Why Informational Interviews Are Useful

The following post explores Why Informational Interviews Are Useful.

When you’re exploring career options, it’s easy to feel stuck reading job descriptions and wondering what the roles are really like. That’s where informational interviews come in.

Read: Submitting Your Resume to Recruiting Firms

Related: What is an ATS-Friendly Resume?

By talking to professionals in your field of interest, you can gather insider knowledge, expand your network, and make smarter choices about where to focus your job search.

Here’s what you need to know.

What is an Informational Interview?

Simply put, an informational interview is a conversation you set up with someone who works in a job, company, or industry you’re interested in.

The purpose isn’t to ask for a job, but to glean insights from their experience. Informational interviews are a useful tactic for learning about a particular job or industry.

They’re usually about 15 to 30 minute conversations (in person or digitally) and give you a real-world perspective you can’t find in job postings or online research.

Gain Real-World Insight

Informational interviews provide direct access to the experiences of professionals in your field, giving you a clear understanding of what a role is actually like day to day.

You can learn about the challenges you might face and the skills that are most valuable for success. This type of insight goes far beyond what you can glean from job descriptions or online research.

Build Your Network

In addition to acquiring useful knowledge, informational interviews are a highly effective way to build and expand your professional network. Informational interviews are a strategic way to get a foot in the door with people you might not normally have access to.

Each conversation can lead to new connections, referrals, or introductions to other professionals who can provide guidance and open doors. Over time, these relationships help you establish credibility and visibility within your desired industry or career path.

Clarify Your Career Goals

By hearing directly from professionals about their experiences, challenges, and day-to-day responsibilities, you gain a more complete understanding of what various roles truly involve.

Ultimately, informational interviews are useful for evaluating which positions best match your skills, interests, and long-term ambitions. They also help you identify gaps in your experience or skills that you may want to develop, so you can make intentional choices about training, projects, or networking.

Who To Ask

The value of an informational interview depends on connecting with the right people. When reaching out, be respectful, clear, and concise. Your goal is to seek advice, not a job.

• Professionals in your target role

• Individuals in related roles or other areas of the industry

• Alumni from your school or university

• Mutual connections through friends, family, colleagues, or LinkedIn

• Managers or leaders at companies you’re interested in

How To Ask

After identifying someone you’d like to speak with, the next step is to reach out in a professional and respectful manner. Keep in mind that the person may be busy or unfamiliar with informational interviews, so it’s important to be clear, concise, and considerate of their time.

It’s wise to think carefully about the best way to make contact. Phone calls can feel too direct and put pressure on the recipient, email allows them time to read and respond at their convenience, and LinkedIn messages work well if the person is active on the platform. Each method has its pros and cons, so carefully consider the person you are reaching out to, and which method you think they’re most likely to respond to.

Below is a sample script you can use when requesting an informational interview. You can adapt it for either email or LinkedIn messages.

Subject (for email): Request for Informational Interview on [Industry/Role]

Hi [Name],

I hope you’re doing well. My name is [Your Name], and I’m exploring career opportunities in [industry/role]. I came across your profile and was impressed by your experience at [Company/Role].

I would greatly appreciate the chance to schedule a brief informational interview to learn from your experience and hear any advice you might have about working in this field. If you’re available, I would love to arrange a 20–30 minute conversation at a time that is convenient for you.

I understand you have a busy schedule, so I completely understand if now is not a good time. Thank you very much for considering my request.

Best regards,
[Your Name]

Preparing for an Informational Interview

Being prepared increases the likelihood that the informational interview will be productive and valuable for both you and the person you are speaking with.

Start by researching the person and their company so your questions are informed and relevant. Develop thoughtful questions that focus on career paths, necessary skills, common challenges, and industry trends.

Set clear goals for the conversation, knowing in advance what you want to learn or take away. Finally, plan the logistics carefully. Confirm the time, choose a quiet setting, and be ready to take notes.

Making the Most of It

During the interview, focus on listening more than talking. Let curiosity guide your questions and concentrate on drawing out the other person’s experiences. Active listening is key.

It is also important to capture takeaways from the conversation. Jot down skills you may want to develop, resources to explore, or new contacts to follow up with later.

Finally, be sure to follow up afterward. Sending a personalized thank-you message is wise, and when appropriate, maintaining occasional contact can help build a lasting professional relationship.

In Conclusion

In conclusion, I hope this article helps you see the value of informational interviews and how they can play a useful role in your career. By approaching these conversations thoughtfully, you can gain insight into the realities of different roles, build lasting professional connections, and clarify your own goals.

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