A career information interview helps you expand your knowledge and understanding of a field you’re exploring. You can ask questions about job atmosphere, salary scale, co-workers, etc.  You may even develop a career network. 

While the interview allows you to practice your interview skills, remember you are not asking for a job. You are asking questions about a career that might interest you. 

The Process

It is especially helpful if you know a relative, friend, or neighbor involved in the field or at least someone who can refer you to a potential contact; it’s always easier to talk to someone who is familiar.

Strangers will be more receptive to talking to you if you do the following:

1. Indicate that you are seeking personalized information about their field before you decide to enter it. 
2. Confirm the person’s job title by asking. 
3. Sound enthusiastic and delighted to have reached this person. 
4. Refer to the research you’ve already reviewed about this field or company. 
5. Ask if you can have a specific amount of time to interview this person (e.g., 15 to 20 minutes). 
6. Try to arrange the interview at the person’s work site, so you can determine first-hand how it might feel to work there. 
7. Keep to your agreed-upon time frame. Never ask about employment. 
8. Thank your interviewee and follow up with a thank-you note.

Sample Questions

Identify several people who can provide the answers you need for your career discernment and planning.

• How did you decide on this career? 
• What kind of person succeeds most easily in this career/job? What single personality trait would you say is most critical to success in this occupation?
• To be effective at this kind of work, what skills are most essential? 
• Describe a typical day on your job. 
• What are the most attractive features of this job? 
• What are the disagreeable aspects of this job? 
• How can a person be creative and original on this job? 
• What is the employment outlook for this field? 
• What are the opportunities for promotion and advancement in this career? 
• What is the likelihood of relocation or transfer? 
• How much and what kind of pressure is felt on this job? 
• Regarding performance reviews, what standards are used to judge and evaluate an employee’s effectiveness? 
• What sort of compensation can a person new to this field expect, and what financial rewards are normal as one progresses in the field? 
• What are some new developments in the field that you find interesting? 
• How does your job affect your general lifestyle? 
• Do you know of anyone who could also offer a perspective on the type of work you do? May I say that you suggested that I contact him or her?