The Informational Interview, sometimes called a Field Survey, is intended to help you learn more about a particular job area, company or industry. It is not an employment interview. Instead, it is an activity where you interview a professional about what they do. It is an excellent way to learn about a career. It is also very helpful in making contacts who may help in future job searches.
The Informational Interview usually takes place at the professional's place of work. (It doesn't have to. You may also interview someone over the phone. But going in person allows you to explore the environment of the company, as well as a chance to make more contacts.) Typically, the Informational Interview will take about 20 minutes. Don't try to turn the Informational Interview into a job interview for yourself. The focus should be on the person you are interviewing. But be ready to answer questions about your own background and interests.
The first step is to find someone to interview. The CG 209 Research web site has a number of resources that will help you find a company of interest. Then you contact the company by phone to identify and contact a professional to interview. If the company is large, you may want to start with their College Relations or College Recruiting office. Otherwise, you may call the Personnel Office or even the receptionist.
A suggested phone introduction:
Hello. My name is ................ and I am a student studying ................ at Portland Community College. One of my career development projects this term is to do an Informational Interview in the ................. career field. I would like to talk with someone at your company/agency about the different careers and jobs in your type of organization so that we may schedule an appointment? Could you direct me to that person?
When you reach a specific person to interview, be sure to identify yourself again and explain your Informational Interview assignment. Tell them that you will need 15-20 minutes of their time for the interview and make an appointment to meet them. (The actual interview may take longer, so allow yourself additional time.)
Below is a list of general questions. Along with these, you will want to ask technical questions related to your field.
At the end of the interview, ask for the professional's business card. Make sure you send a thank-you letter or card the next day.