What Is An Informational Interview

Ever wondered how someone landed their dream job? Or what a "day in the life" truly looks like for a professional in a field you're considering? It's often more insightful than what a job description or company website can tell you. That's where informational interviews come in. They are a powerful tool for career exploration and networking, offering first-hand accounts and valuable insights into different industries, roles, and company cultures.

Informational interviews can bridge the gap between your current knowledge and the realities of a potential career path. Whether you're a student exploring options, a professional considering a career change, or simply curious about a specific industry, these conversations provide invaluable clarity and connections. They empower you to make informed decisions, build your network, and gain a competitive edge in your job search. Ignoring this resource means potentially missing out on a wealth of career guidance and opportunities.

Frequently Asked Questions About Informational Interviews

What's the main purpose of an informational interview?

The main purpose of an informational interview is to gather insights, advice, and connections related to a specific career field, industry, company, or role you're interested in exploring. It's a proactive research tool where you, as the interviewee, ask questions of someone working in your desired area to gain a better understanding and make informed decisions about your career path.

Informational interviews are *not* job interviews. You're not trying to get hired during one. Instead, you're aiming to learn from the experiences of others. You're seeking firsthand knowledge about the day-to-day realities of a particular job, the skills and qualifications needed to succeed, and potential career trajectories within a specific industry. This information can be invaluable in helping you refine your career goals, identify skill gaps, and tailor your resume and cover letter accordingly. Furthermore, informational interviews are excellent opportunities to build your professional network. By connecting with individuals in your field of interest, you expand your circle of contacts and increase your chances of learning about future job openings or other opportunities that might not be publicly advertised. These connections can also serve as mentors or advocates as you progress in your career. Always remember to express gratitude and maintain contact with those who generously share their time and insights.

How does an informational interview differ from a job interview?

An informational interview is a conversation where you, the interviewee, are in the driver's seat, seeking to learn about a specific career path, industry, or company from someone working within it. In contrast, a job interview is a structured assessment where the employer evaluates your skills, experience, and suitability for a specific open position within their organization.

The fundamental difference lies in the purpose and the power dynamic. In a job interview, the company is trying to determine if you are a good fit for them; your primary goal is to sell yourself and demonstrate your qualifications. You're answering *their* questions. However, in an informational interview, *you* are the one asking the questions, aiming to gain valuable insights, advice, and connections. You're researching and exploring, not necessarily looking for immediate employment. It's about gathering information to inform your career decisions and expand your professional network. Informational interviews are significantly less formal and stressful than job interviews. You don't need to prepare a resume or practice answering behavioral questions. Instead, you should focus on crafting thoughtful, insightful questions that demonstrate your genuine interest and research. Examples include questions about the day-to-day responsibilities of the role, the challenges and rewards of working in that industry, the skills and qualifications most valued by employers, and the career trajectory of the person you're interviewing. The goal is to build a relationship and learn from their experiences.

What kind of questions should I ask in an informational interview?

Informational interviews are about gathering insights, advice, and connections, so your questions should focus on the interviewee's experiences, career path, industry knowledge, and their perspective on your goals. Aim for open-ended questions that encourage detailed responses rather than simple "yes" or "no" answers.

Specifically, you'll want to explore the interviewee's career journey: how they got started in the field, key decisions they made, and challenges they overcame. Understanding their day-to-day responsibilities is crucial, so ask about typical projects, required skills, and the overall work environment. To get valuable insights, inquire about industry trends, emerging technologies, and potential opportunities for someone with your background.

Finally, make sure to solicit advice that is personalized to your situation. Ask for recommendations on skills to develop, resources to explore, or people to connect with. Showing genuine interest in their expertise and valuing their guidance will leave a positive impression and increase the likelihood of building a lasting connection. Remember to prepare a list of questions beforehand, but be flexible enough to follow the natural flow of the conversation and explore unexpected insights.

How do I find people to interview for informational purposes?

Finding people to interview for informational interviews involves leveraging your existing network and strategically expanding beyond it. Start with people you already know – friends, family, professors, and former colleagues – and then use them as springboards to connect with individuals working in your target field or company. Don't be afraid to reach out to strangers who have a profile or background that aligns with your interests; most people are willing to help those who are genuinely curious and respectful of their time.

Informational interviews thrive on the power of connections and referrals. Once you've spoken with someone, always ask if they know anyone else who might be willing to share their experiences. This "snowball effect" can significantly expand your network and lead you to invaluable insights. Consider using professional networking sites like LinkedIn to identify individuals in specific roles or organizations. Craft personalized connection requests explaining your interest in their field and requesting a brief informational interview. Highlight any shared connections or experiences to increase the likelihood of a positive response. Remember to be specific about your intentions. Clearly state that you are seeking informational interviews, not a job, and that you are interested in learning about their career path, daily responsibilities, and industry trends. This will help potential interviewees understand your purpose and be more receptive to your request. Don't underestimate the power of alumni networks from your educational institutions. Alumni are often eager to support current students and recent graduates, making them a valuable resource for informational interviews.

What should I do to prepare before the interview?

Before an informational interview, thorough preparation is key. Research the person you're interviewing and their career path, define your goals for the conversation, and prepare insightful, open-ended questions that demonstrate your genuine interest and respect for their time.

To effectively prepare, start by delving into the background of the person you'll be speaking with. Use LinkedIn, company websites, and other online resources to understand their role, experience, and any relevant accomplishments. This research allows you to tailor your questions and demonstrate that you've put in the effort to learn about them. Next, clarify your own objectives for the interview. What do you hope to gain? Are you exploring a specific career path, seeking advice on skill development, or trying to understand the culture of a particular company? Defining your goals will help you stay focused during the conversation and ensure you gather the information you need. Finally, and perhaps most importantly, craft thoughtful and open-ended questions. Avoid questions that can be answered with a simple "yes" or "no." Instead, focus on questions that encourage the interviewee to share their experiences, insights, and perspectives. For example, instead of asking "Do you like your job?", consider asking "What are the most rewarding aspects of your role, and what are the biggest challenges you face?" Preparing a mix of questions related to their career path, their company/industry, and any specific areas of interest you have will maximize the value of the informational interview. Remember to prioritize your questions and have a few backup questions in case the conversation flows in a different direction than you anticipated.

What's the best way to follow up after an informational interview?

The best way to follow up after an informational interview is to send a prompt and personalized thank-you note, ideally within 24 hours, reiterating your appreciation for their time and highlighting key takeaways from the conversation. Reference specific points discussed and, if appropriate, briefly mention any action items you plan to take based on their advice. Consider offering to stay in touch or provide an update on your progress.

Following up promptly demonstrates your professionalism and genuine interest. The thank-you note shouldn't be generic; instead, it should show that you were actively listening and engaged during the interview. Mention a specific piece of advice they gave you, a resource they recommended, or an insight they shared that you found particularly valuable. This shows you were paying attention and that their time was well spent. Beyond expressing gratitude, your follow-up serves as a reminder of who you are and why you reached out in the first place. Briefly re-state your career goals or the area you're exploring, and subtly reiterate your enthusiasm for the field or company. You can also offer to connect with them on LinkedIn to maintain contact. By being appreciative, specific, and keeping the door open for future communication, you increase your chances of building a meaningful connection. Here's an example of elements to include in your follow-up:

How can an informational interview help my career?

An informational interview is essentially a conversation where you, as the interviewee, ask questions of someone working in a field or company that interests you, allowing you to gain valuable insights, expand your network, and refine your career goals.

Informational interviews offer a multitude of benefits for your career trajectory. Firstly, they provide firsthand knowledge about specific industries, roles, or companies that you're considering. Instead of relying solely on online research or second-hand accounts, you can hear directly from someone experiencing the day-to-day realities of their profession. This can help you determine if a particular path is truly aligned with your interests and skills, preventing potentially costly missteps later on. You'll gain a realistic understanding of required skillsets, industry trends, and the overall company culture. Furthermore, informational interviews are a powerful networking tool. Each interview is an opportunity to connect with a professional in your desired field. Building rapport and leaving a positive impression can lead to future mentorship opportunities, introductions to other contacts, or even, indirectly, job opportunities. People are generally willing to help those who show genuine interest and initiative. The information you gather helps you speak intelligently about their field or organization. Finally, engaging in informational interviews can significantly clarify your career goals. By exploring different career paths and gathering diverse perspectives, you can identify your strengths, weaknesses, and areas for development. This self-assessment will help you make informed decisions about your education, training, and job search strategy, ultimately leading to a more fulfilling and successful career.

So, that's the gist of informational interviews! Hopefully, this has cleared up any confusion and maybe even sparked some interest. Thanks for taking the time to read, and we hope you'll come back soon for more insights and tips!