Informational interviews are a great way to paint a picture of an occupation, company and the industry. They are also an excellent opportunity to expand your network and practise your interview technique.

Unlike a job interview, it's up to you to ask the questions at an informational interview, so be prepared. This is your opportunity to speak candidly with a professional and gain an insight into their work life. It allows you to get a sense of what a general workday looks like and the typical responsibilities they have in their role. You can also learn more about the company they work for, how it operates, what challenges it faces and what the workplace culture is like. Ultimately, the interview can help you to establish whether the profession or company is a good fit for you and, if so, how you might get to a similar position.

Whether emailing or calling, keep your request short and to the point, explaining what you're looking for and how you think they can help. If they're not interested, don't pursue it. If they're ok to help you, ask whether a phone, video call or email conversation is best and arrange a suitable time.

• How to prepare for an informational interview
• Questions for informational interviews (PDF 420KB)
• Job hunting strategies

LinkedIn is a fast-growing professional network. Your LinkedIn profile can evolve as you learn new skills, achieve new accomplishments and enter new phases of your career. You can also use LinkedIn to identify opportunities by networking.

Follow these easy steps and tutorials to help you share your professional story through LinkedIn:

Set up your LinkedIn profile

• Tutorial: take the guided LinkedIn tutorial to set up your profile
• Doc: How to set up a LinkedIn profile (PDF 354KB)
• Read: Developing your LinkedIn profile (265 KB)
• Doc: Creating a great LinkedIn summary
• Doc: LinkedIn Cheat Sheet

Networking on LinkedIn

• Video: How to use LinkedIn to explore opportunities with your degree
• Doc: Quick tips: How to network on LinkedIn
• Video: How to connect on LinkedIn
• Video: Smart social networking

Top tips for LinkedIn networking: Add people you know and the industry leaders that inspire you. It's also worth getting in touch with UC alumni who work in the companies you're interested in to conduct an information interview and learn more about the employer or their career experience. Connect and follow company profiles on LinkedIn to update you with the latest employer insights.

LinkedIn for Job Seekers

• Video: LinkedIn for job seekers
• Slides: LinkedIn for Job Seekers
• Video: How do employers use LinkedIn
• Video: Optimising your profile for recruiters
• Doc: Easy Apply on LinkedIn

Boost your LinkedIn Profile

• Video: Endorsements & recommendations on LinkedIn
• Video: Do's and don'ts on LinkedIn etiquette

Book a one-on-one LinkedIn appointment 

There's power in your personal networks. Ask your friends, whānau, lecturers, neighbours and former colleagues for introductions and referrals. If you are going to ask your personal networks for a favour, be specific about what you are looking for to enable them to help you more efficiently. The more you help them to understand what it is you need, the more likely it is that you will receive their help.

As well as leveraging off your networks to assist with your job search, you should equally be prepared to return the favour! 

Tutorial: How to ask my network for help