As discussed in the last installment, there are several avenues a career seeker might explore to obtain information about a specific field or industry. One of the most effective is the informational interview.

The premise behind the informational interview is that most people love to discuss their work — particularly with individuals who are considering careers in the same field. Ask the right questions and you can determine not only if you will enjoy a particular occupation but if you have what it takes to be successful at it. Informational interviews have proven extremely useful to people just starting out in the professional world as well as to individuals contemplating a career change.

Typically, an informational interview is requested of the employer by the job seeker. When setting up a meeting, tell the employer that you are considering a job in his profession. Ask if he would be willing to sit down with you for a few moments — at his convenience, of course – to discuss whether this would be an appropriate career choice for you.

While informational interviews lack the formality and pressure of traditional job interviews — after all, you’re the one asking the questions now — a certain level of professional decorum should be maintained. Never show up for an interview unannounced; prearrange a firm date and time. Come prepared with a list of pertinent questions. Dress as you would if you were interviewing for an actual job in the company. Put your best foot forward, if for no other reason than to allow the employer an opportunity to make an accurate assessment of your traits as compared with those of successful people in the field.

And who knows? Should you choose this career path, you may even end up working for the employer with whom you interviewed. Even if there are no job openings at that firm, the employer may be impressed enough to recommend you to a colleague who is looking to fill a position. In any event, informational interviewing is a great opportunity to develop a network that may come in very handy one day, so it’s in your best interests to behave accordingly.

And that includes remembering to send a thank-you note!

If you know of a job opening please contact Professional Career Services at 732.905.9700 or [email protected]

Yoel Tolwinski, Director of Placements
Shoshana  Smulowtiz, Director of Placements
Daniel Soloff, Director

(This article first appeared in the Hamodia)