Informational interviewing is the process of gathering career information from people who are already working in occupations, organizations, or geographic locations that interest you. If you are in the process of
these interviews may help you explore your possibilities. This is also a helpful strategy to use when connecting with an alumni mentor.
Reach out to someone and ask for a meeting to discuss their organization and what they do in their job. Make it clear you are interested in gathering information and advice and that you want to learn from them. You are not asking for a job.
Whether you’re asking someone you know and trust or contacting a complete stranger, sometimes reaching out can be a little uncomfortable. Just remember – many people will feel flattered and be glad to accommodate you!
PRO TIP Make sure to offer specific suggested meeting dates and times. It will help the recipient quickly and easily respond to your suggestion rather than putting the responsibility on them to find and offer available meeting times.
Resources for Reaching Out
LinkedIn | Find and message AU alumni or other professionals of interest
CareerShift | Find email addresses and phone numbers for company contacts
Handshake | Contact other students at Auburn or across the country at other universities
Dear [Title. Last name],
My name is [your name], and I am a [year in school] interested in [insert academic interests, community activities etc.] from [insert your hometown]. I am reaching out because [insert reason]. I would appreciate the opportunity to learn more about [name two or three things you’d like to discuss based on your personal interests and what you’ve learned about the person through any online research].
Would you be willing to speak with me by phone, over Zoom, or another video conference platform? I have access to/familiarity with the following platforms: [insert platforms you are familiar
with using]. [Share suggested availability and time zone.]
Thank you for considering and I look forward to future conversations with you!
War Eagle, [if alumni] OR Best regards,
[Your name]
Plan open-ended questions that will stimulate discussion and enable both of you to learn about each other. See a list of sample questions on page 2.
Determine the preferred medium for the interview based on your contact’s availability – phone, video platform, or
in-person. Plan ahead what you want to communicate about yourself: interests, goals, traits. Plan a personal introduction or elevator pitch to introduce yourself.
Conduct research by looking at
Even if you are getting great information and don’t want the meeting to end, make sure to be respectful of your interviewee’s time. When you have 10 minutes left before your meeting is scheduled to end, mention that you want to be “mindful of time” and note the time you have left. This gives the interviewee the opportunity to extend their interview, or transition to a conclusion. They’ll appreciate your respectfulness and professionalism.
PRO TIP Wear a watch to check the time rather than checking your phone.
Remember to send thank-you notes! A few lines thanking them for their time and advice will indicate your appreciation and will keep you in their memory. Be specific about what you learned during the interview.
Make sure to continue communicating so the experience is not limited to a one-time conversation, but grows into
an established contact.
Preparation
Current Role
Industry
Lifestyle
Job Searching
Advice
Referral