Informational interview toolkit

Preparing for your Interview

Once the interview is scheduled, here’s what you can do to be as prepared as possible.

Research your interviewee’s background using LinkedIn.

Research person’s company on their website.

Check the news for recent stories and developments at the company or in the field.

Make a list of questions to ask during the interview.

Practice and prepare your networking pitch.

Call or email the day before the meeting to confirm the date, time, and location.

Plan your travel to arrive at least 5 minutes early. Factor in elevators and parking if necessary.

Plan ahead for what you’re going to wear, and make sure your outfit is clean, free of wrinkles and avoid a lot of jewelry or strongly-scented cologne or perfume.

Do anything you need to do prior to the meeting to feel your best self.

Bring pen and paper so that you can take notes on any follow-up items discussed in the conversation.

If one of your goals for the interview is to get feedback on your resume, make sure to bring a copy with you.

During the Interview

Here are some tips for making the most of the interview itself.

After the Interview

Timely, friendly follow up will send a great message to your new contact.

Always write a thank you note or email – ideally within 24 hours of your meeting.
In your message, in addition to thanking them for their time, make sure to list out specifically any follow-up actions that you discussed in your meeting.
After your initial follow-up note, stay in touch with everyone you have spoken to about your job search, and keep them posted on your progress.

Greet your interviewee warmly.
Be ready with a version of your networking pitch.
Sit up straight and make good eye contact.
Ask your questions, but try to make it more of a conversation than an inquisition.
Remember that one of your key goals is to build a friendly rapport with your interviewee.
Stay aware of the time so that you don’t exceed the amount of time that you requested.
If the conversation is going well and it looks like you’re going to go over time, check in with your interviewee to make sure that you are not keeping them from another appointment.
At the end of the meeting, thank your interviewee.
Confirm any follow-up actions that either of you discussed.
Make sure to ask them if there are other people they would recommend that you contact.