps to Successful Informational Interviewing:
• Follow Up
• Send a brief thank you note within 24 hours of the
interview
• Periodically stay in touch
• Share industry information (2 way street)
• Keep track of your contacts
• Start building your network now
Informational Interviewing
Steps to Successful Informational Interviewing:
• Attend professional events
• Fulton engineering mixers and career panels
• Engineering Career Exploration Night
• University events
• NOTE – Although informational interviewing may
eventually lead to a job or internship opportunity, do
NOT treat this as another way to ask for a job
Informational Interviewing
Steps to Successful Informational Interviewing:
REFLECT. ACT.
Now that you have all of this information, do something with it
What did you like about the career? What did you dislike about the career?
Can you do it? Do you want to do it?
Do you have follow-up questions? Schedule another meeting
Go to O*NETonline and company websites to find out more about careers
Make an appointment with the Engineering Career Center, an academic advisor, a
professor or someone who can help get you to the next steps
Informational Interviewing
Additional Resources:
• ASU Fulton Engineering Career Center
• http://more.engineering.asu.edu/career/
• ASU Career Services
• https://eoss.asu.edu/careerguide/majorsandcareers/careerexplorationstrategies
• UCLA
• http://career.ucla.edu/students/ExploreCareers/WhatIsAnInformationalIntervie
w.aspx
• UC Berkeley
• https://career.berkeley.edu/Info/InfoInterview.stm
For More Information
Connect with
Fulton Engineering Career Center
Phone: (480) 965-2966
Email: [email protected]
Website: http://engineering.asu.edu/career
Sun Devil CareerLink: MyASU>Campus Services>Jobs & Careers>Sun Devil
CareerLink
Facebook: Engineering Career Center Arizona State University
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