Information Interviewing Guide - How Do You Address Questions From the Resource Person?
The person whom you are interviewing may want to know something about you as well as share information about her/himself. She/he may even tell you of job openings or inquire as to whether or not you are interested in hearing of any. How you answer will depend on how far along you are in your job search. You may or may not be ready to commit yourself to a particular occupational field. In any case, try to keep options open for yourself and respond accordingly. What should you do following the information interview?
Send a thank you letter. A thank you letter will help you be remembered in a positive way by the contact person. At a later date, you might want to send a letter expressing interest in working for her/him, recall your information interview, and enclose a copy of your resume. Or, you may want to telephone the contact person, remind her/him of your information interview and inquire about employment opportunities. Information Interviewing Tips:
- Emphasize that you ARE NOT LOOKING FOR A JOB. YOU ONLY WANT INFORMATION.
- Avoid personnel offices unless you are looking for a job in that field.
- It is a good idea to research the occupational field and organizations prior to conducting information interviews.
- Prepare questions prior to information interviewing.
- Dress as if you were interviewing for a job. Women should wear dresses or suits, men should wear jackets and ties.
- Bring resumes.
- Take notes sparingly. Make notes following the discussion.
- Compile a notebook with the questions asked and responses received.
- Keep a list of the people with whom you talk and their job titles, employers, addresses, and phone numbers.
- Ask who else you should contact for information. Record the names and addresses of people to whom you were referred.
- Write thank you letters.
- Make a good impression. You never know when this contact may lead to a job opportunity.
- Information interviewing can be informative and enjoyable!
