Information interviewing - Tutorial

A Key Networking Tool for Students, Job-Seekers, and Career-Changers

Learn about how an informational interview should be an integral part of your networking, career exploration, and job-hunting plan in this free, expert tutorial.

An informational interview involves talking with people who are currently working in the field to gain a better understanding of an occupation or industry -- and to build a network of contacts in that field.

Richard Bolles, author the enduring classic book on job-hunting, What Color is Your Parachute, writes about this tutorial on his Website: "Another Quintcareershome run. One of the best & most complete articles (actually, it is a series of articles) on the subject available."

The Quintessential Careers Informational Interviewing Tutorial is organized in the following manner:

Background Information
Potential Results
Reasons for Conducting Informational Interviews
Guidelines for Informational Interviews



Identify an Occupation
Identify People to Interview
Never Ask for a Job
Prepare Ahead of Time



Scheduling the Informational Interview

By Letter
Sample Letter
By Phone or in Person


Do Your Homework
Before the Informational Interview
Dress Appropriately
Be Prepared to Take Notes
Bring Your Resume
The Interview (and the Questions to Ask)
Share Something About Yourself
Be a Good Listener



Build the Network
Always try to get Referrals
Always Send a Thank You Note
Record, Analyze, and Evaluate the Information
Another Use for Informational Interviews
More Helpful Hints
Links About Informational Interviewing

 Start the Tutorial

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