An informational interview is NOT a job interview. You are not necessarily meeting with potential employers. Your goal on an informational interview is just that, to obtain information.

For career changers, an informational interview is an essential part of the decision-making and job-search process. Without knowing what you want to become or what the prospective career choice you have made entails, you cannot begin your search.

If you are making such a change and think you have no one who can help you, you are wrong. You have friends, relatives, trusted co-workers, committee members, professional organization members, team members and others who will probably know someone, who knows somebody in the field of your choice.

Think about everyone you know who can help you with your search.
Make a list of people you know in the field of your potential new career. They’re the easiest to start with, because they know you or know of you.
Once you’ve made your list of contacts, your next step is to formulate at least three questions you would like to ask them about your prospective career.

Questions to ask can include: how your acquaintance got started in her career, what her daily job tasks entailed, and what she liked or disliked about her position. These are basic questions that won’t take a person long to answer. They are non-threatening and often flattering to the person you are asking them to.

Your next step is to take a deep breath and make the call.
Ask for a few minutes of their time (5-10 minutes would be appropriate). Tell them your situation; you are not looking for a job – just information. You are making a career change and want to know if you have what it takes to be successful in this new field you have chosen.
(If this person is not a personal acquaintance of yours, but knows a friend of yours, mention that friend’s name. Tell them your friend highly recommended that you speak to him or her regarding your situation.)
Most people love to give advice, so your brief discussion may lead to a longer one. You can also buy them lunch or dinner. It’s unlikely that a person would turn down a free meal!

After your informational interview, write the person a thank you note. Tell them how much you appreciated their time and how useful you felt the information was for you. Tell them you will keep in touch with your progress – then do it. These contacts can help you in the future.

Only if it is appropriate, should you send a resume. (For example, if they asked you to send one along…) Remember, you are NOT looking for a job, just information. It may not be appropriate to send a resume at this time.

Upon reviewing all of the information you’ve gathered you’ll be ready to either make a decision on your chosen career or conduct additional research via the Internet or library.