Career Development Guide - Western Michigan University
Career Development Guide - Western Michigan University
Career Development Guide - Western Michigan University
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EXPLORE<br />
6<br />
Explore <strong>Career</strong>s through Informational Interviews<br />
Informational interviews are a process for gathering career information from reliable, “inside” sources. They are a way to<br />
gain firsthand knowledge about a career of interest to you by speaking with someone who is doing what you want to do.<br />
You can ask anyone who is knowledgeable about the career of interest to you – ask friends, family, fellow students, WMU<br />
alumni, co-workers, and people you have never met.<br />
The Basics<br />
How is it different from a job interview?<br />
� You are gathering information, not marketing yourself for a job<br />
� You set the tone and direction of the interview<br />
� Hiring, benefits and firing questions are acceptable at the first meeting<br />
� You can ask questions about what type of people they want to hire<br />
� You can ask for help on your resume<br />
Why do it?<br />
� To generate a network of professionals in your industry, location, and/or occupation<br />
� To gain a mentor specific to your goals<br />
� To become an expert and build your reputation in a field<br />
Sample Questions<br />
The questions below are only a starting point. Create a list of your own questions to ask during an informational interview, and<br />
make sure to tailor them to the person and/or organization with whom you are speaking.<br />
About the Interviewee<br />
� How did you get into this field? What has your career path been to get where you are today?<br />
� What is a typical day like for you?<br />
� What professional organizations, books, journals or writers have had the greatest influence on your work?<br />
About the Industry<br />
� What are the typical issues faced in the work/industry?<br />
� What are the best ways to learn more about the industry?<br />
� What is the preferred degree or major for entry into this field – where from? Are there exceptions?<br />
� If you could improve one thing in the industry, your workplace, or your department, what would it be?<br />
Job/Occupation<br />
� What are the typical entrance requirements for getting a job in this field/organization?<br />
� What is the average starting salary for someone in your position? What is the advancement potential for your position?<br />
� What are the most rewarding and least rewarding aspects of the job/occupation?<br />
� What qualities and skills do you feel a person in this field should have/demonstrate?<br />
Going Forward<br />
� Who would you recommend I talk with to further my knowledge? Can I tell him/her that you referred me?<br />
� Would you look over my resume and let me know what you would recommend me adding, changing or improving?<br />
� At what places would you recommend I observe, volunteer or intern? Why?<br />
� What organizations would you recommend joining? What certifications do you recommend earning?<br />
Adapted from careerMomentum, Kalamazoo, MI
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