Informational Interviewing

Informational interviews are one of the best ways to explore career paths and expand your network. Unlike a job interview, the goal of an informational interview is primarily to gather information about a career path or organization, not get a job. Additionally, you are the one asking questions.

Four steps to the perfect informational interview

1. Identify your interview subject:

Start with people with whom you're most comfortable (e.g., friends and family), even if they don’t work in an area that seems appealing to you initially; you may be surprised by what you learn.
They may also be able to connect you with someone who is familiar with your desired career field.

2. Ask for 20 minutes:

Most people have 20 minutes of spare time in their day for a conversation.
Ask “I’m looking for some advice and information – could you spare 20 minutes for me next week to talk about your career path?”

3. Prepare questions:

Take the time to think about what you’d really like to know about the individual’s career path.
You might ask about the person’s work background, education and training requirements, what a typical day is like, and whether they have any advice about entering this field.
Be sure to ask if they can recommend anyone else you might speak with regarding your career interests to keep your momentum going.
Here is a list of great sample questions for your interview subject:
- Tell me about your career path. How did you get started doing this?
- What education and training did you need to do this?
- What are critical skills that you need to have for this field?
- What is an average day like? What are your major responsibilities?
- What are some upcoming trends/challenges to the field that I should know about?
- What advice would you give someone thinking about entering this field?
- Do you know of anyone else that I could contact?

4. Stay in contact:

Send a thank-you email to each person with whom you speak
Follow up on occasion and update them on your career search.