Once you have identified an organization that may be a good fit for you, try a technique called the “informational interview.” Find a person in an organization where you’d like to work and ask specific questions about the work and employment there. One of the best ways to get an info interview is through third party referrals. Reach out to your network and see if someone knows a person who works at that organization and can arrange an info interview for you. This can also be done by researching recent articles written by someone in that org., or looking the company up in Moody’s or Vault.com. Due to time constraints, you may need to do the info interview on the phone or online if visiting the site isn’t feasible.
FYI…if you do get to interview someone on site, check out the environment, type of person you meet in the lobby and elevators, level of friendliness, style of clothing people wear. This is a good way to informally learn about the internal culture and if it really may be a good career fit. This is a great way to find out if this field and work environment really interests you.
Use the dozen questions below as a guide for what to ask at an informational interview. Scan them and find 3-5 that feel right for you to launch the conversation.
-Describe a typical day on the job.
-Tell me what are the most valued skills and competencies in this department
- What traits, qualities and characteristics are most valued here? (EX: team player vs. independence, outgoing, creative, quick decision maker or more thoughtful, etc.
- What behaviors are most needed in this environment?
-Describe methods employed to accomplish your work.
-Are there particularly busy times of the year or is work steady throughout?
-Describe the work ethic in this department?
-Would you consider this department more laid back, intense or somewhere in between?
-What are your regular challenges?
-Describe frustrations you continually face.
-If you knew when you first started what you know now, would you still work here? Why or why not?
-If I have more questions, who else might I talk with who is knowledgeable like you.
Don’t overstay your welcome. Establish up front you’ll be there for 15 to 30 minutes max. When your time limit is approaching, wind down the visit and ask to stay in touch with the individual on line or by phone. Thank them and get his or her phone and email address if you haven’t already. .
