What Is an Exploratory Interview?

Weighing the investment value of time and education for a particular career is easier if you know a job will be a good fit. Preliminary research, not only on the career's statistics in terms of number of jobs and how much it pays, but also on the relative satisfaction of those currently in the profession, can prove enlightening. An exploratory interview can help do this.

Purpose

An exploratory interview is intended to give interviewees in-depth information about a particular profession or industry. Someone already working in the profession can give insight as to what the job is really like, what skills are necessary to succeed and how best to secure relevant experience. For interviewees new to the professional world, informational interviews are one way to gain experience doing interviews and meeting with colleagues in the professional world.

Benefits

After one or a series of exploratory interviews, interviewees should have a greater sense as to whether a particular job is a match of their interests, skills and personality. It is also a prime opportunity to expand a network of contacts and to receive referrals to other individuals in the industry who can help with a job search or provide more information. It is a way of gaining access to the "hidden job market," made up of jobs that are never advertised when they become available and are filled through a referral network.

Setting It Up

Asking mutual friends who can make introductions with people willing to do informational interviews is one of the best ways to get the process started. Using online networks and joining groups of people with similar aspirations is another way to get in touch with potential interviewers. University alumni associations and local professional organizations within the industry are other ways to find people willing to share advice.

Tips

Since the person who provides information is doing the interviewee a favor, it's necessary to show him courtesy and do it at his convenience. Thank him after the interview, both in-person right after the session and in a follow-up email. It is key to never ask for a job during an informational session -- this undercuts the purpose of the meeting, which is to legitimately gain information. Doing research ahead of time about the industry will increase the ability to ask intelligent questions.

About the Author

Catherine Lovering has written about business, tax, careers and pets since 2006. Lovering holds a B.A. (political science), LL.B. (law) and LL.L. (civil law). She was a trained SPCA volunteer for three years and a veterinary hospital volunteer for three years.

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