PODS Career Resources

Informational Interviews

Top 3 tips to prepare you for going on an informational interview:

1. Interview the person who has the job YOU WANT

-find this person by asking people you know about opportunities or businesses that are pertinent to the work you are interested in pursuing

-if you don’t have a personal connection that can help get your foot in the door, the career center and pods office are here to help you find these businesses and people

-research the business, job and person you are wanting to interview with. Know your stuff.

2.  Contact the person/organization before hand to establish good rapport, which is more likely to get you an interview as opposed to just showing up at an office (although sometimes this can be an advantage)

-be professional and courteous, use formal business formatting when writing a letter or email. If referred by someone, make sure to mention them at the beginning

3. Make sure you have questions you want to ask and prepare yourself for questions they may have

-find out what skills are necessary to succeed and/or education experience or continuing education may be required; what type of training is provided; what is a typical work day is like; what do you like and dislike about the job; and the list goes on and on. Gather 15-20 questions you feel are important

- try to make the interview face to face as opposed to over the phone if possible