INFORMATIONAL INTERVIEW

An amazingly rich source for job-seekers to learn more about their career fields. This type of interview gives you the opportunity to express your opinions about your job, your impressions and, at the same time, give a helpful hand to someone who is trying to gather as much valuable occupational information as possible.

It is true that there is a lot of printed and online information about jobs and companies, but nothing as direct, flexible and intimate as an Informational Interview.

Something very particular about these interviews is that you are not the one who directs the questions: it is the job-seeker. Here you are not the interviewer; you are the interviewee, so if you are not very familiar with job interviews this is a great chance for you to practice.

The fact that an informational interview is more relaxed than a regular job interview means that some questions may also be different, the job-seeker may ask for particular things he/she wouldn´´t ask in a normal job interview (salary, benefits, vacations, day-to-day activities, etc.). Another important reason why job-seekers appreciate these interviews is because they can build self-confidence in a non-threatening interview atmosphere. A job-seeker will not ask you for a job (this would be considered rude) but would consider you the first contact in a constant-growing network.

There is a universe of questions to be asked from someone who is interested in getting a job, so be ready to hear all type of functional questions: What´s your background? What do you enjoy the most in your career? How many hours do you work? But when it comes to occupational questions, the following can give you a good idea of what to expect:

• What is exactly your position in the company?
• What do you usually do? Is there a routine?
• What skills do you require to accomplish your daily work?
• What degree of education do employers look for?
• What courses from university/college are more valuable for you and why?
• What opportunities of growing are there for someone in that position?
• What are the best pieces of information to include in a CV when looking for a job?
• Besides that specific occupation what other fields are there available?
• What are the salary ranges?
• What are the most remarkable personality characteristics that employers look for?
• What obstacles, stressing situations and demands are found in this occupation?
• How can you determine you have the skills to succeed in this position?
• What recommendations would you give him/her?
• What would be the best way to look for a job?
• Is there anyone else you would suggest he/she talks to?

Tips:

• Even though the interview atmosphere is not as formal as a regular interview the dressing is formal.
• Learn the name of the job-seeker and welcome him/her as if expecting him/her. This will help creating a more appropriate atmosphere.
• Expect the job-seeker to lead the questioning.
• This is a good chance for you to express your feelings and talk about your personal experiences about your job, position and career so enjoy it!