Informational Interviewing: Another Tool in Your Discovery Toolbox

Informational interviews, according to employment consultants Griffin-Hammis Associates, Inc., are a great way to: 

• develop Discovery activities that make sense for the job seeker, like a situational assessment or a work experience; 
• build a job placement network; 
• discover new kinds of jobs;
• introduce yourself and your services to employers; and
• build the mental database that all of us rely on for employment ideas before beginning a job search with someone. 

Fabulous. So why is it that employment specialists aren’t doing more of them?  Probably because the gift of gab doesn’t come easily to some of us, and we feel as if we’re imposing on an employer, asking for their time. This post is all about moving out of your comfort zones and learning to ask questions!

In the Indiana Employment Services Model, informational interviews fall under Discovery. Since Discovery activities should be targeted and purposeful, based on each consumer’s individualized needs and informed choice, you won’t need to conduct an informational interview with an employer for every person on your caseload.

Why, then, would you conduct an informational interview? 

Griffin-Hammis trainer Patty Cassidy says an informational interview can:

• help refine vocational themes.
• reveal skills and tasks found in workplaces.
• reveal conditions of employment.
• serve as a warm-up to job development.
• keep you thinking in different ways.
• provide INFORMATION!

Informational Interview Graphic. Click here to see larger view.

Keep in mind, says Cassidy: No selling occurs; an informational interview is only a conversation with someone with similar interests. Let the opportunities evolve from the conversation. Employment specialists should help guide the initial interaction, watch for opportunities, and highlight mutual interests. The client should be present during the interview with the employer and be a part of the conversation.

How do you conduct an informational interview?

• Set up the interview. Ask for 20-30 minutes. Keep it casual. 
• Prepare your client; do your homework.
• Use "smooth listening" with the employer (you're there to learn).
• Observe everything.
• Ask for advice--find warm leads. 

What questions should you ask?

Here's a simple list of sample questions (and a few you should avoid). Informational Interview Questions

Need more information? Flip through this presentation from Patty Cassidy, of Griffin-Hammis, who talked with us about informational interviewing in a 2015 Check & Connect webinar.  Informational Interviews