What's an Informational Interview anyway?

No doubt many of you recent college grads have been given the opportunity to come in and meet with HR for an Information Interview. In this market we see professional of all levels being offered this option more and more as well.

This style isn’t the standard job focused interview, but more so an exploratory meeting where you may ask the majority of the questions to the prospective employer. The desired outcome for all is a strong foundation of information for both parties with future aspirations of an employee-employer relationship as suitable positions become available.

Below are 11 Informational Interview Questions that touch upon several areas. This is a great condensed list that you may use as a guide, adding questions along the way as they naturally develop from conversation with the Human Resources professional or hiring manager.

11 Informational Interview Questions

•What is a typical day like in your job?
•What part of this job do you personally find most satisfying, and most challenging?
•How did you get started in this field?
•Why did you decide to work for this company?
•What do you like most about this company?
•Why do customers/clients choose this company?
•How does your company differ from its competitors?
•How is the economy affecting this industry? Has the company made any recent changes to improve its business practices and profitability?
•In what areas do you see the company expanding? Do you foresee the opening of new markets or greater globalization? Do you predict development of new services?
•What is the company's mission statement?
•What can you tell me about the corporate culture?

After all of the questions have been asked and answered, seal the deal with a personalized Thank You note or email highlighting some of your relative strengths and potential contributions.

Going forward, mark your calendar to check in every 3-4 weeks to reconfirm your interest and continue building the relationship.

Happy Hunting!
Jennifer