Practicing for the Informational Interview
This activity aims to practice for an informational interview.
Discuss
A final piece of preparing for an informational interview is practicing! This means practicing how you introduce yourself, asking your questions, and listening to the answers. Something else that is really important to prepare for in an informational interview is being present also known as active listening. When we are actively listening, we are thinking about what the other person is saying and not just our own thoughts. This helps make for good conversation and to help you get the most out of your informational interview experience.
Watch
Active Listening (Video – 1:27min). Have you ever found yourself daydreaming? Or thinking of other things when someone is talking to you? We have all done it before. It can be hard to focus and actively listen sometimes.
- What did this video share about what to do if you find yourself daydreaming or being distracted?
- How can people tell if you are actively listening? How can someone tell if you’re distracted?
- Sometimes it can be hard to make eye contact or sit still. What strategies do you use or can you use that help you? [Note to Instructors: Strategies can include: looking near someone’s eyes, like their forehead or the space between their eyes; using a fidget if it’s difficult to be still; or planning movement breaks.]
Interactive Opportunity
Most have heard the saying “practice makes perfect” but what if we think about it as “practice makes it easier” instead. The more we practice something, usually the easier it becomes. This is true for playing an instrument, a sport, even practicing conversation. Practicing also helps our confidence and helps us get better at something. We are going to practice together. I will be the interviewee, and you will be the interviewer. Let’s practice these steps and when you’re ready we can start!
- Start by introducing yourself. You can use your script to introduce yourself. Elevator Speech Social Script or Graphic Organizer for Your Elevator Speech.
- Prepare to ask some of the questions you wrote down.
- You can practice saying these out loud several times until you feel comfortable.
- Be ready to actively listen and take notes.
Resource
Elevator Speech Social Script and Graphic Organizer for Your Elevator Speech.
[Note for Instructors: Complete an informational interview with the students. As the instructor, you will act as the interviewee and answer questions about your job and career. If holding this activity in a school, you can also have a teacher, school administrator, professor, or other school personnel participate act as the interviewee. If holding this activity in the community like a library, you can invite a coworker or supervisor from your agency, or ask library administrator to act as the interviewee. Allow time for feedback as well. It is important to note that some students may feel nervous or anxious about speaking up and asking questions. Validate these concerns, practice how to ask questions, and support the student to step out of their comfort zone.]
Extending the Conversation
If you are interested in setting up your own informational interview you can reach out to that person. You can send an email, text, or ask in person. Keep it simple: explain who you are, why you’re interested in their work, and ask if they’d be willing to chat for 15–20 minutes.
Before the interview, prepare your questions. Focus on things you really want to know, like what their job is like, how they got started, or what advice they have for someone like you. You can work with your instructor on what dates and times work best prior to scheduling.
- Check out the below resources if needing support with script for a cold call or cold email.
- It’s ok if someone says no. Not everyone may have the time. If someone says no, you can thank them for taking the time to consider your ask. You can also ask if they know of anyone that would have the time to meet with you.