Informational Interviews
Informational interviews make a great impression face-to-face with someone you might wish to approach in the future about a specific job — demonstrate initiative, good manners, curiosity and passion. These conversations allow you to learn the language and issues of industries of interest, open doors — get referrals to other people to interview and learn from, and increase exponentially your knowledge of job titles and organizations.
Informational Interview Tips
Before the Interview
- Utilize social media (especially LinkedIn), professional associations and directories to make a list of people who are in positions, careers or organizations that interest you.
- Make an appointment to meet with each person:
- Introduce yourself.
- Explain that you are conducting informational interviews to learn more about their industry and that you’d like their advice.
- Ask for 15-20 minutes at a time of their convenience.
- Research the person, their organization and their industry ahead of time and prepare a list of questions
During the Interview
- Dress professionally and be respectful.
- Take notes as the person speaks.
- Bring a paper copy of your resume, but don’t offer it unless requested.
- Never make the mistake of asking for a job during an informational interview – present yourself as a fact-finder rather than a job-seeker.
- Ask open-ended questions.
- Avoid questions that could be easily answered through online research and preparation.
- Thank the person for their time and ask if they can suggest anyone for you to contact in order to learn more – be sure to ask if you can use your interviewee’s name when you contact the person they recommend.
After the Interview
- Send a thank-you letter or e-mail within 24 hours of the informational interview.
- Contact the names you were given as referrals and arrange more informational interviews.
- Keep previous interviewees updated on your process.