Informational Interview Timeline

1. Research Career Fields and Occupations

• Identify a field interests you
• Conduct research to narrow down your options
• Review info on web-based resources

2. Identify Companies and organizations

• Research companies and organizations related to your targeted field, to gain a sense of how you can apply your knowledge and skill-set

3. Identify People

• Identify professionals in your field: professors, friends, family or people from organizations you’ve researched
• Use social media tools like LinkedIn to follow companies and people working your targeted field

4. Conduct Informational interviews

• Meet with individuals who do jobs you are interested in
• Contact may be in person, by phone or online
• You are not asking for a job, but asking about information about working in the field

5. Follow up and maintenance

• Thank those who referred you to networking contacts, granted you an information interview or provided advice.
• Find ways to keep in touch