2. What’s the Point?
Gain an understanding of the day to day life of a job
or career
Learn how a person attained their position
What’s the person’s view on the future viability of
that career or field
Making contacts and finding more networking
opportunities
Discover Problems, Challenges, or Barriers
3. Can I Have a Job?
Not quite yet
The point of the informational
interview is to gain information…
It never hurts to make a good
impression and illustrate that you
could be an asset
They or somebody they know might
think of you when they are ready to
hire
4. Making It Happen
Pursue your own contacts (don’t be afraid of
awkwardness)
Google search to find organizations or people
that are doing something of interest to you
Call or email organizations directly
Talk to your friends or colleagues
LinkedIn?
5. Introductory Email
Introduce yourself
Explain what you are currently
doing
Give context for how you found
the person you are contacting
Explain why you’re interested in
what they do and why you’re
contacting them
Ask them to meet with you at their
convenience (time and place)
6. Dear Ms. Person,
My name is Kathy, and I currently work in horse
therapy, but I’m looking to expand my animal
therapy experience. I’ve read about your
organization in the New York Times, and I’m
interested in the idea of school-based elephant
therapy. I would love to find a time to meet and
talk with you about your organization and
experiences in this field. I’m sure you’re very
busy, so please let me know if there’s a time and
place when we could meet to discuss our mutual
interests in this innovative therapeutic approach.
7. Prepare for the Interview
Research the person and
organization
Come up with some open-ended
questions to ask
Dress as you would for an interview
Find a time that works best for
them
8. Do’s
Ask thoughtful questions and follow up questions
What are the financial prospects of this career?
How did you obtain the position you are in now?
What is your educational background?
What is a typical day at your job?
Be humble, Be grateful
Write a thank you note or email
9. Don’ts
Don’t ask how much money they make
Don’t be nervous and don’t be late
This is not a time to vent or be hyper critical
Remember this is your chance to learn about them
It’s not a job interview, so don’t talk about yourself
too much
10. Time to Interact
Think about an experience you
have had prior to AmeriCorps
Find a partner
Choose someone to be the
interviewer and interviewee and
conduct an informational
interview about that person’s
experience
Switch
11. Share Out
Reflections
How did it feel to be interviewed?
What were some good questions asked, in
particular ones that got you talking?
Past Experiences
What did you learn?
