Informational Interviews
Career Development CenterAn informational interview is a short conversation with a professional in your field of interest to gather information and explore the career field, grow your professional network, receive advice about entering or advancing in that profession, learn about internships and job opportunities, and acquire knowledge and confidence to use in real job interviews.
Where to Search for People to Interview
Ask for referrals from family and friends, your personal healthcare provider, faculty, staff, and students at MCPHS, campus club/org members, university guest speakers, MCPHS alumni, professional association and company/organization websites or their LinkedIn pages, and relevant LinkedIn groups. Always obtain the correct spelling and pronunciation of any person to whom you are referred, as well as their job title and salutation (e.g., Dr., Mr., Ms.).
Making the Initial Contact
- Contact: After conducting research on the person’s background (e.g., career path, degrees earned, professional associations or group memberships, etc.), establish contact by calling, emailing, or messaging through LinkedIn. Clearly state the reason you are reaching out, why you are interested in their professional insight, how much time you are seeking, and how you learned about their work.
- Scheduling: Be courteous and professional and respect the time they are taking to help you. Thank them in advance and again after you speak with them. Be flexible and accommodate their schedule. If meeting over coffee, offer to pay. If meeting on Zoom or Teams, offer to send a link and a calendar invite.
Sample Initial Contact Message
Email Subject Line (suggestion): Referred by Name (name of person who referred you)
or Special request student at Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences
Dear [Ms., Mr., Dr.] and Last Name,
I hope this message finds you well.
(If no referral) I came across your profile on LinkedIn and was impressed by _____ [something about their experience or work/skills].
or
(If referred) I was referred to you by Karen Robertson whom I know from [where (how do you know them?)]. I will be graduating with a [degree]in[major] from Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences on [date]. I am hoping to speak with people working in the field to learn more about career opportunities.
I have completed one internship in the field (or list any other exposure to/experience with the field) and am looking to expand my knowledge. Would you be willing to speak with me in person, by phone, or on Zoom for a 20- to 30-minute informational interview in the next two weeks? Thank you in advance for your consideration. I look forward to connecting and will follow up next week.
Kind Regards,
[Your email address]
Research: Research the sector/industry and the employer, develop an elevator speech, and have an updated resume and LinkedIn profile. This should supplement what you already know, not be your only knowledge about the field.
Appearance: Plan what you will wear; your dress should match or exceed that of your interviewee’s workplace, regardless of whether you are meeting in person or online. If meeting at their worksite, ask about any dress code.
Arrival: For in-person meetings, arrive at least 10-15 minutes early. For Zoom, log on 5-10 minutes before.
What to Bring for an In-Person Meeting
- Small backpack or bag, a padfolio or notebook, a pen for taking notes, and a copy of your resume
- Identification—some companies/organizations require identification before allowing entrance
Questions to Ask
Prepare a list of topics to discuss. Don’t ask questions that are easily answered by checking their company website.
Field
- How did you get started in this field? Is your path typical of most people?
- Describe an average work week. Are these duties the same for anyone with your job title or level?
Environment
- How would you describe the professional climate in your organization? In your industry?
- What portions of your job involve interaction with coworkers, clients/patients, or vendors?
- How much flexibility do you have in terms of dress, hours of work, vacation schedule?
- How often do people in your line of work change jobs?
- What are some other companies in this sector that you admire?
Benefits and Challenges
- What are the greatest rewards? What are the greatest frustrations? How do you deal with them?
- On what basis are professionals in your field evaluated? How is success measured?
- What is the average starting salary range for new professionals? (Do not ask about their salary.)
Occupational Outlook
- What opportunities for advancement does the field offer? Describe a typical promotion path.
- Do you see changes in technology and/or globalization/policy impacting the field in the near future?
- How has the field changed from the time you entered it?
Advice
- What are key transferable skills and key technical skills needed for this field?
- What kinds of education or specialized training would best prepare me for this field?
- What courses, projects, or campus activities will help prepare me for this field?
- Can you recommend professional organizations that would help me to build my network in this field?
- Where do people in this field typically look for internship and job opportunities?
- Can you recommend other people for me to talk to?
- What do you wish you had known about this field when you were just starting out?
- Looking back, are there any experiences, activities, or courses you wish you had pursued to be better prepared for what you are doing right now?
- Send a thank you note by email to your host within 24 hours; also send thank you emails to other employees you met. Invite them to connect with you on LinkedIn if you haven’t already.
- Keep records of who you met with and what you discussed.