Informational Interviews, Part III: How to Conduct an Informational Interview

By: Kandice Thorn

The past few weeks, we have been discussing informational interviewing.  As mentioned in these posts (see Part I and Part II), informational interviews are an incredibly useful and efficient networking tool.  In the previous weeks, we discussed myths associated with informational interviewing and how to set up an informational interview.  This week, we will discuss how to conduct the actual interview.


In discussing the actual conduct of an informational interview, I will focus on two overarching considerations: content and impression.  By "content," I mean the information you are trying to glean by doing the informational interview.  By "impression," I am referring to the impression you make on the interviewer.  Both of these aspects are important and can have a tremendous effect on your job search.

Content 

An informational interview is nothing like a job interview.  In an informational interview, you are the interviewer.  You are seeking information from the interviewee, so you must take the lead.  Do your homework before going to the interview by doing the following:

• researching the interviewee by looking at his or her law firm profile and LinkedIn profile; 
• learning as much as you can about the interviewee's practice area, including recent news and developments; and 
• researching the interviewee's employer.  

This advance research will enable you to ask informed questions and gain information that will be valuable in your job search.  You should devise a list of questions in advance of the interview, but when you are in the interview, try not to be too tied to your list.  Make sure you get answers to your most important questions, but also let the conversation flow naturally.

You will create your own list of questions based on who you are interviewing, as well as your particular needs and goals, but here are a few sample questions:

• What is the day-to-day work in a particular practice area?
• What are the various career options for successful attorneys in a particular practice?
• What are the skills necessary for success in a particular practice?
• What is the most challenging aspect of your job? The most rewarding?
• How did this type of work interest you and how did you get started?
• How did you get your job? What jobs and experiences have led you to your present position?
• Are there any classes you suggest I take in order to prepare for a career in this practice area?
• What sorts of changes are occurring in a particular practice area?
• Do you have any advice for someone interested in this practice area? Are there any materials you suggest I read?
• Do you know of other people whom I might talk to regarding this practice area? (this question is very important, as it can lead to more informational interviews and increase your professional network exponentially)

Impression

While an informational interview is not a job interview, the same standards of professionalism apply to job interviews and informational interviews alike.  The informational interview is your opportunity to make a good impression.  You should not ask the interviewee for jobs or leads for jobs outright, but you want to make such a positive impression that the interviewee will think of you if any opportunities arise.  

In an informational interview, you should appear confident, professional, and poised.  Your questions should be informed and insightful to show that you are engaged and well prepared for the type of work you are seeking.

To make a good impression, there are a few points to remember:

• arrive at the interview on time--this means five minutes early;
• dress as though you were attending a job interview (business casual attire may be appropriate in some scenarios, but it is never wrong to be overdressed and being dressed too casually could lead the interviewee to think you are not serious);
• practice a confident handshake;
• do not chew gum;
• turn off your cell phone;
• practice good hygiene; 
• if you smoke, make sure you do not smell like smoke;
• keep your attire very conservative and professional--nothing flashy or fashion-forward.

After the interview, thank the interviewer for his or her time and follow up with a thank you email.

For more information about networking and informational interviewing, students should review the GPDP Networking Mini-Guide, available at law.fordham.edu/gpdpresources.  

Initially, this post was supposed to be the last of a three-part series, however I decided that one more post would be necessary to close out this topic.  So, Part IV will be our final installment next week and will cover "How to Botch an Informational Interview (Don't Let This Happen to You)."

Happy Networking!

Also Read:
Informational Interviewing Part I
Informational Interviewing Part II
Informational Interviewing Part IV