You can’t truly know if you’ll love something until you try it, yet most people are encouraged to pick a career or join a company without much firsthand experience of it. That’s where informational interviews come in. Informational interviews can help you gain a deeper understanding of a job title, industry or specific workplace, so you can determine if a career path is right for you and what steps to take to make it a reality. But what questions should you ask in an informational interview and how do you conduct one in the first place?
While it might seem awkward to approach someone for an informational interview, many people are happy to share their experiences and pass along advice. Consider these tips before you conduct an informational interview to ensure you connect with the right people and make the most of the experience.
What Is an Informational Interview?
An informational interview is an informal conversation with someone in a job or industry you’re interested in. It can take the form of grabbing lunch or going out for a coffee together, or it can take place over a video conferencing app if you aren’t in the same location. During the chat, you can ask your interviewee questions about their career.
“I think the purpose of an informational interview is really to understand a new career path or … to get tips and advice for a job search,” said Cheng Yu Hou, a professor at USC Bovard College. “You try to seek out information and assess generally where your career interests might lie. You also are able to build a network connection.”
By the end of an informational interview, you should have more clarity on what kind of job you’d like to have and the steps you need to take — including education, internships and networking events — to make it happen.
How to Approach Someone for an Informational Interview
It can be intimidating to ask someone to take the time out of their day to answer your questions. That’s why it’s best to ask people you have some kind of relationship with, even if it’s not a close one. A great connection to reach out to would be a friend of a friend, for example.
Hou suggested finding people to interview by asking family members or friends who they know in a specific organization or field. The best place to find authentic, helpful connections is “real life,” Hou said.
“Go to social events and network … the key is really to use these existing connections and approach them,” Hou said. “Or even at a workplace, your colleagues might have spouses or kids that work in specific fields, or at church or holiday gatherings or community events … I think that’s also a really natural way to roll out that kind of linkage.”
Once you’ve determined who you’d like to reach out to, you can ask your connection to either introduce you to the person you want to interview or give you their contact information so you can send a message asking to set up a meeting.
Many people also turn to LinkedIn, which Hou said can be a “great starting point” to see who knows who in your circle. However, he advised against sending messages to people randomly on LinkedIn — you risk seeming like a spammer.
“I’ve noticed a lot of LinkedIn messages that feel identical, like they’ve been copied and pasted,” said Eryn Mack, a professor at USC Bovard College. “It comes across as a burden for the person on the receiving end and can feel disrespectful, especially for senior leaders.”
Instead, Mack recommends sending messages, whether via LinkedIn, email or text, that are thoughtful, clear and personal. Be authentic and clear about why you’re reaching out and make sure to get to the point.
“Disingenuous messages often put leaders in an awkward position because they aren’t fully prepared for what the person really wants,” Mack said. “If someone is upfront, the leader can better allocate time and resources to help them.”
How to Conduct an Informational Interview
Once you’ve set up the interview, make sure to prepare beforehand. Research the industry and your interviewee’s role within it. This will help inform your questions and demonstrate your drive and genuine interest during the conversation.
And while you should definitely write down questions you want to ask beforehand, remember that an informational interview is supposed to be informal and relaxed.
“You want to … approach with curiosity and really listen,” Hou said.
Come into the conversation ready to chat, be friendly and take in what your subject has to say. Also, consider topics to talk about other than work — maybe you like to vacation in a similar place, or went to the same university, for example.
As for the actual interview itself, Mack suggests being punctual, professional and ready to introduce yourself succinctly.
“Knowing how to deliver your 10 seconds of who you are and asking for feedback can leave a strong impression,” Mack said. “Take notes during the conversation — it shows you value their time and insights.”
Keep your expectations in check, Hou added. You shouldn’t go into an informational interview expecting to get a job offer. Instead, use it as an opportunity for you to both learn and build a relationship.
Questions to Ask in an Informational Interview
During an informational interview, you should ask questions that help you genuinely understand the role and the industry. Possible questions to consider include:
- What do you enjoy most about your job?
- What are the day-to-day duties in your job?
- What stereotypes about your industry have proven true, and which have been false?
- What’s the culture like at your company? What do you enjoy most about it, and enjoy the least?
- What have been the unexpected perks that come with your role? The unexpected downsides?
- What was your path to getting this job? What skills and training did you need?
- What do you wish you had known earlier in your career?
- Where do you see this role or industry heading in the next few years?
Just remember to phrase your questions thoughtfully and respectfully. While this is supposed to be a relaxed conversation where you receive honest insight, it’s still a professional setting and you want to leave a positive impression. Also, conversations flow naturally and may go on different tangents — and those may be even more informative for you than the question you were going to ask. Listen carefully, engage and be open to any kind of responses your interviewee gives you!
How to Follow Up After an Informational Interview
You should definitely follow up after an informational interview. The first follow-up should be a thank-you note or email. The note should not only show gratitude for the conversation but also highlight the personal connection you made by referencing a meaningful part of the chat, Mack said.
But don’t just leave it there. To maintain this connection you’ve made, you’ll want to stay in touch in little ways over the years. Hou suggested showing gratitude by letting people know when the information they shared or a connection they introduced made a difference in your life.
It’s through continually reaching out and maintaining this relationship that you can ensure this informational interview makes a true impact on your career trajectory.
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