Interviewing Professionals for Career and Job Hunting Information

    An information interview is a structured meeting through which a Mason student or alumnus gathers information from a Career Network member (or other professional) about a career field, an occupation or an organization. This information can be used to help make a decision about a major or career or to help find out about job openings and qualifications required in particular fields.

How to Begin

• Interview a friend, relative, faculty member, coworker (current or former) or member of an organization to which you belong. Some persons in your circle are likely to have information about the career field you are investigating and know someone to whom they can refer you.
• Career Network is a great way to begin. Through this network, George Mason University alumni and friends have agreed to share information about their career fields, positions and organizations. In addition, some offer opportunities for students to shadow them at work to experience their career fields more fully.

Arranging Interviews

Most students arrange their interviews by phone or email. Others prefer to send an introductory letter and follow it with a phone call. Career Network members indicate the ways they prefer to be contacted. Read Script Guidelines for Arranging Interviews.

Preparing for the Interview and Choosing Questions

Determine which of the purposes below relate to your needs and note the preparation tips and sample questions:

• Purpose One: Questions about the Career Field/Positions
• Purpose Two: Questions on Issues in the Field and on Improving your Qualifications and Resume
• Purpose Three: Questions about Job Hunting and Job Openings

Thanking the Member after the Interview

    Within two to three days of the interview, send a brief thank you letter. This letter can be handwritten or word-processed (but be sure it is free of errors). You might want to call attention to some particular information that you found helpful. An email thank you is acceptable; however, a letter is preferable.

    Plan to stay in touch with the persons who have helped you. Keep them informed of your progress and, as you begin job hunting, inquire about new referrals and job leads. Share your success as you make career decisions and land that professional job. Your contacts take pride in helping you achieve success

A Few Additional Reminders

• Dress in the most professional attire that your wardrobe allows. The closer you are to interviewing for a job, the more critical professional dress becomes.
• Arrive on time.
• If an emergency or unexpected problem arises which prevents your going, call the person immediately.
• Refer, as needed to your list of questions during the interview.
• Take few notes during the interview. Concentrate rather on listening carefully and attentively.
• Enjoy the Experience! Since you are the interviewer, you do not have the same pressures as in a job interview. At the same time, the experience helps you develop your interviewing skills-firm handshake, good eye contact, relaxed but erect posture, clear speaking, careful listening.