Career Guide 17-18

18-19 / 72

CAREER GUIDE 2017–2018
CLEMSON UNIVERSITY CENTER FOR CAREER AND PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
/ClemsonCCPD
19 18
INCREASE YOUR WORTH
INFORMATIONAL INTERVIEWING
The purpose of an informational interview is to learn more
about an occupation or industry that you might be interested in
pursuing. Informational interviews can also help in clarification
and confirmation of your career choice. This type of activity can
build confidence for real job interview situations. Networking
is a big advantage as well since interviewing allows you to
make new professional contacts and learn about employment
opportunities that may never be advertised.
An informational interview is NOT a time to ask for a job. It may
open up opportunities for future employment, but it is not a time
to plot your way into the company.
TIPS FOR NETWORKING AND MAKING NEW CONTACTS
Your network can include people you already know, such as
friends, relatives, other students, co-workers (present or
former), supervisors, advisers and neighbors. Professional
and trade organizations like Chambers of Commerce can be
useful as well. Organizational directories and trade journals
are beneficial in finding out the names of businesses and/or
organizations in your field of interest.
ARRANGING AN INFORMATIONAL INTERVIEW
This can be accomplished in several different ways. You can
email the person you would like to interview, you can call them
or you can send a letter.
HERE IS A SAMPLE SCRIPT FOR AN INITIAL PHONE CALL:
“Hello, my name is _______________________and I
am a student at Clemson University. (Name of the person
and place) referred me to you. I am trying to determine my
future career direction and I am interested in your field of
work. Would you be willing to spare 20 to 30 minutes to
meet with me and discuss your current position?”
(Be prepared to suggest days and times to meet.)
Here is a sample of what you can say in an email/letter:
WHAT SHOULD YOU DO IF THEY DECLINE?
Simply ask if they can refer you to someone else and always
thank the person for his/her time and consideration.
HOW SHOULD YOU PREPARE?
Make sure you know your own interests and abilities and how
they will relate to the company and type of job that you are
speaking with the person about. Dress as if you were going to
a job interview. Bring a notebook and prepared questions. Be
punctual, polite and professional. Stay specific and stay on
track. Express interest, listen attentively and show enthusiasm/
appreciation. Do not forget to relax!
Gather information about the company, the field, industry
and person you are going to meet. You may consult company
literature, the internet or articles in business magazines.
March 27, 2017
Mr. Joe Right
RIGHT, RIGHT and SONS
123 Right Avenue, Suite 123
Orange City, SC 12345
Dear Mr. Right:
I am currently a senior at Clemson University. In the fall, I
will begin studying at the USC School of Law. Labor Law has
been of interest to me since I took a class in the subject as
an undergraduate, and I plan on my area of concentration
being in this field of study.
Your practice has an outstanding reputation in this field,
and I would appreciate the opportunity to meet with you
to briefly discuss your specialty area. I am especially
interested in your views regarding public vs. private
employment experience. Any further insights you have would
be greatly appreciated.
I will contact your office the week of April 3rd to set a
mutually convenient time for this informational interview.
Sincerely,
Anthony X. Best Jr.
EXAMPLES OF QUESTIONS TO ASK
Getting started:
• What training is required for this type of work?
• What personal qualities or abilities are important to being
successful?
• How do people find out about job openings in your occupation?
• How did you get this position? What are common career paths?
• What types of training do companies offer people entering this
field?
• Are there internship or volunteer opportunities?
• What are typical hiring procedures?
• What areas of knowledge are most important for advancement
in this field? What degrees? Certification?
• If you were starting out again, would you do anything
differently?
DAILY WORK ROUTINE AND WORK ENVIRONMENT
• What do you do on a typical day in this position?
• What are your alternative career paths?
• How many people do you supervise and to whom do you report?
• What part of this job do you find the most challenging or
satisfying?
• What are the positive/negative aspects of your field?
• What are the “hot issues” in this field?
• How many hours do you typically work each week? Do you often
work in the evenings or weekends? Can you arrange your own
hours?
• What is a typical starting salary? Average salary? Other
benefits?
• What are some of the rewards of your occupation?
• What are the geographic restrictions in this field? How much
are you required to travel?
ABOUT THE ORGANIZATION, INDUSTRY AND FUTURE
• Please tell me more about your organization.
• How was your organization founded?
• What is unique about your organization?
• Do employees in this organization generally feel their jobs
are secure?
• Would you rather work for a smaller or a larger company? Why?
• Is there a demand for people in this occupation?
• What are the problems you see working in this field?
• How does your job fit into the organization or department?
• What is the “corporate culture” here, (i.e. is it formal,
informal, do people work autonomously, does everyone come
early, stay late)?
• What are the toughest challenges you face in the organization?
• How would you evaluate the future of this career field? How do
you see jobs in this field changing in the future? What areas
do you feel promise the most opportunity? The most growth?
• What opportunities for advancement are there in this field?
How will this job change over the next five years? 10 years?
• Is your organization expanding, shrinking or maintaining? Who
are the competitors in this field?
SPECIAL INTEREST QUESTIONS
• What advice would you give a person entering this field?
• What, if anything, do you wish you had known before you
entered this occupation?
• What professional journals in this field should I read?
• What strategy would you suggest for a person to break into
this field?
DO NOT FORGET TO ASK
• Can you suggest anyone else whom I could contact? When I
call him/her, may I use your name?
• What is the long-term/short-term outlook for hiring in this
field?
THE FOLLOW UP
Assess the interview:
• Did you get the information you needed?
• How do you feel about this occupation?
• Did you get an objective opinion?
• Immediately after the interview, record any information you
might need in the future.
• Keep records of everyone you meet (take business cards,
names and addresses).
KEEP IN TOUCH
• Write a thank you letter/email within 24 hours of the interview.
• Follow-up with future notes or phone calls to let the person
know his/her help has been of service and how you are doing
in your career exploration. This will further remind the person
of you and encourage him/her to let you know of future
opportunities.