An informational interview is a focused conversation with a professional to gain insights into their field, company, or specific role. It is not a job interview, but rather a tool for career exploration and building professional connections. This low-pressure environment allows you to gather information that cannot be found online and to receive personalized advice. Preparing thoroughly is fundamental to making the most of this opportunity and leaving a positive, lasting impression on the person you meet.
Research the Professional and Their Organization
Before you can ask insightful questions, you must do your homework. Thorough research not only prevents you from asking for information that is easily accessible online, but it also demonstrates your initiative and genuine interest to the person you are meeting. A well-researched approach shows respect for the professional’s time and expertise.
Start by examining the professional’s career history. A detailed review of their LinkedIn profile can reveal their career trajectory, previous roles, educational background, and any articles or posts they have shared. Next, investigate their organization by visiting its official website. Pay close attention to the company’s mission statement, values, recent projects, and press releases to understand its culture and current priorities.
Supplement this with a broader search for recent news. Look for articles, interviews, or publications that feature the professional or their company. This can provide talking points and demonstrate that you are up-to-date on their work and industry trends.
Prepare Your Questions
The quality of your questions will determine the value of the conversation. The most effective questions are open-ended, encouraging detailed responses rather than simple “yes” or “no” answers. Your aim is to spark a discussion that uncovers insights you couldn’t find through a Google search. Grouping your questions into categories can help structure the conversation and ensure you cover all your areas of interest in the limited time available.
Questions about their career path
Understanding how a professional navigated their career can provide a valuable roadmap. Inquire about their journey and the decisions they made along the way. Questions like, “What initially interested you in this field?” or “How did your previous roles prepare you for your current position?” You might also ask, “What has been the most unexpected turn in your career path?” to learn about adaptability and navigating change.
Questions about their current role and company
Ask about the specifics of their responsibilities with questions such as, “What does a typical workday or week look like for you?” or “What are the most challenging aspects of your role?” To learn about the company culture, you could ask, “What do you enjoy most about working for this organization?”
Questions about the industry
Inquire about trends, challenges, and future opportunities. You could ask, “What are the most significant changes you’ve seen in the industry recently?” or “What skills do you believe will be most important in this field over the next five years?”
Questions for advice
Concluding with questions that seek advice is an effective way to get personalized guidance. Consider asking, “What advice would you give to someone starting out in this field today?” or “If you were in my position, what would you be doing to prepare for a career in this area?” You can also ask, “Is there anyone else you would recommend I speak with?” which can help you expand your professional network.
Plan Your Personal Pitch
While the primary goal is to gather information, you should be prepared to talk about yourself. The professional will likely want to know who you are and why you reached out to them. Having a concise and clear personal pitch ready ensures you can provide this context effectively without dominating the conversation.
Prepare a brief, 30-to-60-second overview of your background. This “elevator pitch” should not be a sales pitch for a job. Instead, it should succinctly cover three points: your current status (e.g., student, career changer), your interest in their field or company, and why you specifically wanted to learn from their experience. For example, you might mention a project they led or an article they wrote that caught your attention.
Practicing your pitch beforehand will help you deliver it confidently and naturally. The objective is to establish your credibility and give the professional the necessary context to have a meaningful discussion. It shows that you are purposeful in your outreach and value their specific insights.
Handle Interview Logistics
Managing the practical details of the interview is a reflection of your professionalism and organizational skills. Paying attention to logistics ensures the meeting proceeds smoothly without any preventable hitches.
Confirm all arrangements the day before the meeting. Send a brief email to verify the time and location if meeting in person, or to double-check the video conference link if meeting virtually. Dress appropriately for the setting; business casual is a safe choice, but it is wise to align with the company’s typical attire if you can determine it.
Arrive a few minutes early for an in-person meeting to show you are punctual and respectful of their schedule. For any format, have your materials ready. This includes your prepared list of questions and a notebook and pen for taking notes.
Follow Up Effectively
The informational interview does not end when the conversation is over. A thoughtful follow-up is a final step that can solidify the new connection you have made. It reinforces your appreciation for the professional’s time and the insights they shared, leaving a lasting positive impression.
Send a personalized thank-you email within 24 hours of the interview. In your message, go beyond a generic expression of thanks. Reference a specific piece of advice or an insight from your conversation that you found particularly helpful.
If the professional offered to review your resume or connect you with someone else, gently mention it in your note as a soft reminder. Keeping in touch periodically, especially if you act on their advice, can transform a one-time meeting into a valuable professional relationship.