Test Drive Your Career
A Guide to Information Interviews   By Anne-Marie Ditta

Back when I was little girl growing up on Ocean Parkway in Brooklyn, NY people would ask me what I wanted to be when I grew up. I puffed out my chest and answered proudly that I wanted to be a teenager. I couldn't wait to wear makeup and wear my hair up the same way the teenage girls in the neighborhood did. While my ambition wasn't that high, it was my dream and I couldn't wait to turn 13. I was disappointed to find that being a teenager wasn't all I thought it would be.

There are two ways to develop a career. The first is to jump in feet first, without taking a test drive. This method can be hard on your pocket as well as your emotions. Stress caused by a poor career match can overflow into your personal life and put a strain on relationships with family and friends. In extreme cases it can lead to depression, physical ailments and job termination.

While the second way may seem initially longer it will save you precious years wasted in an unrewarding position and prevent the damaging effects of a failed career. This is especially important for professionals at the start of their career. Research into different fields, industries, and organizations provides insight into what will be the best possible match for your skills, experience, interests and values.

Information interviewing is your window into learning about different companies and select fields without the pressure of a job interview. However, many professionals have been offered great opportunities while using this method.

Prepare, Prepare, Prepare

Know what you are looking for and heed Shakespeare's advice of "to thy own self be true." Information interviewing is most useful when you have identified your most desirable job requirements, relevant experience, career-related interests, values, and skills. Take time for self-assessment and inner reflection, either with pencil and paper or by enlisting the aid of a qualified career coach to help you filter through information and prioritize your objectives.

Identify the purpose of your information interview. It will also help you to strategize a career action plan and develop a network in a new field. Clarify your goals and communicate your expectations to your contacts. They will be impressed by the amount of time you invested in preparation and will give your questions the attention they deserve.

Ask Good Questions

Good questions are the gateway to information that will help you launch a successful new career.

Prepare a list of questions targeting the information you need to make an informed decision by using resources such as newspapers, business journals, www.hoovers.com, company websites, and advertisements. Your information interview should allow you to build on the data you have gathered and allow your contact to share his or her expertise, experience and opinions. Ask open-ended questions such as:

• How did you get started in this field?
• What do you like best (and least) about your career?
• If you had to name five or six skills that make people successful in this field, what would they be? How are those skills put to use? (Very important as this information can be used to build your résumé)
• How do your bosses measure your performance? (Another résumé builder question)
• What changes or trends are happening in this industry? (Potential résumé building material)
• My research shows that the salary range for someone starting out in this field is $$$ to $$$, with a range of about $$$ to $$$$ about five years in this field? Are these numbers realistic?
• Who else can you think of that I should talk with?
• May I call you periodically to update you on my progress?

Building Your Contact List

Building a strong network is essential for information interviewing. Webster defines the word "network" as "to make connections among people or groups." These connections will lead to information and job interviews and are key in for anyone making a career transition. Your core network will be comprised of family, friends and professional colleagues. These people are usually familiar with your strengths and can direct you to the right professionals. To strengthen your list of contacts participate in professional organizations, networking events, and alumni organizations.

Once you have your contact list begin seeking interviews. It is important that you reassure prospective contacts that you are not seeking their job and seek only their expertise. Your contact may have a busy schedule so be courteous and flexible when arranging meetings.

Most people will want to help you and will be flattered by your interest in their profession. Call your contacts and ask to schedule an in - person meeting at their convenience. In - person meetings produce better results and give you an opportunity to introduce other important information about yourself. Present an extra incentive for meeting with you by offering to take your contact to breakfast or lunch.

Follow up

Immediately thank your contact for meeting with you by sending a note of appreciation. Share what actions you will take based on their advice and ask any other questions that you have thought of since your meeting. Your contact now has vested interest in your future, so remember to keep them informed of your progress.

About the Author:
Anne-Marie Ditta, CEIP, CPRW, CCMC is a certified career management coach and professional résumé writer. She has helped hundreds of professionals advance their careers in the fields of nursing, medicine, education, finance, technology, hospitality, theatre, sales and marketing. She offers workshops in Online Job Search Techniques, Career Marketing and Résumé Writing, and Successful Career Transition Strategies.

Anne-Marie has offices in New York and Westchester and can contacted at 914-961-0579 or 877-HIRED-11 or online at www.firstimpressioncareerservices.com or amditta@firstimpressioncareerservices.com