Jen’s 10 for the Informational Interview

Info interview vs. info convo. While an informational interview is technically just that — a dialogue where one party seeks information from another by asking questions, the term “interview” can suggest a more formal, high-stakes arrangement. In reality, these interactions are more like information conversations, paving the way for ongoing connection.
Harvest low hanging fruit. Set down your device, pull out a pen and paper, set a timer for 20 minutes, and without overthinking, jot down the names of anyone and everyone in your life who might have an affiliation with (or access to) an area of interest — your high school art teacher, your uncle who sits on the board of the local film festival, a sibling who works for a PR firm, a friend’s parent who’s an accountant for a museum, an architect who’s the next-door neighbor of a family you used to babysit for. Compiling a list of “low hanging fruit” is a great way to begin — always easier to approach those with whom you already have an established connection to/with.
Learn from those who came before you —alumni! Best way to envision possibilities for a creative career is to identify alumni with similar profiles as yours — whether from your particular school, major, student group, etc. Yes, mentioning a shared experience allows for a graceful introduction, but more importantly, it’s easier to envision what’s possible when you learn about an alum’s own career narrative — how did they leverage their WashU experience to get to XYZ?
HUNT + gather. So where to find alumni? Luckily, it couldn’t be easier, using tools like WashU CNX and LinkedIn — WashU CNX features a database of alumni who’ve explicitly expressed interest in being a resource for students — their profiles will indicate how they can be a resource — whether open for a portfolio review, informational interview about a particular industry, interview practice. To use LinkedIn, simply navigate to the official WashU profile and play around with search fields like location, industry, key words. Even better, be sure to check out established networks specific to AD&M Industry Clusters — Architecture, Artists, Arts Organizations & Cultural Institutions, Communication Design, Entertainment, and Fashion (additional networks to be added soon).
Hunt + GATHER. Now that you’ve identified where to find alum, start developing a series of lists and learn as you go — you can organize by function (art director, stage manager, account executive) and/or by industry (advertising, performing arts, PR). Click on profiles and scroll down to “reverse engineer” their careers, jotting down what you notice — names of companies and organizations; duration in a certain role, graduate programs, and so on. Looking closely at the humble beginnings of what now might be a spectacular career is not only encouraging but can offer ideas for further exploration.
Master the easy-to-respond-to email. Increase the likelihood of a speedy response but composing an email that’s very easy to respond to — start with a quick intro (leveraging WashU student status if reaching out to an alum), mention of referral or what’s led you to connect, a couple of possibilities in the near future for a brief zoom or coffee date. And don’t forget to gracefully follow up if you don’t hear back in a week or so — and no, you’re not being annoying — most people appreciate professional conscientiousness and follow-through.
Craft thoughtful questions. Unlike preparations for a traditional interview — anticipating questions, practicing responses — the best way to prepare for an informational interview is to craft a number of well-considered questions that essentially serve as conversation prompts. You might ask about a company’s culture, or how majors/minors can track (or veer) into a career trajectory, or what might make a portfolio particularly compelling. Expressing genuine curiosity about someone’s career narrative — from student to professional — is a fantastic way to begin. Three other great ones: “What’s your favorite thing about working at XYZ?” and “What’s been the most interesting project you’ve worked on since starting here?” and “Is there anyone else you recommend I reach out to?”
BEFORE the informational interview. Run through the logistics that you’ve agreed upon for your meeting — whether virtual (confirm time zones), or a confirmed location for a coffee, or a studio visit, for example. Make sure your Zoom software is up to date, there’s gas in the tank, you know where to find the meeting venue. Review your thoughtful list of questions, remember to bring a notebook/pen, and toting a couple of copies of your resume (printed on nice quality paper) is never a bad idea.
DURING the informational interview. Express your enthusiastic attention — refer to your list of questions, but don’t be surprised if the conversation evolves into more of an organic conversation. Take notes and return to anything you may have wanted to chat about, if time allows. Most informational interviews exceed the proposed time — so it’s probably wise to space out your calendar.
AFTER the informational interview. Do not underestimate the power of a thoughtful and timely thank you — particularly of the handwritten variety, sent via the US postal service, to the interviewee’s place of business. I often suggest a very quick email immediately following the conversation, followed up by a handwritten note with a bit more reflection on specific moments or ideas that bubbled up.