You can get a great deal of valuable information about the world of work from people employed in various occupations. To identify employed individuals who may be able to supply you with current, comprehensive career information, begin with those persons most easily accessible to you; your family, friends, co-workers, school, and other resources.  Copy and paste this assignment onto a Word document before your complete it.  Remember to use the “Track Changes” tool.

REMEMBER:

·       You are not asking for a job.

·       You have the right and the responsibility to yourself to seek information from those who can help you.

·       Prepare yourself for the information interview by learning as much as you can about the field and the person you will be interviewing.

·       Prepare a list of questions you want to ask

·       Be prepared to take notes during the interview.

·       Express interest and appreciation.

·       Who did you interview?

·       Where do they work?

·       What is his/her career?

STANDARD INFORMATION INTERVIEW QUESTIONS:

1.    How would you characterize this career? (Competitive, conservative, rapidly changing, stressful, etc.)

2.    What are your predictions for the future for this career? Is it expanding?

3.    Are qualified workers needed in this field? Where is the greatest need?

4.    What is the potential income for this career? What is the typical starting salary range?

5.    What is a typical day/week like in your job?

6.    What do you like most about your job? What do you like least?

7.    If you were hiring someone for this job, what kind of person would you hire? What skills and personal attributes are most important? What qualifications would a person need?

8.    How did you get into this career? What was your career path?

9.    What personal advice would you give to someone wanting to enter and advance in this career field?

10.What education or training is required? What courses/major should a person choose? What schools are best to attend?

11.What are typical mistakes people make that prevent advancement in this career?

FEEL FREE TO MAKE UP YOUR OWN QUESTIONS. BE SURE TO MAKE NOTES OF ANSWERS GIVEN.

Notes on interview: