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Features Column 2 Too much information: Tips on informational interviews

Hi Cathy,
A lot of people have told me that it's important to go on informational interviews, but do they really help?
—Tami from New Jersey

Yes!!!! (I just shouted that, in case you missed the emphasis!). Informational interviews are a crucial step in building relationships and contacts. More on that in a minute. They're also a great way to get an inside scoop on a field and even on an organization—it's amazing how much you can learn about an organization by sitting in its waiting room or talking to the receptionist. For example, you can often tell whether an organization is more or less casual just by looking at how people are dressed, how the space is laid out, and whether you're offered a beverage or even a smile on your way in.

Informational interviews are especially helpful if you're switching careers and don't know what kind of background, education, or otherwise is necessary in your area of interest. You know it's time to consider one when you've done lots of web and other research and talked to as many people as you know, and still have questions about a field or a position. They aren't called information interviews for nothing: before making the call, you need to do your homework and figure out who it would be most helpful to speak with. Having some connection to the person makes it easier to "land" the interview, but it's possible even without one. The key is to draw on your research and reference something the individual or her organization has done that you find really nifty! You should ask for no more than 20 or 30 minutes of someone's time and it's crucial to come prepared with five or six specific questions. Good questions include: What jobs and education prepared you for this position? Is there a typical background to get into your position? What aspects of your job do you love and why?

It's a good idea to bring a resume that you've tailored to the field you're interested in and even to a specific position if you know what it is. It's not always appropriate to leave a resume. Indeed, it can be too much information, but if you get the signal from the person you're interviewing that they're open to it, go for it! Sometimes, the signal is as direct as "Do you have a resume?" Other times, it may be more subtle as in, "If I had a better sense of what your experience is..." And, before you wrap up, you should always gently ask if the person knows other people or organizations it would be helpful for you to make a connection with.

In addition to a thank you in person, it's really important to follow-up with a heartfelt, written thank you. Just remember you never want to be disingenuous, but if you just happen to have done a little research and you can offer your interviewee some information on something she seemed interested in, well, sometimes, there's no such thing as too much information!