Two of the best ways to gather real-world information about your chosen field are informational interviews and job shadows.
Informational Interviews
Sage Ross/Wikimedia Commons.
- Figuring out whom and how to ask for an interview;
- Conducting the interview;
- Last but not least: Sending a thank-you note.
Whom and How to Ask for an Interview
If you've worked on building your network of contacts, this should be pretty easy. Another way to find people to interview is to go to a professional development event for the field that you wish to pursue. Interested in teaching? Attend a National Science Teachers Association conference. Interested in science writing? Go to a National Association of Science Writers meeting. Once there, introduce yourself to people and when you meet someone whose job seems interesting, ask if you could meet them for an informational interview. It's that easy.
Conducting the Interview
Okay, you've got the interview scheduled, now what? There are many questions that you can ask during an informational interview. Just about the only question that you shouldn't ask is: "Do you have a job open?" Remember that you are there to gather information, not to find a job. The following is a list of potential informational interview questions, but you should really tailor your list to the person and the type of position:
- What type of training did you pursue for your job?
- What is a typical day like for you?
- What do you like about your job?
- What do you dislike about your job?
- Were there any surprises about your job?
- What type of professional development do you want?
- What advice would you give someone interested in your line of work?
- How do you see your field changing in the next five to ten years?
- Perhaps the most important question, asked at the end of the interview: Is there anyone else you can recommend that I talk with?
This final question is crucial because it allows you to expand your network further, and you never know where that may lead.
Sending a Thank-You Note
The importance of the thank-you note can't be emphasized enough. Almost no one sends written thank-you notes these days, so sending one to the person you interviewed will instantly make you stand out from the crowd, and the person is more likely to remember you. The note doesn't have to be long; a few sentences thanking the person for taking the time to meet with you is sufficient. The note will be appreciated.
