MSU Extension 4-H Careers & Entrepreneurship

Have you ever wondered what it is really like to work in a career or company that interests you? If so, you may want to try informational interviewing. Informational interviews are a great learning opportunity and powerful networking tool that can help build your professional contacts. It is a useful career exploration tool where you get to learn about the real-life experience of someone working for a company or in a career field of interest. The following are helpful steps for a successful informational interview.

Step 1: Research

In this initial step, you will want to set clear goals for your interview. The purpose is not to ask for a job, but rather to gather insights, advice and information about the industry, company culture and/or career paths. During this first step, you will also want to find people to interview. Consider reaching out to your personal connections (family, friends, neighbors, counselors, co-workers, supervisors, teachers) to help identify someone whose career path aligns with your interests. You can also try seeking out people to interview through professional associations, journals, alumni, internet searches or online networking sites such as LinkedIn or MSU Connect.

Step 2: Making contact

Informational interviews can be done via phone, video or in person. To set up an interview, one way you can make contact is through email. In your email, make sure to include the following:

• Proper greeting
• Introduction of yourself
• Where/how you made the connection to contact the person
• The reason you are reaching out
• A list of days/times you are available

You could also phone if it’s someone you know personally or if you can’t find an email.

Step 3: Prepare for the interview

Do your research into the person, their organization and the field. Make sure you know where you’re going to meet the person. If the interview is online, make sure that your technology is working. Prepare a list of questions, including a mix of specific and broad questions. 

Examples may be:

• What is the best part of your job? What is something you wish was different?
• What is something you did at my age that prepared you for your career?
• What’s the best piece of advice someone gave you?

At the end, ask if there is anything else they want to share. It is helpful to bring a pen and notebook with your questions in it when you have your interview.

Step 4: During the interview

Start by introducing yourself and your goals so they can adjust their answers for you. Explain that you might take a few notes as you talk and jot down any important ideas that are helpful for you to remember.

Ask questions but stay conversational. Respond to what they’re saying and don’t be afraid to ask things you didn’t prepare. Ask for clarification on things like industry terminology and acronyms.  

Step 5: After the interview/follow-up

Be polite and thank the person you’re interviewing for their time and advice at the beginning and end of the conversation. Ask if you can connect with them on LinkedIn and if you could reach out again in the future if you have more questions. Ask for their business card so you have the proper spelling of their name, job title and contact information for future reference.  Make sure to write and send a thank you note as soon as possible after the meeting.

Conducting an informational interview is a great way to explore careers and build your professional network. Taking these steps to prepare will help to make the most of your time and your new connections. Consider applying these steps in Michigan State University Extension’s free online class, Investigating Information Interviews. 

MSU Extension and Michigan 4-H Youth Development help to prepare young people for successful futures. For more information or resources on career exploration, workforce preparation, financial education or youth entrepreneurship, email 4-HCareerPrep@anr.msu.edu or follow us on social media (Facebook and Instagram) by searching 4HCareers.