How To Conduct an Informational Interview

An informational interview is a conversation in which a job seeker or student seeks advice on their career path from someone working in a specific industry. Understanding its purpose is crucial: you're not asking for a job; instead, you're gathering insights, advice, and networking.

Before reaching out to potential contacts, clarify what you want to achieve. Are you exploring a specific field, seeking advice on career paths, learning about company cultures, or looking for tools to advance your skills? This will guide who you choose to interview.

Utilize platforms like LinkedIn, professional associations, or alumni networks to find professionals in your desired field. Look for individuals whose career journeys inspire you, or who possess knowledge about the roles you’re interested in.

Write a concise and polite email introducing yourself. Mention how you found them and why you're interested in speaking with them specifically. Be clear that you're seeking advice, and suggest a short time commitment of 20-30 minutes.

Develop a list of questions to guide your conversation. Potential questions could include: How did they get started in their career? What challenges did they face? What skills do they value most in their field? Having a flexible outline gives you direction.

Start with a warm introduction and thank them for their time. Use open-ended questions and actively listen. Take notes to capture key insights, and be mindful of their time to ensure you stay within the agreed timeframe.

Send a thank-you email within 24 hours expressing gratitude for their time and insights. Mention any particular advice that resonated with you. If appropriate, you may also share any projects or developments in your career as an update.

After completing the interview, take some time to reflect on what you learned. Consider how the insights you gained can influence your career decisions. This reflection helps solidify the knowledge and plan your next steps moving forward.

Keep in touch with your interviewee by updating them on your professional journey through periodic emails or connections on LinkedIn. This maintains the relationship and can be beneficial for future networking or mentorship.

Continue to seek more informational interviews to broaden your knowledge scope and network. Each conversation adds value to your understanding of different career paths and allows for more connections within your industry of interest.