In some of my English classes, I assign an interview assignment. It allows students to conduct research, engage with a professional in their field of study, format in MLA, and build skills in other areas.
To the student: Interviewing a professional in your future field is an invaluable opportunity to gain firsthand insights into your chosen career path. Whether you are pursuing a career in healthcare, business, engineering, education, or the arts, preparing for and conducting an interview requires careful planning and execution. This article will help guide you through best practices for developing strong interview questions, conducting the interview effectively, and writing a compelling summary and reflection based on the rubric provided for your assignment.
Part 1: Preparing for the Interview
Step 1: Research Your Field and Identify a Professional
Before scheduling your interview, take the time to research your chosen career using credible sources like the Occupational Outlook Handbook. Understand the job description, salary expectations, required education, and typical work environment. This background knowledge will help you craft insightful questions and engage meaningfully with your interviewee.
Once you have a strong understanding of your field, identify a professional who has experience in your desired career. Your interviewee can be a professor, an industry worker, a business owner, or someone in a leadership role related to your field. If you are struggling to find someone, consider reaching out through university faculty, LinkedIn, or professional networking events.
Step 2: Crafting Thoughtful Interview Questions
Your questions should be open-ended and designed to elicit detailed responses. Below are some adaptable question categories with examples:
1. Career Path and Background
- What led you to choose this career?
- Can you describe your educational background and how it prepared you for this role?
- What was your first job in the field, and how did you transition into your current role?
2. Job Responsibilities and Skills
- What does a typical day look like in your position?
- What are the most essential skills required for success in this field?
- How do you stay updated with new industry trends, tools, or regulations?
3. Challenges and Rewards
- What are the most challenging aspects of your job?
- What do you find most rewarding about your career?
- How do you handle work-life balance in this profession?
4. Industry Insights and Advice
- What changes have you seen in this field over the past few years?
- What advice would you give to someone entering this profession?
- What are some common mistakes newcomers make in this industry?
Feel free to personalize your questions based on your interests and your interviewee’s expertise. Having a structured list will help ensure a smooth and productive conversation.
Part 2: Conducting the Interview
Step 1: Setting Up the Interview
After selecting a professional, reach out via email or phone to request an interview. Be professional and concise in your request:
Example Email (can be adapted for a call):
Dear [Interviewee’s Name],
My name is [Your Name], and I am a [Your Major] student at [Your University]. As part of a class assignment, I am conducting an interview with a professional in my field to gain insights into the career. I would greatly appreciate the opportunity to speak with you about your experiences. If you are available, we could arrange a short interview via phone, video call, or in person at a time that is convenient for you.
Please let me know if you would be open to this, and I can provide additional details. Thank you for your time!
Best regards,
[Your Name]
[Any other necessary contact information for the interviewee]
Step 2: Conducting the Interview Professionally
- Be punctual. Whether meeting in person or online, arrive on time and prepared.
- Record or take notes. With permission, record the interview for accuracy. If the interviewee prefers not to be recorded, take detailed notes. For accountability purposes, I require that students turn in/submit the notes/recordings alongside the write-up (see below).
- Maintain professionalism. Use formal language, make eye contact, and be respectful.
- Engage actively. Ask follow-up questions when appropriate to encourage deeper discussion.
- Thank them. Conclude by expressing gratitude for their time and insights.
Part 3: Writing Your Interview Summary and Reflection
Please note that if you are a student reading this, you should always adhere to the assignment directions that your instructor provides.
Structuring Your Essay
Your final write-up should follow the structure outlined in your assignment directions:
1. Introduction to Your Field of Study (Generally 1 Paragraph)
Start by introducing your future career, including key details such as:
- Typical job duties
- Required education and skills
- Expected salary range and job outlook
Use the Occupational Outlook Handbook or other credible sources for factual information. Make sure this section is informative and sets the stage for your interview summary.
2. Interview Summary (750-1,000 Words)
This section should introduce your interviewee, summarize their responses, and highlight key insights.
Example Structure:
A. Introduction to the Interviewee:
- Who are they? (Name, title, background, and expertise)
- How did they get into the field?
B. Key Insights from the Interview:
- Summarize their answers to your key questions.
- Include direct quotes where relevant.
- Ensure logical flow—group similar ideas together rather than listing responses in question-answer format.
C. Unique Perspectives:
- What was surprising or particularly valuable?
- Any challenges or industry trends they discussed?
Example Excerpt:
“Dr. Maria Lopez, a cybersecurity analyst with over ten years of experience, shared that the industry constantly evolves, making continuous learning essential. She emphasized, ‘One of the biggest misconceptions about cybersecurity is that it’s all about hacking—when in reality, it’s about problem-solving and risk management.’ She advised students to focus on networking and hands-on projects to stand out in the field.”
3. Reflection (250-500 Words)
The reflection allows you to connect the interview experience to your academic and career goals.
Consider addressing:
- What did you learn?
- Did your perception of the career change?
- How will this interview shape your future academic or career decisions?
Example Reflection Excerpt:
“Before this interview, I assumed that a marketing career was mostly about advertising campaigns. However, after speaking with Ms. Johnson, I realized the field requires strong analytical skills and a deep understanding of consumer behavior. This insight has motivated me to take more data analysis courses to prepare for my future role.”
Part 4: Formatting and Finalizing Your Essay
MLA Formatting Requirements:
- Header: Include your full name, course title, instructor’s name, and date (e.g., 26 January 2025).
- Font and Spacing: 12-point Times New Roman, double-spaced.
- In-text Citations: If using external sources, cite them correctly. Example: (Bureau of Labor Statistics).
- Word Count: Ensure your essay meets the required length (1,100-1,600 words).
Proofreading and Editing
- Check for grammar, spelling, and punctuation errors.
- Ensure your tone is professional and appropriate for an academic setting.
- Review for logical organization and smooth transitions between sections.
Final Thoughts
Interviewing a professional in your future field is a valuable learning experience that provides real-world insight beyond textbooks. By preparing strong questions, engaging actively in the conversation, and thoughtfully analyzing your findings, you will better understand your career path. This assignment will enhance your research and communication skills and help you make informed decisions about your academic and professional future.
Following these best practices will ensure you complete a compelling and well-structured interview essay that meets all the rubric requirements. Happy interviewing!
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