CSU-San Bernardino Career Guide - Flipbook - Page 29
Informational Interview
An informational interview is a networking technique that can expand your professional connections, provide
further insight into your chosen feld, and deepen your understanding of the skills and possible strategies to
achieve your career goal. It is also a great way to build rapport with new and existing connections.
Why are Informational
Interviews Important?
• Connect and network with people in your feld.
• Build rapport, which may open new professional
opportunities.
• Confrm or clarify career path and career interests.
• Gain valuable “insider” information about your feld or
desired position.
• Information gained can assist you with developing a
career plan to achieve your career goal.
Who to Interview?
• Experts in the feld that you are pursuing.
• Individuals who holds the position you desire to
obtain.
• Ideally, select someone who you know, have met, or
have a mutual connection with.
How do I Find Them?
• Personal/Professional/Academic Network
• Career fairs, showcases, or employer events
• Guest speakers from courses
• LinkedIn
• Mutual Connections
• Coyote Network
Example Email
Subject: CSUSB Comm. Student - Informational
Interview Request (Cady Coyote)
Sample Questions for an
Informational Interview
1. What experience led you to your current position
in the organization?
2. What is your role’s typical day (or week)?
3. What responsibilities does your job entail?
4. What prior experiences are essential to break into
the feld?
5. What are the most critical skills needed to succeed
in this feld?
6. What do you like most and least about your
position or working in this industry?
7. If you could start all over again, would you change
your career path in any way? What would you
change it to?
8. What did you wish you would’ve known coming
into this feld?
9. What are the various jobs in this feld or
organization?
10. How do you stay up to date on trends in the
industry?
11. What are some current challenges for those
working in this feld today?
12. What kind of job-hunting strategies would you
suggest?
13. What advice do you have for recent college
graduates?
Presented
By:
Dear Ms. Martinez,
Dr. Feinstein, a Professor at California State University, San Bernardino, suggested
I contact you regarding my interest in public relations. I am Cady Coyote, a
sophomore majoring in communication specializing in PR at CSUSB.
Eager to learn more about the realities of a PR career, would
you be open to a 20-30 minute informational interview
at a time convenient to you, to discuss your current role,
your career path in PR, and any insights you might have for
someone just starting?
I am happy to meet virtually or in person. I have attached
my resume for your reference. Thank you for your time and
consideration.
Sincerely,
Cady Coyote
CSUSB | 29
