What is informational interviewing?
Don't be afraid-You're not the one being interviewed! In fact, informational
interviewing is where you ask questions to a professional about their
job. Learn about quality of work, employment outlook, or even salary.
Even ask about ... interviews.
If you're applying for a job at a company, you can ask an alum who
works therequestions like:
- What kind of interview questions did they ask you?
- What was the hardest question?
- What skills does this company value?
- What do you like most about working for this company?
- What do you like least?
Click to see a list of more sample questions
you could ask.
How to find other alums
The Career Center has a directory of Carleton alums you can browse
through to locate alums. You can look for alumni in particular states,
with particular jobs, or even see what they majored in! Find out what
people have done with their English degree or Biology degree (or whatever
major it is you have). Stop by the Career Center and ask to see a directory
of alumni.
Learn more about how alums can help you
How to set up an informational interview
- Decide what area (s) you are interested in learning more about.
- Find contacts in the job industry/position/organization you are
interested in. You can contact:
- Alums
- Family friends
- Past employers
- Past co-workers
- Etc
- Get in touch with your contact and ask to set up an informational
interview
- Prepare questions to ask your contact.
- Keep a record of who you talk to, as well as addresses, phone numbers,
job titles, meeting date and what you've learned.
- Send a thank you note within 24 hours.
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