CAREER CENTER
 INFORMATIONAL INTERVIEW GUIDE

someone who's doing the work.  If possible, talk with someone who's doing the work in the geographic area where you'd like to be working.

How Do I Find the Names of Some People to Contact?

Here in the Career Center we have a list of people in the Coeur d'Alene/Spokane area who have already said that they are  willing to talk with you.  If none of them are doing what you're thinking about doing, look in the telephone book for some ideas.  Look below for a list of careers that we have an individual for you to contact.  Don't call a personnel office.  They are concerned with hiring for current openings.  Call or come into the  Career Center to obtain a name and number.

Before You Call:

Think about how this occupation might fit with your interests, personal values, long- and short-range goals, and best skills.

What Do I Say When I Call?

Use your own ideas, but here is an example:
"Hello, my name is                      .  I was referred by                  at North Idaho College (or I found your name in the telephone book).  I am very interested in learning more about a career in                        .  It seems to fit my best skills which are            ,            ,            , and            .  But, I still have some questions.  Would you have 15-20 minutes sometime when I could meet with you, ask you a few questions, and get some advice from you?"
(Make it clear that you're not looking for a job right now.)

Before You Go:

Write out the questions you are going to ask.
Dress as if this is a job interview.

What Questions Should I Ask?

Here are some suggested questions.  Ask any that apply to you.  Ask any others that you wish.  Do try to be conscious of the 15-20 minute time limit.  If they want to talk longer, that's fine.  But, be sure that you're not stretching the interview longer than you've agreed upon and longer than they'd like.

Suggested Questions to Ask Career Resources:

How did you prepare for the job you have?

• What training would you recommend for someone interested in this field?
• What do you like most about what you do?
• What do you like least about what you do?
• Do you have any tips regarding getting into this field of work?
• What is a typical day like?
• What kinds of jobs can you consider with training in this field?
• How many years of education are required for this particular job?
• What are some jobs related to what you do?
• How did your individual history bring you to where you are now?
• What abilities help you to do your work?
• What do you spend most of your time doing at work?
• What advice would you give others preparing for this type of work?
• What do you see in the future for this line of work?
• What is your work environment like?
• What is the salary range for this job?
• What is important for advancement in this field?
• What is the competition like regarding getting a job in this field?
• What are some wise choices for entry level positions in this field?
• Who else would you suggest that I talk with?

Additional Suggestions:

• Be sure to bring paper and pens with you to jot down ideas and information.
• You can leave them with a copy of your resume or an information card if you wish, so that they can contact you if they hear of any openings or new tips for you.
• Be sure to follow-up with a thank-you letter, both to thank them and to remind them of you.
• Do make sure your address and phone number are on the letter.

Career Titles:

Administrative Assistant (Legal)

Administrative Assistant (Medical)

Adult Basic Education Director

Airport Operations Manager

Anthropologist

Aquatic Therapy Instructor

Architect

Artist

Artistic Director (Theater)

Astronomer

Auditor (Tax)

Auto Mechanic

Baker
Banking

Beautician

Biomeds director

Building Supervisor

Business Education

Chef

Chiropractor

City Administrator

Civil Engineer

Columnist

Community Education Director

Computer:  Technical Support/Programmer

Counselor (College)

Counselor (Vocational Rehabilitation)

County Treasurer

Cultural Resources Management

Day Care Operator

Dentist

Diabetes Education Program Coordinator

Diesel Mechanic

Dietitian

Editor/Reporter (Outdoors)

Elementary School Teacher

Employee Benefits Specialist

Environmental Health and Safety

Event Planner

Executive Assistant (Senior)

Executive Director

Finance

Firefighter (Helicopter)

Foreign Language Teacher

Forensic Lab Manager

Forestry Occupations

Gallery Owner (Art)

Geologist

Graphic Artist

Human Resources Assistant

HVAC

infection Control Director

Insurance Agent

Investment Representative

landscape Architect

Lawyer

Librarian

Maintenance Mechanic

Marketing Manager

Mechanical Engineer

Medical Billing Specialist

Medical Office Transcriptionist

Medical Office Receptionist

Nurse (Oncology)

Nursery Owner

Obstetrics/Gynecology

Office Manager

Optometrist

Paralegal

Pastor

Pharmacist

Photo Finishing

Photographer (Newspaper)

Photographer (Portrait)

Physical Therapist

Physical Education Teacher (Elementary)

Police Captain

Politician Information

Production Assistant (TV & Film)

Psychologist

Radiation Therapist

Radiologist

Radio-Voice-Over

Recreation Supervisor

Residential Clinician

Respiratory Therapy Technician

Service Technician (Small Engine)

Set Designer (Theater)

Small Business Owner

Social Worker

Speech and Language Pathologist

Symphony Director

Systems Engineer

Theatrical Critic/Reviewer

Transportation (Bus)

Transportation (Taxi(

Transportation Engineering Technician

Trapeze Instructor

Underwriting Manager

Veterinarian

Water Quality Supervisor

Welder

Wildlife Biologist

Youth Services Program Director

I Am Planning to Contact:
 

Name                                                                  Company                                                           Phone                                                                  Address                                                             Title

Name                                                                  Company                                                           Phone                                                                  Address                                                             Title

By:  Gail K. Laferriere
Revised 1995

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