Preparing for ASK Night

Informational interviewing is speaking to people who do the kinds of things you think you might like to do. Perhaps they work in a field in which you are interested or they engage in activities for which you share a passion. Although a "formal" informational interview is conducted best in a private meeting, ASK Night allows you to begin to gather information from others about post-graduate pursuits.

Informational interviewing allows you to do serious "reality checking." You can find out first-hand if the daily duties of a person engaged in particular work are what you think they are.

The information you gather is essential in helping you identify the specific needs of a profession or a particular employer. This, in turn, helps you determine if the challenges can be matched by the interests and skills you possess, which is always the key issue when you are engaged in a career search.

In interviewing for information you establish valuable contacts with people who are in the field you are investigating. These are some of the people who may be your best sources of information concerning future job leads.

Tips to prepare:

• Prepare an introduction ahead of time. This will help you approach alumni with ease.
• Prepare a resume and bring several copies. Make an appointment with a career counselor in CES to have your resume critiqued.
• Prepare questions to ask the alumni. See sample questions below.

Tips for ASK Night:

• Ask for a business card for future reference.
• Dress professionally to make a good first impression.  It isn't necessary go out and buy a suit for this event, but we do recommend that you dress nicely.

Questions you might ask at ASK Night:

• What do you like most about your position?
• Are there specific things you find challenging about working in your position?
• What general skills are important in this line of work?
• Could you please tell me about the outlook for entry-level professionals in your area?
• What are major factors currently affecting your industry/organization?
• Can you recommend tips for looking for jobs/internships in this field?
• If you could change anything about your undergraduate experience what would it be?
• How did you get into this line of work?
• What is your educational background?
• What do you like most about your work?
• What is a typical day like for you?
• How can I improve my prospects of succeeding in this industry?
• If you could give away one responsibility, what would that be?
• What would you say are some of the challenges....of your job?...that your company faces?...that the field faces?...of balancing private and public life?
• How do you see your work contributing to the common good?
• What might be a typical entry level position in this profession?
• What are the key interests and skills that help you do your work well?
• What do you believe are the key ingredients of work satisfaction?
• Do you have time and energy to get involved in the larger community and how important is this to your happiness?
• Would you give me the names of three other people in this field whom I could contact?
• May I contact you later?
• What advice can you give me regarding a career in your field?

More information on informational interviewing and networking.