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Career Corner: Preparing for your First Informational Interview Tip #2

An informational interview is setting up a time to speak to someone in your chosen field, so that you may learn what it is really like to work in that field, and learn about possible career opportunities

Here’s a tip to get you started:

Tip #2: Handle everything professionally.

Explain to the potential interviewer what you’re looking for up front so they know your expectations. Be honest! People understand the purpose of informational interviews so you don’t need to be coy. They’ll respect you for being direct about what you’re looking for yet polite and respectful of their time.

Ask how much time they have (30 minutes, an hour?) and be respectful of that. Set a time, don’t just call them out of the blue and expect them to be able to talk right then. If this is a friend or family member, try to keep the conversation on course with professional matters – you’ll be taken more seriously.

Rock on,
Hallie Crawford
Certified Career Coach