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Implementation: Phase 3

Set Up Informational Interviews

An informational is an informal interview with someone in the job, career or nursing specialty you are interested in pursuing. The purpose is to get their advice, opinions and expertise, plus assess whether this work is a good fit for you. Sometimes during this process you will uncover a job or lead before it's been posted. It's a great way to build a network of contacts.

Once you have completed research on specific nursing specialties or jobs you are interested in, then you are ready to conduct an informational meeting with someone in that job or career. It is generally recommended you conduct at least three to five interviews in order to get enough information, opinions and advice so that you can make an informed decision about your career direction.

The first step is in locating other RNs in your areas of interest. For example, if you are interested in the ED and critical care then it would be helpful to speak with two to three nurses in different hospital settings in each specialty. Start by networking with your colleagues, friends, and neighbors. Other sources to consider include nursing professional associations that you belong to and in your area of interest, your former nursing program or college, alumnae associations, former classmates, college professors, former teachers, career counselors, human resource professionals, nurses mentioned in your workplace publication, previous employers, supervisors, volunteer organizations or activities you belong to. You never know where a lead will come from.

Network with these people and tell them you are looking for an RN who works in your area of interest and could you use their name as the referral source. Also, in some cases, they might be willing to call this person to let them know that you will be calling, and that helps pave the way.

Introduction

Introduce yourself over the phone and state who referred you to them. Most people are friendly to people who are referred in this manner. Also, ask them "Is this a good time to speak?", if not, ask when would be a better time to call them back. Explain your background briefly and let them know you are in the process of researching their area of expertise and would like to meet with them for 30 minutes to learn more about their experience in this type of work, and to get their advise and perspective. You may offer to meet them at their place of work or take them out for a cup of coffee. Try to schedule the meeting face to face. However, if this is not available you can do it by phone. Let them know you are not looking for a job but for information. You may contact people by telephone, mail or e-mail. However, the phone is preferable.

Preparing for the Interview

First be sure you take some time to get some basic knowledge about the nursing specialty or job before you go to the meeting because you want to make a good impression. Also,
career experts recommend that you dress professionally.

Take time to prepare questions. It is perfectly appropriate to take notes during an informational meeting. Following are some of the questions that are typically asked.

Questions You Can Ask For an Informational Interview

• How did you get into this area of nursing?
  
• What kind of educational background, training, or certifications do you need for this type of work?
  
• Could you please describe a typical day?
  
• What are the important trends in this area of nursing?
  
• What are the challenges to doing this type of work?
  
• What do you like most? What do you like least?
  
• What advise do you have for someone who wants to enter this type of work?
  
• What are the opportunities for advancement?
  
• What professional associations do you belong to?
  
• Could you refer me to other nurses I could talk to ?

Obviously you won't be able to ask all of these questions. Select between five to 10 questions that seem relevant.

The Meeting

At the beginning of the meeting introduce yourself and briefly summarize your overall experience in nursing. For example, "I have more than 10 years of experience in a med/surg unit and I'm interested in making a move into critical care." Then the easiest way to open the conversation is ask the first question on the list above which is "How did you get into this area of nursing?" Allow the person to share their expertise and opinions with you. The goal is to have a conversation and build rapport. Never argue or challenge the person. At the end of the interview you may give them a resume if it seems appropriate. Also, be sure to ask for one or two names of people they know that you could talk to. If you sense a good rapport with this person you may ask if you can keep in touch periodically.

Follow Up

Immediately following the interview. Go over your notes. What positive or negative information did you learn? How does what you learned fit with your skills, values and interests. What else do you need to know? The next steps are to start a log or database of names, organizations, telephone numbers and notes to refer back to. And be sure to send a thank you note either handwritten or word processed within 48 hours of meeting.

The idea here is to build a network of contacts. Stay in touch with the nurses and people that seem supportive of your efforts so that they will think of you if they have information or a possible lead.

Do's and Don'ts

• Respect time limits.
  
• Interview at least 3-5 people so you get different opinions and perspectives.
  
• Be sure to be on time.
  
• Be objective and pay attention to your impressions and feelings.
  
• Keep the focus of the interview on the interviewee.
  
• Don't ask for a job or job leads.

This is a good way to learn about hidden job opportunities and to see if this is a good match for your skills and abilities. Plus, it is a great way to meet people in various nursing jobs.