Informational Interviews

Informational interviews are a great way to learn about a job or business and make new contacts. Do not ask for a job during an informational interview, just learn and network.

There are many benefits to informational interviews. They:

  • Are less stressful than job interviews
  • Allow you to have face-to-face contact with people/employers
  • Help you gain valuable insights about a profession: what a typical work day is like, work conditions, qualifications (skills, education, experience), related professions, etc.
  • Lead to new contacts / expand your professional network
  • Usually allow you to see a work place and discern how it would feel to work there
  • Increase your chances of getting job interviews, job shadows, internships, and jobs

How to Set-up an Informational Interview:

Start by listing the types of businesses or professions you would like to learn about. Thenuse the Network Brainstorm List and Tracking Sheetto identify your current network.

Ask your network for the names and contact information of professionals that match up with your job/career interests and goals. If that doesn’t lead to any strong leads, research professionals and businesses online tocall about an informational interview.

Before you call, create a 10-30 second introduction. Example: “Hello, my name is Sara Smith.John Rice suggested that I contact you.I’m a junior at Greenfield High School, and I’m interested in learning more about social media marketing. I wonder if I could meet with you for 15-30 minutes, at your convenience, to learn about your experience in this field and find out how this profession is changing.” If you are nervous about calling a lead or making a cold call about an informational interview, ask a friend or professional you trust if you can practice with them.

When callingto request an informational interview, refer to the introduction you created.

If you get a“yes” in response, make sure that you find a time that is convenient for them, which you will absolutely be able to show up foron time. Also, get clear about how much time they can be available for, so you can track and respect their time, when you meet with them.

For safety sake, meet at their place of business (ifnot a home business) or a public place. (If you are under 18, make sure that your guardian knows who you are meeting with as well as the time and location of the meeting.)

Offer to buy them coffee, tea, and/or lunch when you meet for the informational interview, as a way of saying thank youfor their time. If they decline, consider bringing a (smalland inexpensive) token of your appreciation – ideally one that will help them remember you.

If you get a“no” in response, ask if there is anyone they would recommendcontacting. If so, make sure you get the correct spelling, phone number and/or email address of the lead they have given you. Either way, thank them for their time and consideration. When you follow up on any lead, mention who you got their name from.

Questions for informational interviews:

Start the interview by finding some commonality: do you both know the same person, did you go to the same school, did you live in the same town, etc.? Then restate the reason you asked them to meet with you. If they don’t have any initial questions for you, you can start asking them questions. Listen carefully and take some brief notes, if you need to.

  • Would you tell me about your job?
  • What is the typical work day or week like? Does your work change during the year?
  • What do you love about your work or field? What do you like least?
  • How did you get into this work?
  • What kind of skills, education, training, degrees, certifications, or licenses are needed?
  • As you look back, is there anything you wish you’d known or done differently?
  • What advice do you have for someone starting out?
  • What makes someone successful in your work?
  • Would it be possible to get a tour or your workplace?
  • Do people in your field belong to professional associations or organizations? Is there a local chapter? Do you think it would make sense for me to attend a meeting?
  • How do you keep current in your field? What should I be reading?
  • Can you suggest two or three other people I might contact? May I use your name if I contact them, just to explain how I got their name? (Be sure to spell names, email addresses, and phone numbers correctly.)

It is okay to mention what kind of opportunities you are looking for or what questions you still have about your career direction, etc. You can ask if they have any recommendations on how to get access those opportunities or get those questions answered. However, it is not appropriate to ask for a jobor internship from the person you are doing the informational interview with; do not ask for a job. Again, the goal of informational interviews is to get information / to learn. If you get some leads, that is a bonus.

Of course, be conscious of their time; don’t use more time than they offered.

Last, but not least, thank the person you interviewed before leaving and follow up with a professional thank you note (within 24-48 hours of the interview).

For more tips on information interviewing, click here.

Retrieved from on 7/19/17 and adapted by Shannon Doran for the Franklin Hampshire Regional Employment Board.