News » Informational Interviewing Over Break

Try to fit in several “informational interviews” over fall break. Although this is not interviewing for a particular job, it does connect you with attorneys practicing in areas of interest to you and is a way to discover available jobs that are not advertised – as many as 50%.

E-mail or phone:
- alumni from Notre Dame or from your undergraduate school who practice in your area of choice;
- attorneys you met or read about, and
- attorneys suggested to you by your professors, staff members, family and friends.

Ask to schedule a time to speak with them for twenty minutes or half an hour – (and be certain to adhere to the time you were granted). State why you sought them out, and state your reason for asking for their advice, which may include:
1) your desire to learn more about a particular practice area;
2) your particular goals and desire to learn about avenues that could help you reach your goals;
3) you desire for feedback as to whether your goals are realistic.

If you have a choice of location, ask to have the informational interview held in their office – (their address book, computer database, or rolodex are there.) Prepare questions in advance; ask for information and not a job. Questions may include:
1) courses to take,
2) qualifications generally sought when hiring,
3) experience that is particularly helpful, and,
4) any additional advice they have for you that you haven’t thought to ask.