Office of Career Development
Location: Miley Hall (Garden Level)
Office: (401) 341-2913
Fax: (401) 341-2994
Email: career@salve.edu
Informational Interviewing
Imagine that you just discovered your best friend's sister has the job you dream of having. We'll assume that your best friend wouldn't mind putting you in contact with her sister. You can probably think of a million questions that you would want to ask her. Questions like:
- What was your major in college?
- What was your first job out of college?
- How did you get that job?
- How long did it take you to move from your first job to the position you're currently in; what were the steps along the way?
- What do you like the most about your job?
- What do you like the least about your job?
- Is there anything you would do differently on your career path?
- Do you have suggestions for me?
- How much can I expect to make in an entry-level job in your industry?
These are a few of the many questions that may be asked on an informational interview. Notice the one about money, which you would not ask in a formal job interview. This is the time to get the information you need about prospective careers and specific jobs. An informational interview happens when you interview a professional working in the field of your choice. These are typically not entry-level people, but seasoned professionals who can give you valuable insight that is impossible to get from a classroom.
To learn more about informational interviews and for assistance with the process of acquiring one, contact the Career Development Center and make an appointment with a counselor.
Additional Resources on Informational Interviewing
Get the inside scoop on careers - click here to download Occupational Outlook Quarterly.
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