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Contents : Informational Interviews and Job Shadowing What Are Informational Interviews and Job Shadowing An informational interview gives you the opportunity to obtain an inside view of a job field that interests you by speaking with people who are currently working in that field. It is best done in person but can be done via e-mail or over the phone if necessary. A job shadow will last longer a half or full day or sometimes a number of days and often includes meetings with key staff at the organization. The goal of both is to gain a better understanding of an occupation or industry and to build a network of contacts in that field. It is important to remember that you conduct the interview since you are the person seeking information. Why Should I Plan an Informational Interview and/or a Job Shadow Until you talk to people in the field and get a good sense of the actual work they do it is difficult to determine if the career is a good fit. Both the informational interview and job shadow help you to confirm a career choice and establish a network of contacts in the field. These career-related experiences are a great way to make connections and learn about opportunities but you should never ask the interviewee for a job. With Whom Do I Conduct an Informational Interview and Whom Do I Ask to Host a Job Shadow You will want to start with your personal network which can include everyone from friends family current and past employers faculty and staff club and organization advisors and peers classmates and others. Brainstorm whom you already know make a list and begin to ask everyone if they know someone in the field in which you are interested. If you have exhausted the list of people in your network you may want to contact employers you have met at career fairs or other events where you have had a chance to interact with people who work in the industry you are researching. You can always call an organization directly even if you do not know anyone who works there. Since you are just asking for information (not selling something or asking for a job) you will have more of a chance to connect with someone. (Use the Career Services supplement on telephone techniques for assistance in making such calls to organizations.) Remember you are not asking for a job just information. Most people in professional positions are very happy to talk about themselves and their jobs. Although it can be intimidating students have reported that they have been successful with this approach. How Do I Prepare for an Informational Interview and/or Job Shadow Once scheduled you can prepare by researching the organization for which your contact person works. Use the organization s website as well as unbiased databases found on the Career Services website and in the Homer Babbidge Library. You may also find general industry information in the Career Resource Library at Career Services. This investment of your time will allow you to ask relevant questions about the company and respond intelligently to any questions you may be asked. You will also want to prepare by making sure you have appropriate attire dress like you would for a regular job interview. Finally make sure that you call the day before the interview to confirm the location and meeting time. Be sure you know how to get there and arrive about ten minutes early. Ask for a business card before the interview ends. What Questions Could I Ask in an Informational Interview and/or Job Shadow Before asking your questions decide what direction you want the conversation to take. Think about your goal for having the meeting and prepare questions to reflect that purpose. Here are some areas to consider when thinking of questions: the field in general the organization specifically the individual s job the individual s career path advice for a student and an emerging professional. Describe your educational background. How did you get into this job and/or career Why did you decide to work in this industry Why did you decide to take a job with this company What do you like about working here What is the culture like in this company What similarities/differences does this culture bear to any of your previous positions What do you do in your job What do you like most about your position What do you like least Do you have busy and slow times of the year Does your job offer you some variety or do you do the same type of work each day Can you quantify the time you spend completing different tasks each day What are the challenges in this occupation/career How have you dealt with them Is this a rapid- or slow-growth career What do you see in store for your career in the future What changes have you seen occur in this field and what changes are occurring now Is there a certain type of person who works in this career field and can you d

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