Informational Interview with:_________________________________Date:________

I’m looking for advice, suggestions, & information re: knowledge of the ______________ industry & specific companies, as well as any contacts within those companies (referrals).

•	My personal background

•	Where is ______ industry going in San Diego? How would you assess its rate of growth?

•	Which companies are on the rise (growing in size, complexity, or scope?)
•	Which companies are experiencing changes in technology, market thrust, product mix, etc.?
•	Which companies are experiencing changes of leadership, launching new products, received large contracts, doing team building?

•	What is the mission of the company? What are its primary goals?

•	What areas of the marketplace do you see as logical extensions of your business?
•	What kinds of marketing information would be valuable to you?
•	How has your business gone about prospecting for work?

•	Who are your customers?

•	What are the growth opportunities for someone with my background in your industry?

•	What kinds of personal attributes would you say are most necessary for success?
(i.e., what kind of person thrives in this business?)

•	What are the most important technical and administrative skills?
•	Types of programming skills (DBMS, Unix, LAN, C/C++, COPS, Microsoft Apps)?
•	Types of management skills?
•	What are the most valuable types of professional certifications in the industry? Examples: Microsoft Engineering Certification? A CNE? An MBA? UCSD Extension? Other?

•	What are some of the problems your industry faces that require skills such as mine? 
      What are some of the problems your technical area faces?

•	What do you like most about the work you do?

•	What do you like least?

•	How do you see business in the San Diego area being affected in the next few years by 
      economic trends? What companies are in trouble? Which are poised to prosper?

•	What search firms might I contact?

•	Who do you know in the industry who might be able to provide additional information? 
      Can you think of three referrals?

Name				Position		Company			Telephone#

•	Is there anything I can do for you?

Thank you again for your time!

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