Informational interview tips for students with disabilities
Short answer
Informational interviews are valuable for students with disabilities to explore careers by asking questions and learning directly from professionals. Parents can start teaching this skill around age 13, using step-by-step guidance, role-playing, and real-life practice. Supporting communication needs and building confidence with scripts and follow-ups helps teens succeed. Extra help may be needed for autism or social challenges.
Why Should Students with Disabilities Learn Informational Interviewing and When Is the Best Time to Start?
Informational interviewing is an important life and career skill that helps students with disabilities learn about different jobs by talking directly to people who work in those fields. It offers real-world insights that can’t be found in textbooks or online descriptions. Learning this skill early—around age 13 or so—is a good idea because that’s when many teens start thinking about what they want to do after school.
This skill helps teens understand what a day at work looks like, what skills are needed, and what challenges they might face. For students with disabilities, informational interviewing also builds self-advocacy skills by encouraging them to ask about workplace supports or accommodations. For example, a teen with a mobility impairment might ask, “Are there any tools or adjustments that help you do your job better?”
Starting early allows practice over time so teens become comfortable asking questions, understanding answers, and networking — all vital for later job searches and career development. Parents and educators can help by breaking the process into small steps and celebrating progress.
How Can Parents Teach Informational Interviewing to Teens with Disabilities at Different Ages?
Teaching informational interviewing works best when tailored to your teen’s age and readiness. Here’s a detailed age-by-age plan parents can follow:
| Age Range | Focus Area | Practical Steps to Try |
|---|---|---|
| 13–14 | What is an informational interview? Basic question-asking | Explain the idea simply: “It’s a conversation to learn about a job.” Practice asking simple questions during family chats or with neighbors. Use role-play to build confidence. |
| 15–16 | Preparing questions and practicing polite communication | Help your teen make a small list of questions about job tasks, likes, and challenges. Practice greeting someone: “Hi, I’m interested in your job. Can I ask you some questions?” Role-play different responses. |
| 17–18 | Conducting real informational interviews, following up | Arrange actual interviews with family friends, teachers, or community members. Review what went well and what was hard. Teach how to write a thank-you note or email. Discuss next steps based on what was learned. |
| 18+ | Networking, building professional relationships | Encourage attending community events or online career groups. Help teens keep in touch with contacts through emails or social media. Support mentoring relationships for ongoing guidance. |
For teens with autism or communication challenges, parents can include additional supports like visual schedules for interview steps, written scripts, or a trusted adult to accompany them. The goal is steady growth with support tailored to the teen’s pace and needs.
What Can Parents Say to Introduce the Idea of Informational Interviews to Their Teen?
Introducing informational interviewing in a clear, encouraging way sets the tone for success. Parents can try a simple script like this:
"I know you’re starting to think about what you want to do after school. One great way to learn is by talking to someone who actually works in a job you might like. We can practice some easy questions together first, and then maybe you can ask them about what they do and how they like their job."
This script gently introduces the concept and reassures your teen that practicing comes first. It also highlights that the goal is learning, not pressure to perform perfectly.
You can add: “If it feels a little scary, that’s okay. We can keep practicing until you feel comfortable.” This normalizes nerves and shows your support.
How Can Everyday Moments Help Practice Informational Interview Skills?
You don’t need formal interviews to build these skills. Everyday situations offer great opportunities to practice question-asking, listening, and polite conversation. Here are some ways parents can turn daily moments into skill-building chances:
- Meeting new people: When your teen meets a new neighbor, encourage them to ask, “What kind of work do you do?” or “What do you like best about your job?”
- Watching TV or reading: If a program or book features a character’s job, ask your teen what they would want to know if they talked to someone with that job.
- Shopping trips: While visiting stores or restaurants, talk about the roles of the people who work there. “What skills do you think they need?” Then suggest questions your teen might ask if they spoke to an employee.
- Family conversations: Use mealtimes or car rides to practice polite ways to start and end conversations, like “Hello, it’s nice to meet you,” and “Thank you for your time.”
These low-pressure moments make question-asking feel natural and help build important social skills like eye contact, turn-taking, and active listening. For example, if your teen wants to practice a question, you can say, “Try asking me what a typical day at work is like.”
What Are Common Mistakes Parents Make When Teaching Informational Interviewing?
Parents want to help but sometimes make errors that can slow progress or cause stress for their teen. Here are common mistakes with advice on how to avoid them:
- Pushing too hard too soon: Forcing your teen to do a formal interview before they feel ready can cause anxiety and resistance. Instead, start with casual practice and respect their pace.
- Using complicated language: Avoid jargon or overly formal phrases. Use simple wording your teen understands, like “What do you do at your job?” rather than “Can you describe your professional responsibilities?”
- Not practicing enough in comfortable settings: Jumping into real interviews without role-playing or casual practice can overwhelm your teen. Use family or familiar people first.
- Ignoring your teen’s communication style: Some teens need visual aids, written scripts, or time to process questions. Adapt to their needs rather than expecting typical social behavior.
- Skipping follow-up: Not reviewing the interview afterward misses an opportunity to reinforce learning. Talk about what went well and what can improve.
Avoiding these pitfalls helps your teen feel safe, confident, and ready to learn.
When Should Parents Get Extra Help with Informational Interviewing?
Some teens may need additional support because of social communication challenges, anxiety, or sensory issues. Consider extra help if your teen:
- Has difficulty starting or maintaining conversations.
- Struggles with understanding social cues or body language.
- Feels overwhelmed or anxious about meeting new people.
- Needs assistance preparing questions or managing sensory sensitivities during interviews.
Potential sources of help include:
- Speech therapists or social skills coaches: They can teach conversational skills, eye contact, and turn-taking.
- School transition specialists: These professionals help students with disabilities plan career steps and arrange informational interviews.
- Disability advocacy groups: Many offer mentoring programs or peer support for teens with disabilities.
- Specialized resources: For example, the article Informational interview tips for teens with autism offers strategies tailored to autistic teens.
Parents should remember that getting help is a strength, not a weakness, and it can make informational interviews positive experiences.
How Can Parents Help Their Teen Find People to Interview?
Finding the right person to interview is sometimes the hardest part. Parents can take an active role by:
- Tapping into personal networks: Ask family, friends, neighbors, coaches, or teachers if they know someone your teen can talk to.
- Working with schools: Career counselors and special education teachers often have community contacts or employer partnerships.
- Using local organizations: Many nonprofits or community centers offer career exploration programs or connections for people with disabilities.
- Encouraging participation in events: Job fairs, library career programs, or local clubs can be places to meet professionals.
- Online platforms: With guidance, teens can look for virtual informational interviews via school or disability support groups.
Before the interview, parents can help their teen prepare by reviewing the questions, practicing greetings, and setting expectations about how long the conversation will last.
How Can Parents Support Their Teen After the Informational Interview?
Follow-up is a crucial part of the informational interview process that reinforces learning and professionalism. Parents can support their teen by:
- Reviewing the experience: Ask your teen what they learned, what was easy or hard, and how they felt.
- Helping write thank-you notes: A simple message like, “Thank you for talking with me about your job. I learned a lot and appreciate your time,” shows gratitude.
- Discussing next steps: Talk about whether your teen wants to explore that career more or interview other people.
- Encouraging ongoing contact: If appropriate, your teen can keep in touch with the person interviewed for advice or mentoring.
These actions build social skills and professional habits that prepare teens for jobs and networking in the future.
Frequently asked questions
How can I help my teen who is very shy or anxious about informational interviews?
Start with very informal practice at home or with familiar people. Use role-playing and scripts so your teen knows what to expect. Encourage small steps like asking one question at a time. Celebrate all successes to build confidence gradually.
Are there special tips for teens with autism doing informational interviews?
Yes, providing written questions in advance, using scripts, and practicing social cues can help. Consider having a trusted adult nearby during the interview. Resources like [Informational interview tips for teens with autism](#r2) give tailored advice for communication and sensory needs.
What are some simple but good questions my teen can ask during an informational interview?
Start with questions like: - “What does a typical day at your job look like?” - “What is the most fun or rewarding part of your work?” - “What skills do I need to do this job well?” - “Are there any challenges in this job?” These are easy to remember and open helpful discussion.
How do I support my teen if they don’t understand some answers during the interview?
Encourage them to say, “Could you please explain that a different way?” or “I’m not sure I understand.” After the interview, you can talk through confusing parts together. Practice asking for clarification in your role-plays.
When is it a good time to involve a school counselor or career specialist?
If your teen struggles to find people to interview, needs help with social skills, or wants advice on career planning, a school counselor or transition specialist can help arrange interviews and provide coaching.