Interviewing Skills

Informational Interviewing

• What is Informational Interviewing?
• What to do before the informational interview?
• Remember to do your homework
• Career Library, Room 023
• How do I arrange an interview?
• What do I ask in an informational interview?
• Evaluating the interview
• Remember thank you notes
• Hints during interviewing for information

Job Interviewing

• Traits on which you may be judged
• UMD Sample Evaluation used by some recruiters who interview on campus
• Questions asked at an interview

The Relaxation Response

• Techniques for when you become nervous in an interview

Informational Interviewing

What is Informational Interviewing?

What's in it for me?

Informational interviewing can provide the following benefits:

• First hand and current information allows you to learn what happens on the job beyond the understanding provided through your course work or other outside research. This would not only provide personal understanding but it could also result in your becoming a more impressive job candidate.
• You gain a perspective of work that goes beyond the limitations of job titles allowing you to see not only what skills are required for the job but how you might fit into that work setting. Thus, you have greater flexibility in planning options.
• Because informational interviewing is comparatively low-stress, you gain confidence in talking with people while learning what you need to know.
• Because you are only asking for information, you are in control of the interview; you decide which questions to ask. Later, evaluate the acquired information for personal use.
• Informational interviewing allows you to make a network of contacts that may be helpful in the future.
• Informational interviewing provides an opportunity to meet with potential employers before the more stressful (for both parties) job interview.
• This opportunity will expose you to a variety of jobs and personalities of companies/agencies making the search for your "niche" that much easier.
• It is an opportunity to learn where you might fit into a particular organization.

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What to do before the Informational Interview?

• Which skills do you possess and most enjoy using?
• In which state, city or area would you most want to work?
• Given your interests and skills, which occupational environments befit you? For example, if you're interested in teaching adults, do you want to teach at a university, adult educational center, business setting, etc.?
• Within the organization(s) you defined in #3, what kinds of people would you like to be surrounded by?
• What would be the ideal goals, purposes and values of your chosen organization(s)?
• Which working conditions would enhance your contributions to the organization?
• What level of responsibility do you hope to undertake in the organization and at what salary level?

This process takes time; but, since most people overlook many of their assets and since finding answers to these questions is not only the basis for informational interviewing but for the whole job search process, your effort will be well spent.

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Remember to do your homework

You should be prepared. Research the organization, person you'll be speaking with, product produced by the organization, etc.. If your contact is an alumnus, look him/her up in the Alumni Directory's biographical material. Try easily accessible periodicals such as The Boston Globe, The New York Times, etc..

The more you know, the better you'll be able to formulate questions pertaining to the organization, job, etc.. The more knowledge you have, the more confident you will feel about your ability to communicate effectively. Remember... Knowledge.

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Career Library, Room 023

For valuable resources and guides that supply basic career and job information as well as employer names, addresses and contact sources, check in the Career Resource Library. If you can't find what you are looking for, don't hesitate to ask one of the counselors for help.

Also, write to organizations for brochures and pamphlets for additional information.

Ask yourself what it is you want to know and then figure out who has an investment in knowing that sort of information. Use the University library.

If you know what skills you have and enjoy using, but aren't sure how they fit into an area of work and therefore do not know who to talk to, start with just one skill and translate it into a person. For example, if one of your skills is organizing people, you might speak with the chairperson of a community fund-raising campaign. In your interview, ask that person if they know what job might use _____ and _____ (your top two skills) or if they could refer you to someone who might know. When you have found someone whose work utilizes your top two skills, ask if he/she could lead you to someone who would know how to combine those two skills plus one more and so on.. Continue this process until you have spoken with at least one person who is currently using the skills you possess and would most like to use.

The benefit of focusing on skills is that you may combine your abilities in a way that could lead to employment; on the other hand, if you had exclusively focused on job titles, a job lead might not have occurred.

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How do I arrange an Informational Interview

• Writing a letter
• Calling on the phone
• Do what you say or write

Writing a letter:

An intoductory letter, written much like a cover letter without the job pitch, is a great way to get your name out there. Although an introductory letter should be typewritten, neat print is acceptable. Enclose a resume and send it to his/her business address. If you have reason to believe a secretary may route your letter to personnel instead of the person with whom you wish to speak, you may choose to write to the home address. Your letter should include: A brief introduction about yourself; the fact that you are an UMass Dartmouth student; why you are writing to this individual; a brief statement of your interests or experiences in the person's field, organization or location and why you would like to converse. Be straight-forward; tell him/her you are asking for information and advice. The last paragraph of the letter should always include a sentence about how and when you will contact this person again. THEN MAKE SURE TO FOLLOW THE LETTER AS YOU SAID! Usually this involves a phone call to set up a phone appointment or an informational interview. Never expect the person to phone you. If you have had difficulties contacting the person, ask the receptionist for a convenient time to phone again. PROOFREAD ALL CORRESPONDENCE AND SAVE COPIES!

Telephone the person directly:

Be prepared to explain to the person what it is you are seeking. "My name is _______ and I am a student at ______. I'm interested in ______ (the work he/she does or another area of mutual interest) and I was wondering if you might have 20 or 30 minutes during which we could speak about...." Be sure to send a letter reiterating your interests, etc.. You might drop in and ask if he/she would see you without an appointment. While writing and phoning are more formal methods of contacting a person, what is important is that you find an approach with which you and the individuals you are contacting are most comfortable.

The actual interview:

Whether it is by phone or in person, keep it relatively short; ask for a half-hour of time. If someone wishes to give you more, they will let you know. Be polite and charming! Really listen to what the person tells you and be informed whenever possible. Although you are actually in charge of the interview, you should be prepared to speak half of the time and listen the other half. However, the person may wish to talk more and, if so, you will know immediately. In any case, you should be prepared with topics to discuss and have solid questions.

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What do I ask in an informational interview?

It's your job to keep the interview going. Have questions scripted out before showing up for the interview and you'll avoid embarassing lulls in the conversation. Here are some typical questions you might want to ask during an informational interview:

• How did this type of work interest you and how did you get started?
• Does your work relate to any experiences or studies you had in college?
• What does your job entail? Please describe a typical day? (e.g., what have you done yesterday or today?)
• What's the necessary or recommended education or training essential for competent job performance?
• How did your college experience prepare you for this job?
• What do you like and dislike about this job (organization)? Why?
• Do you find it exciting or boring? Why?
• How has your job affected your lifestyle?
• What entry level opportunities are available?
• What is the salary range at both entry level and higher? Is there a ceiling?
• What are the prospects for advancement?
• What are the different jobs in this field or organization?
• What is a typical career path in this field or organization?
• What position is best for learning as much as possible?
• Is there any type of training program?
• Which skills and experiences are necessary?
• These are my strongest assets (skills, areas of knowledge, personality traits and values):___________________________________
  • Where would they fit in this field?
  • Where would they be helpful in this organization?
  • Where might they fit in other fields?
  • Where might they be helpful in other organizations?
  • Do you have any advice on how to enter this field (organization)?
  • Who else would you recommend my speaking with for advice?
  • Who else shares the similar characteristics which I have described about myself?
  • How would you describe the working atmosphere and the people with whom you work?
  • Is there a basic philosophy of the company or organization and, if so, what is it? (Is it a people, service or product oriented business?)
  • Can you suggest reading material which might give me further insight into this field (organization)?

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Evaluating the interview:

In evaluating the interview and making the best use of the acquired information, ask yourself the following questions:

• What did I learn from this interview (both positive and negative impressions)?
• How does what I learned fit with my own interests, abilities, goals, values, etc.?
• What do I still need to know?
• What plan of action can I make?

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Always remember thank-you notes...

Always write a thank-you note within a few days after the interview. This shows appreciation for the time he/she spent with you. Most people prefer to receive type-written thank-you notes; however, you may send a hand-written one should you judge it appropriate in your case.

If possible, keep these people informed about your progress. If you have done your job well, they will be interested in your final choices.

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Hints during interviewing for information:

• Never just ask for a job! It immediately endangers your relationship with the person and puts them on the defensive. By keeping their role that of an advisor, they will open up more and get to know you better. If they know of opportunities, they will tell you what steps to take as long as you don't put them on the spot.
• Ask each person you interview for suggestions of other people with whom you might speak with.
• If you ask for 30 minutes of a person's time, stick to the limit.
• Take all information given with a grain of salt. Don't settle for just one or two interviews about a given area of work; a broad information base is essential.
• Avoid impressions about an area of work based solely on whether the person interviewed was likeable.
• The whole process of informational interviewing should take place without indicating primary interest of employment; at this point, your purpose is to gather information. While you may want to ask whom you should speak with about employment, do not expect your interviewee to get you a job.
• When in an interview, ask what you want to know but really let the person talk because you might discover and acquire information about unanticipated areas of employment.
• Note your reactions on an objective level, but don't ignore personal feelings; what you naturally gravitate toward or away from is very important.
• Find out if the interviewee has any insight on the qualifications necessary for a position such as the one you are discussing.
• Talking with people doesn't have to be a formal process or one you practice only when job hunting. Chat with people casually--on a plane or bus, while waiting in lines, at social gatherings, etc.. Since most people enjoy talking about their work, curiosity can open many doors.

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Job Interviewing

Traits on which you may be judged in a job interview

• Personal Characteristics;
  • Do you have good grooming? Do you have good manners? Do you maintain eye contact?
• Self Expression;
  • Are you forceful or vague in expressing your ideas and when responding to the interviewer's questions?
• Maturity;
  • What about your overall sense of balance? Can you make value judgements? Are those judgements based on rational claims?
• Personality;
  • What are you like? Outgoing? Shy? Overbearing? Quiet? Tactful? Enthusiastic? Warm? Do you have a good attitude? The reality of human interaction is that certain stereotypes are applied when it comes to personality. Shy, quiet people are more likely to be judged incompetent than assertive, vocal types. Assertiveness in women is often intepretated by men as agressiveness. Seek balance in the way you present yourself.
• Experience;
  • What about your academic achievements? Involvement in extracurricular activities? Job accomplishments? Job skills? Preparation well in advance of the interview will help most for this one. 
• Enthusiasm and Interest;
  • Are you really interested in the employer? The particular job? Industry? Perhaps you're simply getting interview experience? Do your homework. Knowing about the company is the best way to assure the interviewer that you are sincere and enthusiastic.
• Career Goals;
  • What do you want to do in your professional life?

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UMD Sample Evaluation used by some recruiters who interview on campus:

Name of student:_______________ Date:__________________
Name of company:_______________ 

Dress (neatness, etc.)____
Manner (poise, natural, etc.)____

II. MOTIVATION

Work attitude ____
Success orientation ___

III. COMMUNICATION SKILLS

Speech______
Body language______
Eye contact______

IV.CAREER/PERSONAL GOALS

Knows what he/she wants______
Goal(s) realistic?______
Goal(s) consistent with company philosophy?______

V. OVERALL RATING:______

VI. RESUME
Professional______
Descriptive ______

VII. OTHER COMMENTS: ______

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Questions asked at an interview

Below is a list of questions frequently asked in job interviews (They have been adapted from materials developed by Toni St. James, Employment Development Department, Education/Industrial Liaison Office, State of California; and by Mr. Frank Endicott, Placement Officer, Northwestern University).

The first 14 questions include comments about how to answer them.

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The Relaxation Response

The following techniques will help you relax more completely whenever you need to. After you feel the tension associated with each movement, hold each position five seconds. Become aware of the feelings of tension. Then completely relax, allowing the affected muscles to become absolutely limp. Note the absence of tension. Practice this regularly twice a day.

1. Clench both fists -- note tension in hand and forearm -- relax.
2. Touch shoulders with fingers, raise arms -- note tension in biceps and upper arms -- relax.
3. Shrug shoulders, raise as high as possible -- note tension in shoulders -- relax.
4. Wrinkle forehead -- note tension about eyes and forehead -- relax.
5. Close eyes tightly -- study tension -- relax with eyes lightly closed.
6. Press tongue into roof of mouth -- note tension in mouth -- relax.
7. Press lips together tightly -- note in mouth and chin -- relax.
8. Press head backward -- note tension in neck and upper back -- relax.
9. Push head forward, bury chin in chest -- note tension in neck and shoulders -- relax.
10. Arch your back, move away from back of chair, push arms backward -- note tension in back and shoulders -- relax.
11. Take a deep breath and hold it -- note tension in chest and back -- relax.
12. Take two deep breaths of air, hold and then exhale -- note your breathing becoming slower and more relaxed -- relax.
13. Suck in stomach, try to make it reach your spine -- note feelings of tension in the stomach -- relax -- note your breathing becoming more regular.
14. Tense stomach muscles -- note tension in stomach -- relax.
15. Tense buttocks by raising self up on them -- note tension.
16. Flex thighs by straightening legs -- note tension -- relax.
17. Point toes upward toward face -- note tension in foot and calves of legs -- relax.
18. Curl toes downward as if burying them in the sand -- note tension in arches of the feet -- relax.

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