Understanding Informational Interviews
When you’re contemplating a career change or exploring new professional horizons, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by the sheer number of options and unknowns. That’s where informational interviews come in—a powerful yet often overlooked tool for anyone considering a new career path. Unlike job interviews, which are formal assessments between an employer and a candidate, informational interviews are casual conversations initiated by job seekers with professionals working in roles or industries they’re interested in. The goal isn’t to land a job on the spot; instead, it’s about gaining insider insights, learning about day-to-day realities, and building authentic connections within your field of interest.
2. Finding the Right People to Interview
When you’re exploring a new career path, connecting with the right professionals can make all the difference. Informational interviews are only as valuable as the people you choose to speak with, so it’s important to be intentional in your search. Here are some practical tips for identifying and reaching out to industry insiders who can provide authentic insights:
Leverage Your Network and LinkedIn
Start by mapping out your existing network—friends, family, former colleagues, alumni connections—and see if anyone works in your target industry or knows someone who does. Don’t underestimate the power of a warm introduction. For broader reach, LinkedIn is your go-to platform. Use filters like company, job title, location, and even shared groups or alma mater to find professionals whose backgrounds align with your career interests.
Networking Events and Professional Groups
Attending local or virtual networking events and joining professional associations can expose you to people actively engaged in your target field. These settings are ideal for making genuine connections beyond cold outreach. Look for meetups, conferences, or webinars hosted by industry leaders.
Sample Strategies for Identifying Potential Interviewees
| Strategy | Description | Example Tools/Platforms |
|---|---|---|
| Alumni Networks | Connect with graduates from your college who work in your desired field. | LinkedIn Alumni Tool, University Career Centers |
| Industry Groups | Join professional organizations or online communities relevant to your interest. | Meetup.com, Association Websites, Facebook Groups |
| Social Media Search | Search relevant hashtags or posts to find active voices in the industry. | LinkedIn, Twitter/X, Instagram |
| Events & Conferences | Attend sector-specific events to network face-to-face or virtually. | Eventbrite, Local Chambers of Commerce, Industry Webinars |
Reaching Out: How to Make Contact Effectively
Once you’ve identified potential interviewees, craft a concise and respectful message explaining who you are and why you’d value their perspective. Personalize each note—mention mutual connections, recent work they’ve done that inspired you, or shared backgrounds. Always be clear that you’re seeking advice rather than a job request; this keeps the conversation low-pressure and focused on learning.
3. Preparing for a Productive Conversation
When it comes to informational interviews, preparation is everything. The way you approach this conversation can set the tone for your entire career exploration journey. To make the most out of both your time and your interviewee’s, start by getting clear on your intentions. Are you hoping to understand day-to-day realities, learn about required skills, or discover potential career paths within their field? Setting a goal will help guide your questions and keep the discussion focused.
Do Your Homework
Before you even reach out, invest some time in researching your interviewee. Check out their LinkedIn profile, read any articles they’ve published, and familiarize yourself with their company’s mission and recent projects. This not only demonstrates respect for their expertise but also allows you to ask more nuanced and relevant questions—something that busy professionals appreciate.
Crafting Thoughtful Questions
Avoid generic inquiries like “What do you do?” Instead, tailor your questions to tap into their unique experiences. For example: “How did your background in marketing prepare you for your current role in tech?” or “What skills have made the biggest difference in your career advancement here?” Well-crafted questions show you’ve done your research and are genuinely invested in learning from them.
Respect Their Time—and Yours
Remember, an informational interview is not a job interview—it’s a chance to gather insights. Be punctual, stick to the agreed-upon timeframe (usually 20–30 minutes), and let them know you value their time. By preparing intentionally and asking meaningful questions, you’ll walk away with actionable advice, build authentic connections, and get one step closer to clarity on your new career path.
4. Building Authentic Connections
One of the greatest advantages of conducting informational interviews is the opportunity to form genuine, lasting professional relationships. In the U.S. workplace culture, authenticity and mutual respect are highly valued, especially when expanding your network or exploring a new career path. Here’s how you can foster meaningful connections during and after your informational interviews:
Strategies for Creating Genuine Rapport
Start by approaching every conversation with curiosity and humility. Listen actively—don’t just wait for your turn to speak. Ask thoughtful questions that show you’ve done your research about the individual’s career and company. Share a bit about yourself as well, but keep the focus on learning from their experiences.
| Do | Don’t |
|---|---|
| Prepare personalized questions | Ask generic questions easily found online |
| Show genuine interest in their story | Only talk about your own goals |
| Be present and engaged | Multitask or check your phone during the meeting |
Showing Gratitude Matters
A simple, heartfelt thank-you goes a long way in American business etiquette. Send a follow-up email within 24 hours, expressing your appreciation for their time and insights. If they offered specific advice or resources, mention what you found most valuable—this demonstrates you were truly listening.
Email Template for Expressing Gratitude:
Subject: Thank You for Your Insights
Hi [Name],
Thank you so much for taking the time to speak with me today. I really appreciated hearing about your journey at [Company] and your advice on breaking into [Industry]. Your perspective on [specific topic] gave me a lot to think about as I plan my next steps.
I look forward to staying in touch!
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Nurturing Long-Term Professional Relationships
The real power of informational interviews lies in maintaining the connection beyond the initial meeting. Stay on their radar without overwhelming them—share an occasional update if their advice helped you land an interview or make a big decision. Offer value in return, like sharing an interesting article or congratulating them on a recent achievement.
| Best Practice | Example Action |
|---|---|
| Follow up with updates | Email them if their advice led to a milestone (e.g., landing an interview) |
| Add value to the relationship | Share relevant industry news or congratulate achievements on LinkedIn |
| Respect boundaries and time | Limit follow-ups to meaningful interactions, not frequent check-ins |
The Takeaway
Building authentic connections through informational interviews isn’t just about collecting contacts—it’s about developing real relationships grounded in respect, gratitude, and mutual support. These connections can be invaluable as you navigate your new career path.
5. Turning Insights into Action
After conducting several informational interviews, you’ll find yourself armed with a wealth of insider knowledge and practical advice. But information alone isn’t enough—what truly matters is how you translate these insights into concrete steps on your career journey. Here’s how to take action based on what you’ve learned.
Update Your Resume and LinkedIn Profile
Informational interviews can reveal the specific skills, keywords, and achievements that employers in your target field are looking for. Use this information to tailor your resume and LinkedIn profile. Highlight relevant experiences, incorporate industry terminology, and showcase any transferable skills that align with the roles you’re pursuing. Don’t hesitate to ask your interview contacts for feedback on your resume or profile; their input can provide a valuable edge.
Target Roles That Fit Your Goals
The conversations you have during informational interviews often clarify which positions best match your interests, values, and strengths. You might discover new job titles or specialties you hadn’t considered before. Use this clarity to focus your job search on roles that truly excite you rather than applying broadly. Set up customized job alerts, reach out to hiring managers, or tap into employee referral programs in your newly identified areas of interest.
Build a Strategic Network
Your informational interviewees are now part of your professional network. Keep in touch with them—send updates on your progress, thank them for their guidance, and offer support where possible. These relationships can lead to referrals, recommendations, or even future collaborations as you move forward.
Take Actionable Steps Every Week
Set weekly goals based on the advice and data you’ve gathered. This could mean applying to two targeted jobs, enrolling in a recommended online course, or attending an industry-specific event. By consistently acting on the actionable insights from your informational interviews, you’ll transform valuable conversations into real momentum along your new career path.
6. Common Pitfalls and How to Avoid Them
Informational interviews can be game-changers, but only if you avoid some common missteps. Here’s how to keep your approach respectful, professional, and impactful when navigating these important conversations.
Don’t Treat It Like a Job Interview
One of the biggest mistakes is treating an informational interview like a formal job interview. Remember, your goal is to learn, not to ask for a job. Avoid pressing your contact for employment opportunities or sending your resume unless they specifically request it. Instead, focus on building genuine rapport and gathering insights about the industry or role you’re interested in.
Overlooking Preparation
Showing up unprepared can leave a bad impression. Before your meeting, research both the person you’re speaking with and their organization. Prepare thoughtful questions that go beyond what you could find with a quick Google search. This shows respect for their time and demonstrates your genuine interest in learning from their experience.
Dominating the Conversation
While it’s great to share your story, monopolizing the conversation can make you seem self-centered rather than curious. Make sure you actively listen, take notes, and ask follow-up questions based on what your contact shares. Showing appreciation for their insights fosters a meaningful connection and can lead to more helpful advice down the road.
Neglecting Professional Etiquette
Respect boundaries by being punctual and keeping within the agreed-upon time frame—typically 20–30 minutes. Always thank your contact at the end of the conversation and follow up with a personalized note expressing gratitude for their time and insights. A thoughtful thank-you goes a long way in American professional culture and helps maintain a positive relationship.
Failing to Clarify Your Intentions
If you don’t clearly communicate that you’re seeking information—not a job—you risk making your contact uncomfortable. At the start of your meeting, reiterate that your purpose is to learn about their career path and gather advice as you explore new directions. This transparency puts everyone at ease and keeps the conversation productive.
The Bottom Line
Approaching informational interviews with humility, curiosity, and respect sets you apart—and ensures you make lasting connections as you navigate new career paths in the U.S. workplace.
