Informational Interviews
What Is An Informational Interview?
An informational interview is a specific form of networking where the job seeker speaks with people in
careers she is interested in order to learn more about their job and career paths. It is an in formal discussion
with the purpose of gathering information and making contacts (NOT to interview for a specific position).
Many law students find their jobs through self-initiated contact with employers or through referrals. Thus,
informational interviews highly increase a student’s likelihood of meeting the necessary contacts to find
employment.
Getting Motivated To Conduct Informational Interviews
Many law students are hesitant and nervous about informational interviews, especially the thought of
approaching strangers. To calm these fears, think of this analogy: A college student calls you and tells you
he received your number from his cousin, a friend of yours. He is interested in attending law school and
would like to speak to you about your experiences. You would not turn him down, right? To the contrary,
you would most likely start a conversation with him, or if he lived close by, invite him to campus and show
him around. This is the same response that you will most likely receive when you call an attorney. Most
attorneys are glad to share their thoughts and experiences with you, and are not only glad to help you out, but
eager to talk about themselves and their careers with you. As you are a link in the chain of happy law
students, the attorney you reach out to will be a link in the chain of happy attorneys.
Informational interviews benefit both the student and the employer. The student’s benefits include meeting
new people, exploring different career paths, learning more about specific practice areas, gathering first-hand
information on particular firms or organizations, and making contacts that could result in a job or internship
lead. There benefits to the employer are reconnecting to what they like about their jobs, mentoring someone
who is starting out, increasing their network and meeting students who can potentially fill job openings.
How to Secure An Informational Interview
First, you need to identify those people who you want to interview. There are many ways to discover and
learn about potential informational interviewees, including:
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Alumni
Social and Professional Events
Bar Associations
Classmates
Community Service/Pro Bono Work
Continuing Legal Education Classes
Family, Friends, and Acquaintances
Former Employers and Colleagues
Professors
Once you know who you want to contact, you need to set up the interview. You can do this by calling the
employer or writing him a letter. If you received the employer’s name through a mutual acquaintance, you
should mention this in the beginning of your call or letter. If you do not have a mu tual acquaintance, let the
employer know how you heard about him. Next, introduce yourself and explain the reason for your call or
letter. When scheduling the interview, try to conduct it in person rather than over the phone.
Some employers will not have time to schedule a face-to-face appointment with you and will want to talk to
right when you call. In case this occurs, have a list of questions ready just in case.
A sample call to a potential interviewee follows:
“Hello my name is _______________. I was given your name and number by (name of referral)
who suggested I contact you since you have information/expertise about (field of knowledge). I am
a 1st /2nd/3rd/alum of Santa Clara University:
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interested in (practice of law) and I understand you practice in this area.
researching career options in _______________.
seeking advice regarding _______________.
Would you have 15-20 minutes to discuss:
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your area of law, your firm, your job or organization.
legal or industry trends.
the state/nature of the legal market in your field/city.
career planning advice during law school and after.
I have a background in/I am interested in _______________ because of _______________.
(Give related accomplishments, courses and experiences for 30-45 seconds).
The Informational Interview
PREPARATION FOR THE INFORMATIONAL INTERVIEW
Your first step is to prepare for your interview. Stay organized – make sure you keep a calendar of your
interview dates and times, and notes of who you are meeting. Update your resume and keep extra copies of
your transcripts, writing samples and other materials in case they are asked for. Also make sure that you do
some research on the firm or organization and the interviewee so that you have a background for your
questions. Do bring your resume (to be discussed below). Also, bring a pen and paper to take notes with.
THE DAY OF THE INFORMATIONAL INTERVIEW
On the day of the interview, dress professionally and arrive early. Don’t forget to turn your cell phone ringer
off. Remember, in this type of interview, you are the interviewer. Before you ask questions, give a brief
overview of yourself, but keep it short – the focus here is on the interviewee. Make sure you ask appropriate
questions that will help you gain the knowledge you seek.
QUESTIONS TO ASK ON THE INTERVIEW
It is imperative that you prepare questions to ask the employer, as the purpose of the informational interview
is to gain information. It is helpful to write them down and bring them along with you to the interview, but
feel free to skip some and substitute others at the interview if you feel they will be more helpful to you.
Here are a number of questions divided into themes that you may ask the employer:
CAREER BACKGROUND
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How did you decide on a practice area?
Did you clerk or intern while in school?
What law school classes have been most useful?
What did you wish you had known before leaving law school?
CONTINUING LEGAL INVOLVEMENT
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What professional publications do you read?
Are there any professional associations you recommend I become involved with?
How does a person progress in your field?
Are there other things you are expected to do outside work hours?
DAILY JOB DUTIES
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Describe a typical day at work.
What is the most interesting project you have worked on recently?
What is the most interesting aspect of your job?
What aspect of your job would you change if you could and why?
GENERAL ADVICE AND SUGGESTIONS
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What advice do you have for me, given my current situation and goals?
How did you prepare for this work?
Can you recommend anyone else that you think I should talk to?
During the interview, watch the time. If you feel that time is running out, mention this and inform the
employer that you do not want to take up too much of his time. If he says it is all right to stay, then do so. At
the conclusion of the interview, thank the interview for his time and help. Ask for his business card and find
out if you can reestablish contact at a later date for further assistance or information.
YOUR RESUME AND THE INFORMATIONAL INTERVIEW
Although the purpose of the informational interview is not to interview for a specific position, it is
nonetheless a good idea to bring a copy of your resume. A certain rapport can build up between you and the
employer during the span of the interview. If this occurs, you may ask the employer to critique your resume.
This is a good way to receive suggestions on your resume from a professional. It can also improve your
opportunities to receive job offers, as the employer may pass your resume along to others in the profession,
or may ultimately decide to make you a job offer himself.
DOS AND DON’TS FOR YOUR INFORMATIONAL INTERVIEW
DO research your employer and his firm/organization before your interview.
DO prepare a list of questions and update your resume.
DO call to confirm your appointment and arrive on time.
DO ask for referrals and if you can stay in contact.
DO end the interview when you promised to.
DON’T arrive at the interview with the illusions that it is a job interview.
DON’T interrupt the employer. If you do not have time to listen, neither does he.
DON’T be overly familiar, even if the employer is.
DON’T dress unprofessionally.
DON’T forget to thank the employer for his time and help.
Informational Interview Follow-Up
Once your information interview is over, you should review your notes and make a record of the interview so
you can follow up with the employer in the future. You should also contact those people recommended by
the employer so your network begins to grow.
As with job interviews, you should send a thank-you letter to the employer immediately following the
informational interview. Do not forget to thank the employer for his time, not forgetting to mention who
referred you to him. Also mention topics you discussed and if you utilized the contacts you received during
the interview. Most importantly, keep in touch with the employer through notes on your job search progress,
holiday cards, or future meetings. When you finally do receive that dream job offer, let the employer know.