Informational Interviewing

Informational interviewing is an excellent way for students and job hunters to learn about careers.

"An informational interview provides a way to 'reality test' your perception of a role or work environment and to clarify your career goals," says Mary Michael Hawkins, director of the University of Denver Career Center.

"It is also a way to build your network of contacts. It is very important to remember, however, that the informational interview is not a job interview. It is the field research you need to know to pursue opportunities in the future."



The University of Denver Career Center has compiled a list of 21 sample questions for people in informational interviews. Here they are:

1. How did you become interested in your area of work?
2. How do most people get into this field?
3. Which part of the job is most challenging for you? Why?
4. Which part of the job is most rewarding? Why?
5. Can you see enough growth in this field that you would advise me to pursue it?
6. What changes or trends have you seen in recent years, and where is the industry going?
7. What personal attributes are essential to success in this field?
8. How could I research materials and career trends in your industry?
9. Which professional journals and organizations should I know about?
10. What skills are required of a (position of interest) daily?
11. What experiences have you had that helped you to learn the business?
12. Which areas of study should I pursue?
13. How did you get your job?
14. What are the challenges in working in this field or for this type of employer?
15. How would you describe a typical work day or work week?
16. What motivates you to stay in this line of work?
17. What would you say are the lifestyle considerations in your area?
18. What is the reason most people give when they leave this field?
19. Regarding promotions, what steps have most people taken?
20. What industry experience do most of the directors on the board have in common?
21. If you could do it all over again, would you choose the same path for yourself? Why? What would you change?

For more information contact Mary Michael Hawkins, University of Denver Career Center, at 303-871-2150 or mhawkins@du.edu.