If you ask for 20-30 minutes of a person’s time, stick to the limit.
Take all information given with a grain of salt. Don’t settle for just one or
two interviews about a given area of work; a broad information base is essential.
Avoid impressions about an area of work based solely on whether the person
interviewed was likeable or the surroundings attractive.
When in an interview, ask what you want to know but really let the person talk
because you might discover and acquire information about unanticipated areas of
employment.
Note your reactions on an objective level, but don’t ignore personal feelings;
what you naturally gravitate toward or away from is very important.
Find out if the interviewee has any insight on the qualifications necessary
for a position such as the one you are discussing.
Talking with people doesn’t have to be a formal process or one you practice
only when job hunting. Chat with people casually -- on a plane or bus, while waiting
in lines, at social gatherings, etc. Since most people enjoy talking about their
work, curiosity can open many doors.
