ASU-Jonesboro - Job Shadow And Informational Interviewing Program

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Job Shadowing/Information Interviewing

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Job Shadowing/Information Interviewing

Job Shadowing/Informational Interviewing Experiences

What is Job Shadowing and Informational Interviewing?

Job shadowing is an opportunity for you to connect or “shadow” with a business professional (job shadowing mentor) who has specific knowledge about an occupation or career in which you are interested.

You observe responsibilities and tasks associated with the mentor’s career and have the opportunity to ask questions about the knowledge, skills, talents, and level of education required for the job. Informational interviewing is meeting with an employer to ask and gather some of the same basic information.

While the purpose of job shadowing and informational interviewing is to gather career related information and expand your networking contacts, it also allows you to build interviewing skills, become aware of trends in the field, and see workforce technologies in action. Multiple experiences of both may be arranged to allow you to explore a variety of career paths.

Does Job Shadowing and Informational Interviewing Really Work?

Yes! It works because most people:

Enjoy talking about their jobs and career fields.
Are flattered that you ask their advice to assist with your career and future.
Are empathetic about career transitions because they have experienced them.
Like to assist others because it makes them feel good.

Why Participate in a Job Shadowing/Informational Experience?

A job shadowing or informational interviewing experience may:

Present up-to-date facts about an occupation that can assist in your decision making.
Inform you about the skills required for certain jobs so you can match them with your skills.
Provide valuable networking contacts to utilize when conducting your actual job or internship search.
Assist in developing communication skills and self-confidence in talking with professional people in a more relaxed work environment.
Expose you to occupational “buzzwords” unique to the career field of your choice.
Give you an edge in future interviews by providing inside knowledge not known by your competition.
Develop basic skills similar to a targeted job search