The best way to learn about a new career is to talk with someone who’s already living it. Informational interviews are a great way to get the inside scoop during your job search, and they’re a low risk networking opportunity as well. Conducting informational interviews can help you get a foot in the door and give you insights into different organizations and a variety of functional roles.
Here are ten ways (plus a bonus tip) to conduct informational interviews that will help you discover new career opportunities.
- Make Time: The best time to schedule your informational interview is…whoever the time is right for you. If you’re thinking about a career change, interested in learning more about a certain field, or want to know more about a specific organization, then be proactive and get an informational interview on your calendar. The information you’ll glean will help refine your career plans, often for the low price of treating your subject to a cup of coffee.
- Get Connected: What do you want to learn? From whom do you want to learn it? Who do you know? Who do they know? Explore all your options. Checking LinkedIn to create your contact list, reach out, and start scheduling.
- Make a Good First Impression: Craft a well-written introductory email to request the interview. Make sure the recipient understands you’re not asking for a job or for help finding a job. You’re just seeking information in a casual environment. Offer to buy coffee or lunch. It’s easier for someone to say “yes” when they understand it’s a low risk request.
- Always Be Prepared: New underestimate the importance of punctuality. Make sure you know where to park, how long it’s going to take you to get there, and account for traffic. Arrive early and bring a list of prepared questions to make the most of your time together. Bring more questions than you’ll realistically be able to cover during your time together. That’ll allow you to appear prepared, yet select questions that apply best to the natural flow of your conversation.
- Pick Up The Tab: As a thank you for the gift of their time, always pick up the tab.
- Conduct Your Research: Research the person you’re meeting with online and/or by asking shared contacts about them. A baseline knowledge of their professional background will help you ask more intelligent questions.
- Have Fun: Your primary goal is to gather information, but that doesn’t mean your time together should be dull or stressful. Ask good questions, respect your interviewee’s, and let your personality shine through. Informational interviews should be enjoyable for both of you. If you’re genuinely curious about their experiences and learnings, most people normally are happy (and flattered) to share.
- Take The Next Step: When your time together is coming to a close, be sure to ask for additional referrals or introductions (if appropriate). It’s perfectly reasonable to say, “Is there anyone else you would recommend I meet with to talk about XYZ?” Avoid asking for a job, however. You asked for an informational interview only, and you shouldn’t stray from that agenda unless your guest broaches the topic first.
- Follow Up: Send a “thank you” email the same day as the interview. Then consider following up with a handwritten note a few days or week later. People love to hear what others learned from them, so be sure to highlight some of your key takeaways.
- Keep In Touch: If you end up meeting with any of the recommended contacts your original interviewee provided, be sure to let them know. Not only will they appreciate having been told, but you show conscientiousness, strong relationship building skills and good manners.
- Offer Your Assistance: “What can I do to help you?” You may feel like you have nothing to offer someone more senior than you, but you never know if they are involved in a charity organization where you could donate to, volunteer at, or help promote. You never know if you have a connection or perspective (“How much research would you say you do before making a large purchase? My firm is looking at buyer behavior in around your age group”) that they would be interested in as well.
Sample Informational Interviewing Questions
Can you tell me a bit about your career path and what led you to the role you’re in today?
What were some of your early roles in the field?
What does a workday look like for you?
What do you enjoy most about your job/career?
What does a typical day look like for you?
What are some big projects you’re working on now or that you’ve finished up in the last few months?
What do you enjoy most about the work you do? What are you most excited about right now?
What do companies look for in a good [position]?
What is one thing you wish others had told you about this career path?
What about the biggest rewards?
What skills do you think are most important for someone interested in a job like yours?
Do you think there’s a personality type that’s not well suited for this kind of career?
What qualities do you see in others who have risen to the top of this field?
What’s the general salary range for this role?
What is the current economic state for this line of work? What do you think the future holds?
What are some downsides and challenges of being in this position?
What are some common stressors in your job?
What percentage of your time is spent doing what?
What are some proven ways you’ve seen people break into this field?
Where do you see yourself in five or ten years?
What are your predictions for the future of this field?
What advice would you give someone looking for a job as XYZ?
Do you have any recommendations for other people I should talk to or other resources I should explore
What do you wish more people knew about your field or role?
Who are some of your favorite thought leaders in this space? Who do you like to learn from?
What keeps you engaged for the long haul in this work? What can I do to help you?