Before
the Interview
Research your field to gain a basic understanding of the occupation so you
can focus on questions that can't be answered elsewhere.
Identify Professionals to
Interview
Get referrals from family, friends, and UC San Diego alumni. Access our
Alumni Networking Database -
CAN and professional
associations contacts.
Consider conducting several interviews in any one field to hear a wide range
of experiences and viewpoints.
Setting Up the
Interview
Call the professional to request an interview
following these guidelines:
- Make
it clear you are interviewing for information only and are not job
hunting.
- Ask
for only 20-30 minutes and then stick to it.
- Be
flexible about when you can meet and, if a personal meeting isn’t
possible, be willing to accept a phone interview.
Conducting the
Interview
Dress in a business-like manner and be on time. Be
prepared with your questions and a notebook in which to take notes. Ask
questions such as the following:
- What
attracted you to the field?
- Describe
a typical day on the job.
- What
personal attributes, skills, and qualifications are needed to be
successful?
- What
are the satisfactions and disappointments in your job?
- What
are the possible career paths and salaries at various levels?
- If
you had a choice, would you still enter this field? Why or why not?
- What
trends and opportunities are developing?
- What
advice would you give to someone entering the field?
- Who
else could you refer me to who knows about this career field?
Following Up
Write a thank you letter. Contact anyone you were
referred to for more information.
