Search alumni and other relevant contacts via LinkedIn. Use the “Alumni” tool on Villanova University’s page. You can also search for alumni on the NovaNetwork by searching under “Network” or relevant “Groups.” Reach out to several people to increase your chances of hearing back. When you write to them, introduce yourself with your year, major, career interests and mention how their career path is of interest to you and note any similarities in background. Ask for 20–30 minutes of their time either in person, on the phone, or virtually.  

This preparation shouldn’t be any less than for a job interview. You’ll get the most value from this discussion if you have a clear plan of what you want to accomplish. Remember, you have requested this meeting; therefore it is your responsibility to manage how the time is spent. Prep should include research about the industry, organization, profession, and person, assembling a list of questions to ask. Reflect upon your own skills, interests, and characteristics that you will be able to relate to the information you receive. For example, when you hear that the work environment is high pressure, you can respond that you work well under pressure and offer an example. 

• Conducting company research. Go directly to the company website; in particular, the “Careers” sections of company sites can provide valuable information. Other parts of the company site will provide you with an understanding of the basic business of the organization. The Wall Street Journal, Bloomberg.com, industry publications and Google searches can also lead you to useful info. 
• Your list of questions. You can likely fit 7-10 questions into your scheduled meeting. See list below for examples of questions to ask; choose ones that make the most sense for you; word them in your own language, &/or generate your own questions. The informational interview should sound like a conversation. 
• Take stock of yourself. Be able to answer questions about yourself and decisions you have made. The pressure is not there to perform as in a job interview, but your meeting can be more productive when both parties learn about each other. Think about why you are interested in the given field or industry. What career goals do you have in mind? What summer jobs / internships / campus activities have you had or already participated in that you have enjoyed and why? 

• Most importantly, be on time! 
• Dress in business casual attire (if you have a face-to-face conversation); it shows you are serious. 
• Let your preparation shine. Be ready with your questions; present yourself as being interested in the person, the company, and the industry. Share your own information to give them some perspective. Have your resume ready if appropriate. 
• Know when it’s over. Even if things are going very well, remain conscious of the clock. “We’ve been 
• talking for 30 minutes now and I don’t want to take any more of your time.” If you both have more time and want to continue, that’s fine. 
• Thank the contact for their time, verbally, at the conclusion of the meeting. 

Be sure to send a thank you note (written or email) within 48 hours of the conversation. This communication is an effective way to be remembered and keep in touch. People don’t mind giving their time if they know it was appreciated. 

What did you learn about the jobs, company, or industry? Does this confirm what you already knew or provide new information? How does this fit with your plans and interests? Is there any further action required? 

• How did this type of work interest you and how did you get started? 
• What jobs and experiences have led you to your present position? 
• What is most important personally satisfying about your job? Most challenging? 
• What things did you do before you entered this occupation? Which have been most helpful? 
• What were the keys to your career advancement? How did you get where you are? 
• How has your job affected your lifestyle? 
• How do you think Villanova’s reputation is viewed when it comes to hiring? 
• How did you prepare for this work? If you were entering this career today, would you change your preparation in any way to facilitate entry? 
• What abilities or personal qualities do you believe contribute most to success in this field/job? 
• What other kinds of organizations hire people to perform the functions you do here? Do you know of other people whom I might talk to who have similar jobs? 
• Do you have any advice for someone interested in this field/job? 
• Are there any materials/resources you suggest I checkout? (e.g., trade publications/journals, industry-related books, professional associations, etc.) 
• Do you have any special words of caution or encouragement to an undergraduate student interested in pursuing a career path similar to yours, as a result of your experience? 
• These are my strongest assets (skills, areas of knowledge, personality traits and values):  . Where would they fit in this field? Where would they be helpful in this organization? 
• How would you assess the experience I’ve had so far in terms of entering this field? [If you feel comfortable and it seems appropriate:] Would you be willing to take a look at my resume? 

• What is your job like? A typical day? What are the functions/responsibilities of your job? What kinds of problems do you deal with? What kinds of decisions do you make? What % of your time is spent doing what? 

• How does a person progress in your profession and/or industry? What is a typical career path? 

• What are the skills that are most important for a position in this field? 

• What particular skills or talents are most essential to be effective in your job? How did you learn these skills? 

• Did you enter this position through a formal training program? 

• What is the average length of time for an employee to stay in the job you hold? Are there incentives or disincentives for staying in the same job? 

• What work-related values are strongest in this type of work (security, high income, variety, independence)? 

• With the information you have about my education, skills, and experience, what other fields or jobs would you suggest I research further before I make a final decision? 

• From your perspective, what are the problems you see working in this field? 

• What are the major challenges of this job? 

• What interests you least about the job or creates the most stress? 

• What are the various jobs in this organization or industry? Typical internship and/or entry-level opportunities? 

• Why did you decide to work for this company? What do you like most about this company? 

• How does your company differ from its competitors? 

• Why do customers choose this company? 

• Are you optimistic about the company’s future and your future with the company? 

• What does the company do to contribute to its employees’ professional development? 

• How would you describe the working atmosphere and the people with whom you work? 

• Is there a basic philosophy of the company or organization and, if so, what is it? (Is it a people, service or product oriented business?) 

• What can you tell me about the corporate culture? 

• What obligations does your employer place on you outside of the ordinary work week? What social obligations go along with a job in your occupation? 

• Where do you and your supervisor fit into the organizational structure? 

• What can you tell me about the employment outlook in the industry? How much demand is there for people in this field? Can you estimate future job openings? 

• What sorts of changes are occurring in the industry? 

• How is the economy affecting this industry?