Informational Interviewing: what is it and how can you use it?

By Sam Ast, Re-Entry Workforce Development Specialist, Goodwill of Western Missouri & Eastern Kansas

Informational interviewing is a way for potential applicants to learn about the intricacies of various job duties from sources close to, or within, a particular business or industry. This is primarily done to determine if the job is a good fit.

Questions might include what are the responsibilities of the role? What will you spend your time doing at work every day? What is the office culture like? Are there any healthcare or overtime benefits? What do current employees like and dislike most about working for that company? Is there an opportunity for advancement? Are they a second-chance employer? Are there any prerequisites for employability? What are some challenges employees might face and what are the best ways to resolve them? These are all questions that as an applicant, you may want answered.

So, how do you go about initiating and facilitating an informational interview? First, decide which job you want to know more about. After that, do as much independent research as you can (this will help you to develop questions as well.) Next, compile a list of questions you still may have. Then, find a reliable source to provide you with the answers you need and schedule a time to meet. Interviews should be relatively brief, lasting around 15-20 minutes. Be sure to introduce yourself and treat this as you would a regular job interview.

This is not the time or place to ask for a job. In fact, informational interviews can be initiated even if a particular company is not currently hiring. It is a great way to connect and make contacts that can let you know of any future opportunities. If you’re having trouble finding people to interview, work with your local Goodwill Mission Services office or other workforce partners who have more established connections to area businesses and ask them to refer you to someone in their network.

Ultimately, remember that at this stage of the process- you are in charge. Be prepared, have fun, and learn as much as you can about the work you’re interested in doing.