There's no doubt about it-refining one's career plans or landing a full-time job can pose some real challenges. It's not easy to gather the necessary information.

For many, the word "interview" may have unfavorable connotations; an image flashes to mind of a harried senior with sweaty palms shifting about in a chair, trying to respond intelligently to a staccato of nasty questions. The idea of becoming the interviewer yourself-of asking the questions instead of answering them--may seem absurd at first thought.

However, we're talking about informational interviewing. In an information interview you're asking for advice and information, not a job. Information interviewing is a great way to gather many different types of helpful information and advice, for example: jobs available in particular fields, things people do in a typical day, differences among work environments, starting salary figures, educational requirements for specific positions, graduate school ideas, lifestyle considerations, names and titles of additional contacts, and much more, according to your needs.

Once you have identified sources of information, or targets, you have two means to obtain the interview. The first is through personal referral, which can save you some detective work and increase your chance of getting a warm reception. If you make direct contacts yourself, though, you identify the proper person, which often enables you to reach her /him sooner. This also enables you to practice your assertiveness skills-which are critical in any job search. There is no reason to choose either method over the other. Use personal referrals when you can get them and direct "cold" contacts when you can't.

To identify proper contacts in the work world, start with people you know: professors, former employers, friends and relatives. Ask them: "I'm interested in becoming a ---. Do you know anyone in that field who might be willing to talk to me?"

If you need to make direct contacts (i.e., without referrals), start with printed material and pick likely employers in a chosen geographic area. The career libraries on campus, as well as most public libraries, can be particularly valuable.

The next step is to obtain an interview with the right person. Call the organization to find out whom you should speak to. It may take several calls to connect with the right individual, even after you have identified him/her. Administrative aides and receptionists can be very helpful if you're courteous and clear in your questioning. Assure them that you're looking for information, not a job. Ask for a brief appointment. If you reach the person you wish to interview on the phone, explain who you are, why you're calling, and what sort of information you're looking for. Example: "I'm a senior at the University of Cincinnati and I'm trying to make some decisions about the career field I enter after graduation. Would you be willing to arrange a time for us to talk about your work in environmental engineering. I have about ten or fifteen minutes worth of questions." If the person isn't able to help you, don't be discouraged. Instead, ask for a referral to someone they know. Example: "It sounds like you're very busy and I certainly understand why you can't arrange to talk to me next week. Do you know of anyone else in your field who might have the time?" Some people write before they call, explaining in the letter what they want and stating when they will call to arrange for an interview. You can experiment with different approaches.

Whether you arrange for an in-person or a phone interview, be prepared with some good questions. Such questions should seek information not readily available from other sources-asking a landscape architect what landscape architects do is a waste of his/her time. Finally, questions should be open-ended, not closed. "Yes/No" questions are out.

Active listening is just as important as active questioning. Be attuned to the person's feelings about the job and organization. When you discover how others feel about their work, you can relate your responses to your own interests and values. Feel free to ask someone to elaborate on a particularly interesting point.

It is usually best to let the interview take a natural course, which is likely to happen since most people like to talk about their jobs and careers. You'll still get the answers you're after, and you're likely to gain more information along the way. As you gather the information, take notes, or ask to tape the conversation. This is a much safer practice than relying on your memory days or weeks afterwards.

In addition to the verbal communication in the interview, be aware of body language-both your own and that of the person you're interviewing. You're talking to a human being, not a computer. Act natural. Don't be afraid to smile and convey interest in what the person is saying. It is also good to watch for nonverbal clues, which may indicate the interview is over. While many people may be pleased to spend more time with you than requested, others will be unable to. Stay only as long as you're welcome. Always ask for a referral before leaving.

Example: "Do you know of other people who may be willing to speak with me? May I say that you referred me?"

A brief "thank-you note" to the person you interviewed and the person's aide or secretary is both smart and appropriate. You never know when those people may be in a position to act as "casual references".

You'll never bat 1,000 in arranging for information interviews, and some of those you conduct will be less than great, You should find, however, that in most cases you'll enjoy yourself and learn a lot.

Learning how others feel about their work may help you clarify your own feelings about different options. Making contacts and practicing your assertiveness and communication skills should provide a real boost to your

future job-search efforts.

Once you've mastered your interview skills in information interviewing, you'll have them on hand for employment interviews. Most important, perhaps, information interviewing can prove to you that the work world is not a cold, alien place, but instead contains many warm and helpful people.

• How did you get into this kind of work?
• What is a typical day like?
• What are the frustrations? The rewards?
• What kind of work/ academic background is needed to enter this field?
• How much flexibility do you have regarding dress, hours of work, vacation schedules, or places of residence?
• To what professional organizations do you belong? Should I join now?
• If you were starting out again, what might you do differently?
• What is the potential for this field?
• What areas do you feel promise the most growth?
• What are some typical job titles in this field?
• Who hires people to do this kind of work?
• Would you recommend graduate or professional school training right after college, sometime in the future, or not at all?
• What are the opportunities for advancement?
• How would you advise I go about looking for an entry-level job?
• If you were to leave your kind of work, what other kind of work would attract you?
• If you were to hire someone right now, what would be the most critical factors determining your selection?