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 cannot be found in everyday research. Put simply, it is a conversation that can help inspire and inform your career decisions.

If you are seeking knowledge before applying for a job, university, or programme or even starting a business, you can get a head start by talking to someone who has that specific experience. It’s not a job interview but an opportunity to build relationships.

This guide will help you understand the process of informational interviews and get tips on how to make the most of them.

Benefits of informational interviewing

Informational interviews can be a gateway to opportunities you would not usually have access to. The internet is a boon for finding and connecting with individuals who have jobs or are completing programmes you might be interested in. 

For example, perhaps you've heard of UX design but are unsure 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 asked professionally. 

Benefits of informational interviews include:

• Learning “insider” information: You can gain valuable insights by speaking with an industry expert, student, or working professional in a field or organisation you're interested in. You might walk away inspired or learn that a job doesn't align with your personality and goals.

• Building relationships: Networking in an informal setting, such as an informational interview—a coffee date, or a Zoom call—can be a great way to get to know someone you wouldn’t normally meet.

• Practicing interviewing skills: Interviewing can be intimidating when you're expected to perform your best in a job interview. Informational interviews allow you to practice expressing yourself and asking questions in a low-stakes situation.

• Discovering unforeseen opportunities: From these relationships, opportunities can develop. You might be at the top of your mind for a future job opening at this company. You might meet with someone who ends up as your first connection in developing a community in a new city or company.

Whether you're just starting or seeking a transition, you can conduct an informational interview at any point in your career. Be sure to request them out of genuine curiosity and desire to learn. You never know where these connections can lead, be it collaborations, job opportunities, or mentorship.

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're looking for. Do you want insight into what a job is really like? How does an industry work? What does it take to start a successful business? How to get into a prestigious master’s programme?

For example, you might have specific questions about how an individual transitioned from an English teacher to a product manager at Google. In this case, it would be wise to search on LinkedIn for Google product managers who may have an English teaching background. If you aspire to become a freelance journalist, DMing an established journalist on X might be your best bet for an informational interview.

Whatever you’re looking for, it may be helpful to jot down people in your current network, from close friends and family to acquaintances in your cultural or religious communities. Chances are, you already know someone who can point you towards the right person to chat with.

2. Reach out and request a meeting.

Once you've decided who you want to get to know better, reach out and ask them for 15 to 30 minutes of their time. If this person comes recommended, it is best to have your mutual friend connect the two of you by email or other form of communication. Otherwise, finding and connecting with someone on 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, it is best to use that to send a request formally. 

Here is a sample note:

Dear [insert name here],

I hope you’re doing well. I am writing because I recently graduated with a BA (Hons) in marketing and am interested in pursuing a career in sustainability. Since you are a marketing manager at Friends of the Earth, I hope to ask you some questions about your background and experience. Would you happen to have time next week for coffee? I am also based in London so we can meet anywhere convenient for you. Alternatively, we can have a 30-minute Zoom call if you prefer. Either way, I am eager to learn 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 and only seek advice, not distribute or share 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 usually 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 on hand, whether you are meeting in person or over Zoom. Remember to conduct as much background research as possible to maximize this person’s time and expertise. Choose questions that they are in a unique position to answer. 

Informational interview questions

Here are some questions to get you started. Adjust your questions as needed, as these are only meant as a guide. Your conversation can and should flow easily to answer most of these questions.

1. Can you tell me about your career journey? What inspired you to pursue this field?

2. What are your main responsibilities? What does a typical day look like for you?

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

4. How do most people get into this field? What steps would you recommend for someone preparing to enter this field? What kind of education or training is required? What skills, talents, and personalities are necessary to succeed?

5. What kind of lifestyle does your work allow? What is the company culture like?

6. What are the current trends and issues I should be aware of? What do you envision for the future of this field?

7. What advice would you give someone interested in working in your field? Can you recommend any journals, magazines, or organisations that would help my professional development?

4. Get to know your interviewee.

Now it’s time to meet with your interviewee. Be proactive by suggesting 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: Practise active listening, take notes, and engage in the conversation. Let it flow. Ask about the person, their job, and the sector in a polite and positive manner. Be sure you don’t take up more than the allotted time.

Sometimes, interviews may fall flat because it turns out that they are not your ideal resource. In that case, they might be able to give you recommendations and connect you with the right person. Sometimes, these conversations are instant connections, and you speak with a new confidante who is equally passionate about similar topics. 

5. Send a thank-you note.

After the meeting, 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 few sentences specific to your conversation while expressing your gratitude for meeting 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 update them on your plans, do so. By keeping in touch, you’re more likely to stay top of mind for potential jobs, conferences, and helpful ideas. Engaging with and building a network based on intentionality and like-minded individuals can be an empowering experience.

Next steps

Informational interviews offer a unique opportunity to gain insights into careers and industries. They are conversations, not job interviews, that can help you make informed decisions about your future. By connecting with professionals in your field of interest, you can learn insider information, build relationships, and discover unexpected opportunities. A step-by-step guide to conducting informational interviews takes you from crafting an initial request to following up after the meeting.

An informational interview is just one way to explore new career opportunities. Alternatively, see whether a high-demand career in data analysis, UX design, project management, IT support, or cybersecurity fits well with a Professional Certificate on Coursera. Learn job-ready skills from industry leaders at your own pace from anywhere with an internet connection.