Networking

Informational Interview

Informational interviews are aimed at complementing an independent job search. They enable you to:

get advice before making a career choice,
collect information on a specific industry or company, and
obtain leads and referrals.

They also offer an ideal way to meet key professionals in your field or company of interest, and to find out more about a position which you think may suit you. You may conduct as many informational interviews as you feel necessary. The point however is to become increasingly focused, rather than the opposite. For a successful informational interview, prepare by:

Defining your objectives,
Identifying your interviewee(s), and
Planning the interview.

Letter Requesting an Informational Interview
Once you have identified your target interviewee, you probably have to send him or her a letter asking for a meeting.

Suggested outline:

First paragraph: Introduce yourself and the reason for your letter. Mention your reference if applicable, or explain why you are interested in interviewing this specific person.
Second paragraph: Elaborate on why you need this interview. Clarify your objectives: you want advice, specific information, leads, referrals. etc. Give some information about yourself, your interests, your research. Provide an outline of your interview, so that your interviewee can prepare for the meeting.
Final paragraph: Show enthusiasm and emphasise how important this interview is for you. Suggest a possible date and time to meet, or indicate when you will call to agree on a mutually convenient time. If you will be travelling specifically to meet this person, don't forget to mention it.

It is standard practice not to attach your CV, although you should bring a copy to the meeting to enable your interviewee to guide you most effectively.

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