Information Interview

The information interview is used to gather detailed information on specific choices. You don't have to risk very much when you do an information interview. All you have to do is find out who you want to interview, set up a list of questions you want to ask, contact the person and do the interview. By doing information interviews you get used to talking to people. You are the one asking the questions, so it is much more comfortable than a job interview. This is a good way to become familiar with the workplaces and people you may see in future job interviews.

The information interview can be done from many points of view. You can interview the people you know to find out how they can help you. You can interview people who work in the field that you are interested in. Another interesting way to use the information interview is when you have actually been interviewed for a job and didn't get the job. You call the interviewers to find out why you didn't get the job. This gives you valuable information on whether you need more qualifications or more experience. You might even find out that you were perfect for the job but there was someone already in place and interview was just a formality.

	Be Prepared:
	Write out the list of questions before the information interview.
	Bring the list of questions, some paper, a pen and a clipboard to write on.
	Be courteous, ask for only 10 minutes and be punctual. Start and end the meeting according to the timelines set.
	Tell the person why he or she is being interviewed.
	Send a thank you note.

	Possible Questions:
	How did you get interested in this kind of work?
	What qualifications and skills do you have and need for this kind of work?
	How did you get hired?
	How would you describe a typical day at work?
	What is the most exciting and interesting part of this work for you?
	What is the least exciting and interesting?
	What are some of the challenges or problems you face in this kind of work?
	What attitudes are important to have in this kind of work?
	May I call you again?

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