Informational Interviewing: Smart Chats for Stronger Careers

When you’re looking for a job or exploring a new career path, it’s smart to conduct informational interviews to explore opportunities and get an inside look at jobs or organizations that appeal to your future career goals. An informational interview is an informal conversation, usually lasting 20–30 minutes, with a person working in a career field that interests you.

Informational interviewing is a valuable way to:

• Learn what it’s like to work within a specific role or specific organization.

• Find out about career paths you didn’t know existed.

• Clarify your goals and develop effective strategies for reaching them.

• Initiate a professional relationship and expand your network; meet people who may share job leads with you in the future.

It’s also important to note what informational interviewing is not. It is not meant to be a job interview and its purpose is not to find job openings. Never ask for a job in an informational interview. You’re there to network and learn, not to apply for an open position. Asking your new contact for a job is a sure way to put them off.

While you may feel awkward reaching out to people you don’t know, most professionals enjoy reflecting on their professional life and giving advice to those interested in their field. So, what should you say when you’re actually in an interview? What questions will help you gain the most information? How should you ask for more help if you need it?

You want to approach an informational interview well-informed, curious, and prepared to ask about specific aspects of the job that you care about. Here are some tips on how to prepare and conduct an informational interview.

Before the Meeting

• DO research on occupations or organizations that you want to explore and people you want to interview. Talk to colleagues, friends, career counselors, and others in your network to see if they know anyone in this field. Check with any professors or alumni groups who might be helpful.

• DO call or e-mail the person(s) you wish to interview. Introduce yourself and explain that you are interested in their career field and are looking to schedule a brief, 20–30-minute informational interview by phone, virtually, or in person. Share how you got their name and contact information. Offer specific time frames for an interview.

• DO think about what you are hoping to gain from the conversation and prepare a list of questions.

• DO confirm the meeting time or place 1–2 days prior to the interview, once the time has been established. Reinforce that you look forward to learning from them.

• DO send a few questions you plan to ask in advance to help them prepare ahead of time.

• DO write down some thoughts on what you will say to introduce yourself.

Sample Questions

• How did you get into this field and into your current position?

• What do you like best about what you do?

• What is the most challenging part of your job?

• What kind of background, training, special experience, or learning does one need to enter the field?

• How do you see this field developing in the future?

• What professional associations would be most helpful?

• What are some key job titles, employers, or work environments I should consider?

• What advice would you give someone entering the field, maybe something you wishyou’d known when you were starting?

During the Meeting

• DO arrive 15 minutes ahead of the actual scheduled time, if in person or five minutes before if meeting online.

• DO NOT BE LATE.

• DO test equipment and ensure you have a good connection if talking via phone or online.

• DO have your questions ready.

• DO introduce yourself with a brief overview of your education or work background and a short explanation about why you’re interested in this field.

• DO be prepared to lead the interview, but also let the conversation flow naturally. Encourage the interviewee to do most of the talking.

• DO make sure you are in a quiet place where you can give your undivided attention.

• DO respect the person’s time. Limit the meeting to the agreed-upon timeframe.

• DO ask for feedback about your qualifications and search strategies, if time allows and if a positive rapport has been established.

• DO ask for names of more people to contact, and if it’s okay to use their name when you contact others.

• DO ask them if it would be okay for you to follow up with them in the future.

After the Meeting

• DO take time to reflect on what you have learned.

• DO send a thank-you letter, within 1–2 days, expressing your appreciation for their time and advice. Highlight any particularly helpful or thought-provoking information given.

• DO make notes after the interview for future reference. Keep the contact information of each informational interview. Determine next steps.

• DO keep in touch to inform contacts of your career developments. This is an integral part of nurturing connections and developing a lifelong network.

Informational interviews are a powerful and often underutilized tool in career exploration and professional development. By approaching them with preparation, curiosity, and professionalism, you can gain invaluable insights, expand your network, and uncover opportunities that might otherwise remain hidden. Plan interviews with many different people. Remember, these conversations aren’t just about gathering information—they’re also about building authentic relationships that can support your journey for years to come. So, take that first step, reach out, and start the conversation. Your future self will thank you.