Center for Career Success

An interview is an exchange of information. It allows the employer to evaluate your personality, communication skills, attitudes, values, motivation, interests, and technical skills. The interview also enables you to obtain information about the organization in order to make an informed decision.

Knowing how to interview is one of the best skills you will ever have. This section of our website will provide you with steps to effective preparation, success on the interview day, and effective follow-up.

An informational interview is a meeting where you, the job seeker, talks with an individual who will provide insight into an industry, career, or organization. You can use the interview to ask for career advice and information, but not a job. These meetings can help you…

• Explore a new industry.
• Learn about the organization (which will help you with cover letters and interviewing).
• Get your foot in the door.
• Expand your network (and get referrals).
• Practice your networking skills.
• Find a mentor.

Remember, in an informational interview, YOU are the interviewer. You are not asking for a job; you are asking for information and advice.