Why Informational Interviews Can Help a Career Search?

Informational Interviews are a great way to find out more about a career or job as you explore new career directions. The Informational Interview is an effective strategy for a job seeker to get greater insight into a job or career by interviewing someone who is actually in that career or job.

Keep in mind the goal of the Informational Interview is to learn more about a job or career direction - not to ask for a job.

The following are some informational interview questions which will give insight into potential careers. As part of the strategy, curiousjob seekers should write the questions down before meeting with the professional. Additionally, job seekers should be very respectful of the professional's time and stick with the schedule as arranged.

1. What do you do in a typical day on your job?
2. What training or education is required for this job/career?
3. What personal qualities or abilities contribute to success in this job/career?
4. What do you find most satisfying and most challenging about your work?
5. What was your career path after you graduated from your vocational program?
6. What opportunities for advancement exist in this career?
7. What entry-level jobs in this industry would you recommend as the place to begin a career?
8. In your opinion - how has this job/career changed over the last 5 or 10 years?
9. How do you see the job/career changing over th next 5 years?
10. Which professional associations or journals would you recommend?
11. If you could relive your career path in this industry, what would you change? Why?
12. Do you have any advice for me on my resume?
13. How can I change it to improve responses from employers in this field?
14. Who would you recommend I speak with to get more information about this job/career?
15. May I use your name when I contact the person you recommended?

Networking with professional associations, your college alumni, former employers or family and friends are just some of the ways to connect with professionals in a career you might be considering.

A quick reminder is to not limit yourself to face to face informational interviews. Remember that it might be more convenient to do informational interviews by telephone, email or via a bulletin board on a social networking site. Remember - the goal is to make it convenient for the professional who is taking time to help you explore a new career..