Informational interviews are meetings approximately 20-60 minutes in duration, in which a potential job seeker asks questions, listens, and learns about another professionals organization, career path, or experience in the industry/field of interest. Informational interviews are networking opportunities and provide job seekers with insights into market and industry trends. Although an informational interview is not a job interview, it can lead to potential employment opportunities in the future.
For more support around informational interviews and networking, visit the Office of Student Success sharepoint site or email gsbsstudentsuccess@uthscsa.edu.
Requesting An Informational Interview
When reaching out to a potential individual, organization, or company to request an informational interview, it is important to communicate:
- Why are you reaching out? What would you like to learn about them?
- Why are they the best person for you to learn from? What makes them unique? What about their work intrigues you?
What are you asking for? How much time do you need? Do you want to meet in-person, via phone, zoom? Ask for 20-30 minutes of their time. You may offer times and note that you are also flexible and can adjust as needed. Remember schedules are busy and they may offer you a phone meeting vs. Zoom or in-person. Do not be surprised if they ask you to reach out in the future, refer you to someone self, or explain that they are not available. It is always worth asking, even if it does not work out.
Example Informational Interview Questions
Consider doing research in advance of your interview to ask quality and relevant questions. Again, although this is an informational/networking interview, it may lead to job and additional networking opportunities in the future, so it is important to act professional and go into the meeting prepared with thoughtful questions. Example topics and questions can be found below.
Career Exploration
- Tell me about your current position.
- How did you get into the field?
- What are your major responsibilities?
- What is the most interesting project you have worked on?
- What is the more or least rewarding aspects of your job?
- What does a typical day or week look like?
- What is the most common career path?
- What obligations are expected of you outside of the actual job?
- What are some lifestyle considerations for this field?
- What are some common entry-level positions in the field?
- What types of transferable skills or experiences do you look for in this area?
- What experiences would be helpful while I am still in my program?
Job Search
- What do you think this industry will look like in 10 years? How is it changing?
- How do you see jobs changing in the future?
- Which professional journals or organizations would you recommend that I research to learn more about this field?
- Who else do you recommend I talk with, and may I have permission to use your name?
Specific Questions
- How did your research background in _ help you in your job search?
- How does your research background on _ come into play in your current position?
- What are the pros and cons of working on _ project?
Stay Connected
It is important to stay connected with your network. Provide updates as you continue to build your relationship and continue to express interest in their work. Another way to maintain your professional network is to stay active with the UT Health San Antonio GSBS alumni group after you graduate. Alumni are encouraged to consider becoming a mentor to support others, participate in career development workshops, or host informational interviews as an alum of the program!