What is informational interviewing?

Don't be afraid - You're not the one being interviewed! In fact, informational interviewing is where you ask questions of 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 there questions 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?
• To whom should I talk next to learn more about this field/industry/position?
• If I look for an internship or job in this field, where would you suggest I look?
• What else do you think I need to know in order to make a good decision about working in this area?
• Are there professional or networking groups that I can join to expand my knowledge of this field?

Alums enjoy answering questions and giving advice. It makes them feel good to help students because they went through the process just like you!

More sample questions

How to find alums

Carleton has an online directory 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). We also have in the Career Center printouts of this directory by employer name and by graduate school. Stop by to see these printouts and the binders for the First Impressions survey (information from alums about their first jobs after graduation).

Advice for contacting alumni

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
  • et al.
• 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.