Informational Interview Assignment

Assignment: Conduct one Informational Interview with a networking contact. Use the following process to document what you did:

1.  Identify 5 potential contacts â document who you chose/will be doing the informational interview with.
2. Do your Homework: Since you will be responsible for directing the interview and asking the questions, take notes on who you are, what are your skills and why you are interested in this particular industry. Then, draft at least 5 questions you will use during this interview.
3. Set up the meeting: Make a phone call or send an email (phone is preferred) if the contact is in your network; or you can have someone else introduce you if the contact is outside your network. Document when and where the meeting will take place.
4. Conduct the interview. Dress appropriately. Bring your notes and questions. Proceed through your questions, taking notes and allowing the conversation to evolve. Donât forget to ask to stay in touch. Document/summarize the interview.
5. Follow-up. Write a hand-written thank you note; be sure to include something that came up during the interview you found helpful. Record the meeting. Document your follow-up for this assignment.