Interviewing "Informants"
Informants are people whose present career resembles what you’d possibly like to do next. Let's see how to set up the interview, so that you can learn how they got to where you want to go.
Interviewing informants is a traditional method used for career changes. For more non-traditional methods, see Career Change the Stress-Free Way.
SCRIPT
If initial approach is by email:
Ms. Kane,
How are you? I was referred to you by ____ (or I saw your name in the conference brochure, on your website, whatever) and have a favor to ask of you.
I know you’re extremely busy. I am investigating a career in _____ . Since you’re a success in the field, would it be possible to have 20 minutes of your time to interview you? I would like to briefly find out your career path. Of all the steps you took to get to where you are today, what were the most important? What advice might you have for someone just starting out?
Please know that when I reach your level of success, I will kindly do the same for someone else.
In advance, thanks for your consideration.
Name
Telephone #
P.S. If possible, I’d like to interview you in person—again, for only 20 minutes. If not, the telephone is fine. Thanks.
If initial approach is by telephone:
You:
Ms. Kane? Hello, this is _____. I received your name from _________. I know that you’re quite successful in _______ and, since I am investigating a career in that field, I am calling to see if I could have 20 minutes of your time to interview you?
Personally, I prefer starting with email and then following up via telephone, if necessary.
INTERVIEW TIPS: DO’S AND DON’T’S
DO
- Prepare your questions ahead of time; see sample questions below.
- If in person, dress appropriately and arrive on time. Treat the meeting as you would a job interview, though no need to be nervous. You’re there to gather information and to see if you could imagine yourself in her or his place of business.
- Keep within the 20-minutes requested. Only stay longer if invited.
- Ask open ended questions, that is, questions that can’t be answered with a simple yes or no.
- Thank the person before and after the interview for their graciousness. Follow-up with a "Thank You" email.
DON’T
- Talk about yourself. You can briefly explain your situation, but very briefly. You are there to interview them, not to talk about yourself.
- Complain. NOT AT ALL. NADA. ZIP. ZERO.
- Ask about openings where they work. If they mention a possibility to you, fine. DO NOT ASK.
- Go over the time requested.
- Think that they are telling you everything. If possible, find informants who are friends of your friends so that you can (possibly) dig deeper than you can with a new acquaintance.
SAMPLE QUESTIONS
- How long have you been in _____? What was your career path like?
- When you first started your career, what surprised you most about it?
- What is the most rewarding part of your career?
- What is the least rewarding part of your career?
- If you had to do your career over again, what would you do differently?
- What advice do you have for someone just starting out?
