During the Informational Interview
The following tips can help you during your informational interview:
Start off by reiterating your appreciation. Remind the interviewee that you had asked for __ (30, 45, etc.) minutes, and ask if that amount of time still works for them.
Listen carefully, and take notes during the meeting.
Use your prepared list of questions to make sure you get answers to the ones that are most important to you.
Ask for names of other contacts, and ask the person if you may use his or her name as the referral source when calling those contacts.
Ask if it is okay for you to stay in touch in case you need additional information.
End the interview by reiterating your thanks and offering to be helpful to this person in return.
Do not overstay your welcome. If you asked for 30 minutes of the person’s time, start wrapping up at 25 minutes. If the person wants the meeting to run longer, let them be the one to initiate that.
After the Informational Interview
The following tips can help you after your informational interview:
Send a thank you note (email or handwritten). You should mention how the conversation helped you and which suggestions you are following.
Strategically follow up on advice/contacts. Your counselor can help you think about how to apply this person’s advice to your search, as well as how and when to reach out to suggested contacts.
Keep in touch with quick email updates periodically, if appropriate.
When you land your new job, let your contacts know, and thank them again for their time.
Try to find a way to repay the favor, even if it doesn’t happen for a while.
To keep track of the information you have learned, you may wish to use the Exploring Options Worksheet below. This worksheet can help you organize the information you glean from the informational interview and identify any aspects of the work that appeal to you, as well as those that don't.