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INFORMATIONAL INTERVIEWS
Informational Interviews
MAKING CONNECTIONS
One of the best ways to investigate a specific job or career is to ask questions of a professional in that field. This is called an informational interview. It can be an effective tool in your career planning process, giving you a firsthand view of a specific career field, broadening your network of contacts, enabling you to learn the current trends in the field, and assisting you in narrowing your career direction. You will find that most people are more than willing to talk about the subject at hand – their career. An effective informational interview strategy requires planning, patience and focus on your part.
OUTREACH
Reach out to everyone you KNOW first; people who already know you and like you are going to be your best advocates Find professionals who are working in roles you are interested in, at companies you would like to target, or have career paths that you admire Contact professionals via LinkedIn, email, or phone; craft a concise introduction stating who you are and why you are reaching out Request a 15-30 minute meeting; in-person meetings are preferable, however, phone calls are common due to geographical and time constraints
PREPARATION
Learn all that you can about the company: read its mission statement, understand its business model, and identify its key competitors Research the position of the person with whom you are meeting Understand yourself – you should be able to easily recite your experience, skills, strengths and weaknesses Plan open-ended questions; it is up to YOU to drive the conversation so you can get the information you need Arrive promptly and dress professionally, as you would for a job interview Bring a portfolio with a notepad and pen; it is perfectly acceptable to take notes Bring several copies of your resume, but only offer it if asked
SAMPLE LINKEDIN OUTREACH
Dear Mr./Ms./Mx. Jones,
I hope this note finds you well. I am a sophomore at Bentley University, majoring in Finance. I am interested in learning more about careers in financial services, specifically wealth management. I am very impressed by your career path and the organizations that you have worked for.
Please let me know if you might have 15 - 20 minutes to connect, either in person or over the phone, to share your insights. Thank you in advance for your consideration.
Sincerely, Jane Smith (781) 555 1234
Informational Interviews
MAKING CONNECTIONS
CONDUCTING THE MEETING
Thank the professional for meeting with you and restate the purpose of the meeting Initiate the conversation since you are conducting the meeting: “I would like to begin by asking you….” Keep to the time limit you requested; the person may have another appointment directly after your meeting Always be at your best – even though this is not a job interview, it could lead to something later if you make a good impression Once inside the organization, look around…what kind of working environment is there – dress style, communication patterns, sense of humor, etc.? Is this a place you would want to work?
FOLLOW UP
Send a thank you note within 24 hours Maintain networking contact over time when appropriate Connect with the individual via LinkedIn with a personalized invitation if appropriate
SAMPLE THANK YOU
Dear Mr. Jones,
I want to thank you for taking the time to meet with me this morning to discuss your career path and the wealth management industry.
Our conversation reinforced my interest in pursuing a summer internship in this field. As you mentioned, strong quantitative skills, attention to detail, and a commitment to superior client service are critical for success. I believe these qualifications align well with my experience and skills.
I look forward to staying in touch.
Sincerely, Jane Smith
THE FOLLOWING ARE SAMPLE QUESTIONS THAT YOU CAN ASK A PROFESSIONAL DURING AN INFORMATIONAL INTERVIEW, BUT DON’T BE AFRAID TO ASK YOUR OWN QUESTIONS. REMEMBER, THIS IS YOUR CHANCE TO GET THE INFORMATION YOU NEED FROM AN INDUSTRY PROFESSIONAL!
Ask about the job function…
Would you describe your career path for me? What kind of entry-level positions did you consider / pursue upon graduation? What are the duties performed during a typical day? Is there a set routine, or is there variety on a day-to-day basis? Do you usually work independently, or as part of a team? What aspects of the job do you find most rewarding and most frustrating? If you think about the best [name of position you’re seeking], what are three reasons why this person was excellent at their job? What certifications or licenses does the job require? What computer and software skills are needed to be successful? What are the typical hours? Does the position require travel?
Informational Interviews
MAKING CONNECTIONS
CONDUCTING THE MEETING
Thank the professional for meeting with you and restate the purpose of the meeting Initiate the conversation since you are conducting the meeting: “I would like to begin by asking you….” Keep to the time limit you requested; the person may have another appointment directly after your meeting Always be at your best – even though this is not a job interview, it could lead to something later if you make a good impression Once inside the organization, look around…what kind of working environment is there – dress style, communication patterns, sense of humor, etc.? Is this a place you would want to work?
FOLLOW UP
Send a thank you note within 24 hours Maintain networking contact over time when appropriate Connect with the individual via LinkedIn with a personalized invitation if appropriate
SAMPLE THANK YOU
Dear Mr. Jones,
I want to thank you for taking the time to meet with me this morning to discuss your career path and the wealth management industry.
Our conversation reinforced my interest in pursuing a summer internship in this field. As you mentioned, strong quantitative skills, attention to detail, and a commitment to superior client service are critical for success. I believe these qualifications align well with my experience and skills.
I look forward to staying in touch.
Sincerely, Jane Smith
THE FOLLOWING ARE SAMPLE QUESTIONS THAT YOU CAN ASK A PROFESSIONAL DURING AN INFORMATIONAL INTERVIEW, BUT DON’T BE AFRAID TO ASK YOUR OWN QUESTIONS. REMEMBER, THIS IS YOUR CHANCE TO GET THE INFORMATION YOU NEED FROM AN INDUSTRY PROFESSIONAL!
Ask about the job function…
Would you describe your career path for me? What kind of entry-level positions did you consider / pursue upon graduation? What are the duties performed during a typical day? Is there a set routine, or is there variety on a day-to-day basis? Do you usually work independently, or as part of a team? What aspects of the job do you find most rewarding and most frustrating? If you think about the best [name of position you’re seeking], what are three reasons why this person was excellent at their job? What certifications or licenses does the job require? What computer and software skills are needed to be successful? What are the typical hours? Does the position require travel?
Informational Interviews
MAKING CONNECTIONS
Ask about the industry…
What is the future outlook for the industry in general? Is the industry changing? If so, how? What are some of the current issues and trends in this field? OR, if you’re really prepared: • I have read that A, B, and C are issues in this field. Have you found this to be true? • I have read that there are two key trends influencing the industry – A and B. Do you agree? How do you feel about this?
Ask about the work environment…
How would you describe the work environment? Could you please comment on the work-life balance in this career / industry? Are there additional obligations outside of the normal work hours? Does the company support work-from-home arrangements?
Ask about future growth / salary information…
What are the most typical entry level jobs with your company / in your industry? What are opportunities for advancement? To what position? Is an advanced degree needed? What is the salary range for an entry level position? Bonus range? How often are employees reviewed and salaries adjusted?
Ask about the hiring process…
What advice would you give to job seekers in terms of applying and interviewing for jobs in this industry? When do companies in this industry generally recruit / hire for entry level positions? What types of interview formats are used during the interview process? What kind of work/internship experiences do hiring managers look for in a job applicant? What transferrable skills / personal qualities do they look for?
Ask about networking…
What is the best way to network in this industry? Which professional associations do you belong to? Which industry publications do you read?
Additional / follow-up questions…
What do you wish someone had told you while you were still in college / starting your career? Would you mind taking a quick look at my resume? How should I target my resume for your industry? Are there other professionals in this field you would recommend I speak with for additional information? May I use your name when I contact them?
