You can locate individuals to interview through faculty, friends, relatives, employers, alumni and other members of your network.  The Career Consultant Program, a directory of ~ 200 Whittier College alumni who have volunteered to participate in career information interviews, is an additional resource.  

This Directory is located in the Career Resource Library, Philadelphia House.  You can also contact employers or professional associations to locate people who work in career fields of interest to you.  When you contact a prospective interviewee by phone or letter, indicate that you are exploring career options and would like to meet with them to learn more about their career field.  

The interview should take approximately 20 - 30 minutes.  Try to arrange the interview at the interviewee's work site location to gain a better perspective of the work environment.  Before the interview, prepare a list of questions that will increase your knowledge of the career field and will help you make a decision as to whether the career field is a good choice for you.  

Common topics may include:  job title, work responsibilities, salary, career ladders, work environments, organization culture, job market trends and locating job leads.  Below is a list of suggested questions; however, you will probably want to make up your own questions to obtain the specific information you are seeking.

1. What are your main duties and job responsibilities?
2. Describe what your typical day or week is like?
3. What is your job title?  What is the job title of the person to whom you report?
4. What are the most satisfying parts of your work? the most frustrating?
5. What kinds of problems or challenges do you deal with?
6. What type of people do you work with in the job?
7. What special talents or skills might a person need to be successful in this career field?
8. What hours do you normally work? Is overtime or weekend work common?
9. How did you prepare for this occupation?  What do you recommend for a person just entering the occupation now?
10. What are the requirements for entry into this job?  (i.e. experience, education, licenses)
11. What is the typical entry level position(s) for this career field?
12. What is the typical entry level salary range for a beginner in this field?
13. What career paths are generally available?
14. In your estimation, how good are the future career opportunities in your field?
15. What are the trends and developments in the field that you see as affecting the career of someone just entering this occupation now?
16. Would it be possible to find a part time, summer or internship position that might assist me in learning more about this career field?
17. Do you know of any professional organizations that I could contact for additional information on the current career opportunities in your field?
18. Could you give me the names and contact information of two or three other people in this occupation who might be willing to talk with me about their careers as you have done?

Relax and enjoy the career information interview experience.  You will find that most people enjoy talking about their careers and often give excellent advice.  If you feel uncomfortable about talking with a stranger, practice your interview questions with a friend or family member.  On the day of the interview, dress professionally and be punctual.  

After the interview always write a brief thank you note to the interviewee.  In the thank you note, let him/her know what was most helpful to you and state that you would like to keep in touch.  If applicable, you can also attach an updated copy of your resume.  Keep your network of contacts informed as you continue your career and/or job search.  

During your career and job searches it is important and helpful to meet with several people who can provide different perspectives based on their length of time in the field, work setting and area of specialization.  By obtaining a variety of viewpoints, you will be able to make a more informed decision.