I have changed to my latest article's title from "Information Interview" to "Occupational Information Interview." There was some confusion by some readers because they are often referred to as "informational interview." I thought the new term (which I borrowed from a professor) may be less confusing.

In my training (textbooks, internships, etc.) they were always referred to as Information Interviews. More and more, I am seeing the term "information" replaced by "informational." I am not an expert, but I think that may be a hypercorrection. I think the term was originally meant to describe what you might get out of the interview (information -a noun) not describing the type of interview (which would require an adjective). I think it was supposed to be parallel to job interview.

I decided to go with Occupational Information Interview because it seemed more descriptive and less confusing. I hope I am right.

Hi Susan

I have in the past known them as infomrational interviews, and my understanding was that it was a concept imported from the US. I have used it as a technique and recommended it to clients/students when working in career guidance (what you would term, I think, as career counselling).

Yes, that term seems to be the term that I see most often now. No matter what someone calls them, I think they can be very helpful.

Asha,

I know you said that you used to recommend informational interviews. Can you tell us about any of your experiences with them. Either what your clients learned or you personally?

Thanks,

For students who wish to request this interview by an email letter, the University of Pennsylvania's Career Services Office has a sample letter and advise on their website.


Requesting an Information Interview