What Is an Informational Interview? And How to Make the Most of It

When you are curious about a particular industry, job, or person, an informational interview can be a valuable tool for gaining insights that you can't glean from YouTube videos, a job description, or even someone's LinkedIn profile.

Before you jump into a career switch or applying for a specific program, get a head start by talking to people in the industry who have gone through the same process. You could learn how to stand out among the competition and build relationships along the way.

This article takes you what an informational interview is and how you can make the most of an informational interview.

What is an informational interview?

An informational interview is a meeting to learn and gain insights about a person's real-life experiences in a specific career field, industry, organization, school, or fellowship. These informal conversations tend to last 20-30 minutes, though if you've made a strong connection they can last up to an hour.

While an informational interview is not a job interview, they have great potential to lead to job prospects in the future. Informational interviews can be a strategic tool. Having structured conversations with people you want to learn from can help inspire you, so you can make informed decisions about your career.

Informational interviews are not just for jobs. If you're applying to grad school, a fellowship (such as Fulbright), or a prestigious scholarship, you might ask someone what made their application succeed or whether their experience was worthwhile. Who knows, this person may be generous enough to send you a copy of their application so you can stand out among the competition.

Benefits of informational interviewing

Informational interviews can be a gateway to opportunities that you would not usually have access to. These days, the internet is a boon for finding and connecting with individuals who either have jobs or are completing programs that you might have an interest in. 

Perhaps you have heard of UX design but are unsure of what it takes to become a UX designer. Find someone with relevant experience on LinkedIn, and reach out for an informational interview. People are usually willing to respond to such requests when they are asked in a professional manner. 

Here are the benefits of informational interviews:

• Learn “insider” information: You can gain valuable insights by speaking with an industry expert, student, or working professional in a field or organization you are interested in. You might walk away inspired—or learn that a job does not align with your personality and goals after all.

• Build relationships: Networking with a coffee date or a Zoom call without expectations can spark unexpected opportunities and connections. You just might remain top of mind for a future job opening at their company!

• Practice interviewing skills: Interviewing can be intimidating when you are expected to perform your best in a job interview. Informational interviews allow you to practice expressing yourself in a low-stakes situation.

Whether you are just starting your career or seeking a transition, informational interviews can be a useful tool at any point. Just remember to request them out of genuine curiosity and desire to learn.

How an informational interview works

When beginning the process for an informational interview, remember that you are requesting a person’s time and should be respectful of that. Informational interviews can be a fun and even mutually beneficial experience for you and your interviewee.

1. Decide what you want to know.

First, think about what you are looking for. Do you want insight into what a job is really like? Or how an industry works? Or what it takes to start a successful business? Or how to get into a master’s program?

You might have specific questions about how an individual transitioned from a teacher to a product manager at Google, for example. In that case, it would be wise to search on LinkedIn for product managers at Google who may have an English teaching background. If you aspire to become a journalist, message an established journalist on Twitter and ask for 30 minutes of their time.

2. Reach out and request a meeting.

Once you have decided who you want to get to know better, reach out (by email or on LinkedIn) and ask them for 15 to 30 minutes of their time. If you have a mutual friend with this person, it is best to have that friend connect the two of you. Otherwise, connecting with someone through social media is becoming increasingly common. 

LinkedIn is by far the most popular for many professional industries. For creative jobs, you may be able to connect with writers or academics on X, or designers and illustrators on Instagram. If they have a portfolio with their email address listed, then it is best to use that to formally send a request. 

Here is a sample note:

Dear [insert name here],

I hope you’re doing well. I am writing because I recently graduated with a marketing major and I am interested in pursuing a career in sustainability. Given that you are a marketing manager at Sierra Club, I hope to ask you some questions about your background and experience. Would you happen to have time in the next week for a coffee? I am also based in Oakland, so we can meet anywhere that is convenient for you. Alternatively, we can have a 30-minute Zoom call if you prefer. Either way, I am eager to get to know more about you and how you got to where you are. Thank you in advance for your time!

Best wishes,

[your name]

This sample can be tailored to your needs. Note that your communication should reflect a polite and cheerful attitude. To further establish trust with your interviewee, you might want to be upfront about the fact that you are only seeking advice, not distributing or sharing information publicly. If your interviewee does not respond, feel free to follow up in a week or two. Emails and other messages can unintentionally get ignored when life gets busy—it’s nothing personal. 

3. Develop a list of questions to ask.

Once you have secured a meeting with your interviewee, it’s time to prepare. Prepare a list of questions to have on hand, whether you are meeting in person or over Zoom. Remember to conduct as much background research as possible to make the most of this person’s time and expertise. Only ask questions that you cannot possibly find without asking them directly.

Read more: 10 Questions to Ask in an Informational Interview

Consider asking:

Can you tell me about your career trajectory?

What does a typical day look like for you?

What do you enjoy most about your work? What parts do you dislike?

What skills and experience are needed to enter this field?

4. Get to know your interviewee.

Now it’s time to meet with your interviewee. Be proactive: suggest an exact time and place to meet or be the one to send the Zoom invite. Express your enthusiasm and gratitude before, during, and after the interview. 

The interview itself should be enjoyable. It may be helpful to think like a journalist: Practice active listening, take notes, and engage in the conversation. Let it flow. Ask about the person, their job, and the sector, in a manner that is both polite and positive. Be sure you don’t take up more than the allotted time.

Luck of the draw: perseverance is key

Sometimes, interviews may fall flat because it turns out that they are not your ideal resource. In that case, they might be able to connect you with the right person. Sometimes, these conversations are instant connections, and you find yourself with a new confidante who is passionate, excited, and flattered.

5. Send a thank-you note.

After the meeting, be sure to send a thank-you note as soon as possible. This can be done through email or on the platform where you initially reached out. Write a thoughtful note with a couple of sentences specific to your conversation, while expressing your gratitude for taking the time to meet with you.

6. Keep in touch. 

Given that it was a positive interaction, this step is essential to continuing a bond with your interviewee. If they tell you to keep them updated on your future plans, then do so. By keeping in touch, you’re more likely to stay top of mind for potential jobs, conferences, and ideas that might be helpful. Actively engaging with and building a network based on intentionality and like-minded individuals can be an empowering experience.

Find your ideal career path

Coursera offers professional certificates in data analysis, UX design, project management, IT support, or cybersecurity so you can prepare for a high-demand career starting today. Learn job-ready skills from industry leaders at your own pace from anywhere with an internet connection.

Consider enrolling in the University of Pennsylvania Wharton's Achieving Personal and Professional Success Specialization and get closer to achieving your career goals: