You accomplish several things when you go out on informational interviews:
You obtain a great deal of information about your career field and the skills needed to
do that job effectively. You gain a perspective of work that goes beyond the limitations of
job titles, allowing you to see not only what skills are required for the job
but how you might fit into that work setting. Thus, you have greater flexibility
in planning options.
You have the opportunity to make personal contacts among management-level personnel.
You gain insight into the hidden job market (employment opportunities that are not advertised).
You become aware of the needs of the employers and the realities of employment.
First-hand and current information allows you to learn what happens on the job beyond the
understanding provided through your course work or other outside research. This exposure
not only provides personal understanding but it could also result in your becoming
a more impressive job candidate.
Because informational interviewing is comparatively low-stress, you gain confidence in
talking with people while learning what you need to know. Informational interviewing provides
an opportunity to meet with potential employers before the more stressful (for both parties)
job interview.
Because you are only asking for information, you are in control of the interview; you
decide which questions to ask. Later, evaluate the acquired information for personal
use.
This opportunity will expose you to a variety of jobs and personalities of companies
making the search for your "niche" that much easier.
It is an opportunity to learn where you might fit into a particular organization.
