Informational interviews help you learn important, real-life details about a career or a company.
An informational interview is an informal conversation with a person who works in a career or at a company that interests you. It’s a kind of research opportunity to ask questions about their real-life experience and career path. The focus is on learning information to help you make a career decision, not about getting a job offer.
Informational interviews give you a unique chance to:
- Learn about the work environment, major trends, or current issues in the careers and industries you’d like to work in
- Gain more clarity about whether a career or company is right for you
- Get advice on ways to build your career or to get into a particular field or company
- Meet people who may offer future guidance, contacts, or leads
Focus and find contacts. Start by identifying the type of job or company you want to learn about, then look for people in your network who may have contacts in that field or who work at the company. The Business Finder can also help you find contacts in an industry or company. Check out the Professional Association Finder to explore reaching out to related associations.
Make contact. Either call or e-mail to make contact. Start by introducing yourself and your current situation such as student, new graduate or exploring a career change. Explain the purpose of your call, and why you chose them to reach out to. Ask for a brief informational interview, suggest some dates and times, and close with a thank you. When you hear back from them, be sure to confirm the date and time you will meet, meeting format (in person, phone, or video call), and send a meeting invitation. Here’s a sample script:
"Mrs. Smith, hello, I’m Sandy Jones. I just finished a programming certificate at the community college and am exploring options in the IT industry. Brad Johnson on faculty there suggested I speak with you. I would really appreciate the chance to learn from someone who is in this industry.
Do you have time in the next two weeks for a 20-minute informational interview? I’d like to learn more about your career path, and the IT industry. If that works, would it work to meet by video call on Tuesday February 11 between 1-4pm, or any time Friday February 14? Thank you for considering my request.”
Take the time to develop specific, personalized questions that will help you decide on your career focus. You could start with some of these:
- What is a typical day like in your job? Is your job typical of work in this field?
- What is most and least rewarding about working in this career?
- Please describe your career path, how you got to this point in your career
- How do you stay current in your knowledge? Could you recommend any books/websites/other resources to learn about the field?
- What skills and experience are employers looking for?
- Where are current job prospects strongest in this field? What's the best way to find out about jobs in this field?
- What trends are influencing the industry, career field or company? Future changes?
- What advice would you give someone starting in this career? What would you recommend I do at this point to get into this field?
- Are my skills and interests a good fit for this occupation? Or are there related fields I might want to look into?
- Is there anyone else you would recommend I talk to in this field?
- What's the corporate culture here like?
- Which firms do you think are your toughest competitors, and how do they differ from your company?
- How do you normally hire for this occupation?
- What is the average turnover in this type of job?
After introductions, reaffirm what you want to learn from them. Respect their time.
- Be professional, start the meeting on time and dress as you would for a job interview.
- Ask questions, show your interest, listen and take notes to track the conversation. Ask clarifying questions when you don’t understand something.
- Keep it short. Limit the meeting to 15 - 30 minutes based on the agreed-on time.
- End the interview with stating any follow up actions you will take based on their recommendations.
- Thank them for their time and information and send a thank-you note after your interview. If appropriate, connect with them on social media to keep in contact.