Oregon State University Career Guide - Flipbook - Page 9
Informational Interviews and Job Shadowing
An informational interview is a conversation with a working professional 4
someone who can give you insight into a company, position or career path. These
interviews can help you either conorm you9re on the right path or learn that you don9t
want to go into a specioc oeld. You can request an informational interview with a
human resources professional, an OSU alumnus or a recent graduate 4 anyone who
can serve as a connection in your oeld. Consider reaching out to your professors,
family and friends for ideas. You can also ond OSU alums via osuconnections.org.
Most informational interviews last about 30 minutes.
A job shadow is an unpaid opportunity to spend time observing a professional in
your area of interest to get a feel for what their day-to-day work life entails. A job
shadow could last for an hour, a day, or several days, depending on the availability
of the person you are shadowing. You can arrange a job shadow on your own, or you
can apply to OSU9s annual summer job shadow program at career.oregonstate.edu/
jobshadow.
QUESTIONS TO ASK DURING YOUR INFORMATIONAL
INTERVIEW OR JOB SHADOW
» How did you get started in this oeld?
» What do you enjoy most about your job?
REACHING OUT FOR
INFORMATIONAL
INTERVIEWS AND JOB
SHADOWS
» Send an email introducing
yourself with your name, major
and university.
» Describe your interest in the
person9s oeld or position.
» Mention the name of the
person who referred you to
them, if applicable.
» What are some common entry-level positions in your oeld?
» Make clear that you want
to conduct an informational
interview and/or job shadow.
» How has the industry changed since you orst began?
» Be nexible.
» What characteristics does your organization look for when hiring?
» Be clear on the amount of time
this will take.
» What skills are needed to be successful in your role?
» What9s it like to work at your company?
» What advice would you give to a person aspiring to enter your oeld?
» What has been the biggest learning curve for you in this role?
» Who else would I connect with at your company or at similar organizations?
» What does a typical day at your job look like?
SAMPLE
» Express your appreciation and
excitement. Remember, they
are doing you a favor.
» Always respect the
professional9s time and stick to
your agreed schedule.
INFORMATIONAL INTERVIEW REQUEST
Hello ______,
My name is _______, and I am a sophomore at Oregon State University in the College of Liberal Arts, majoring in psychology. My
academic advisor gave me your name and contact information as an alumnus from my degree program who is open to meeting with
students. I am speciocally interested in pursuing a career in counseling.
I would be very grateful for an opportunity to introduce myself and ask some questions about the counseling oeld and how you got
to where you are. The interview will take approximately 20-30 minutes of your time, and I am nexible to work around your schedule.
Please contact me by responding to this email or by calling me at 555-555-5555. Thank you so much for your time. I look forward to
meeting you.
Respectfully,
________________
CAREER GUIDE
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