If you’re looking to make a career change or explore new opportunities, you might have heard about informational interviews. These types of interviews can be incredibly valuable, especially when you’re trying to learn more about a specific field or industry.

Overview of what an informational interview is and why it’s important

An informational interview is a conversation with someone who works in a field or industry that you’re interested in. The purpose of these interviews is to gather information, not to ask for a job. During an informational interview, you can ask questions about the work involved, the skills required, and the overall culture of the organization.

Why are informational interviews important? For one, they can help you learn more about a field or industry that you’re interested in. You can gain insights that you may not have found through research alone. Additionally, speaking with someone who works in the industry can give you a better understanding of what the day-to-day work looks like, and whether or not it’s something you’d enjoy doing.

Benefits of conducting informational interviews

There are several benefits to conducting informational interviews. First and foremost, they can help you build your professional network. You never know when a connection you make during an informational interview might lead to a job opportunity in the future. Additionally, these interviews can help you gain insight into industry trends, the skills and experience required for certain roles, and the hiring process within an organization.

What to expect from an informational interview

During an informational interview, you should expect to have a relaxed conversation with the person you’re speaking with. Remember, this isn’t a formal job interview, so you don’t need to be nervous or overly prepared. Instead, come with a list of questions that you’d like to ask and be ready to listen to the answers. Additionally, it’s important to respect the person’s time and schedule, so try to keep the interview to 30 minutes or less.

Informational interviews can be an incredibly valuable tool for anyone looking to explore new career opportunities. Whether you’re just starting out or you’re a seasoned professional, these conversations can help you gain critical insight into the industry, build your network, and make informed decisions about your future.

Understanding Informational Interviews

A. What is an informational interview?

An informational interview is a meeting between a job seeker and a professional in the field they are interested in. The purpose is to learn more about the industry, career paths, company culture, and get advice from someone who has experience in the field. It is not a formal job interview or an opportunity to ask for a job.

B. Differences between an informational interview and a Job interview

There are significant differences between an informational interview and a job interview. A job interview is a formal meeting with a potential employer to discuss a specific job opening. The focus is on the candidate’s qualifications and their fit for the job. In contrast, an informational interview is not tied to a specific job opening, and the focus is on obtaining information, networking, and building professional relationships.

C. Questions to ask in an informational interview

In an informational interview, it is essential to have a list of questions prepared to make the most out of the meeting. Some questions to consider include:

What is a typical day like in your job?
How did you get started in this field?
What skills and experiences are necessary to succeed in this industry?
What trends do you see in this field?
What advice would you give someone starting in this field?

D. How to prepare for an informational interview

To prepare for an informational interview, first, identify professionals in the industry you are interested in and research their background and experience. Additionally, research the company they work for, industry trends, and challenges. Prepare a list of questions that are relevant to your goals and come prepared to take notes. Dress professionally, arrive on time, and follow up with a thank-you email or note. Be respectful of their time, and remember to focus on learning and building a professional relationship.

Finding and Scheduling Informational Interviews

As you start planning your informational interviews, the first step is to identify potential interviewees. These are the people who work in the industry you are interested in or have expertise in the specific job or field you are targeting.

A. Identifying potential interviewees

Start by making a list of people you would like to interview. Look for people who have a job that interests you or work at a company you admire. You can also start by asking your network for referrals or researching on professional networking sites like LinkedIn.

B. Researching interviewees and their organizations

Once you have a list of potential interviewees, it’s important to research their background and the organizations they work for. This will help you craft specific questions for your interview and also give you a better understanding of the industry and the landscape.

C. Approaching potential interviewees

When approaching potential interviewees, keep in mind that they are busy professionals. Be respectful of their time and make it clear that you are interested in learning more about their job or industry. When reaching out, start by introducing yourself and your intentions. Mention how you found them and why you are interested in interviewing them.

D. Tips for scheduling and confirming interviews

Scheduling and confirming interviews can be a challenge, but here are some tips to make the process smoother:

Be flexible with your availability and offer different time options.
Communicate promptly and clearly. Follow up with any questions or necessary details.
Confirm the date, time, and location of the interview a few days before the scheduled meeting.
Be prepared and show up on time. Bring along any necessary materials, such as a notepad and pen to take notes.
Thank the interviewee for their time and send a brief follow-up note or email. It’s important to maintain professional relationships even after the informational interview is over.

By following these tips and being considerate of your interviewee’s time, you are more likely to have a successful and informative informational interview.

Conducting Informational Interviews

After finding the right person to interview for research or job related purposes, it’s important to make the most out of the opportunity. Information gathered from these interviews can be used to make informed decisions and build relationships. In order to conduct a successful informational interview there are a few key steps to follow.

A. Preparing for the interview

Before conducting an informational interview, it’s crucial to do your homework. Research the person you plan to interview and their company, industry or field. Understand their background, experience, and expertise so you can ask educated questions. If you haven’t previously met, make sure to introduce yourself and provide some background as well.

Plan the questions you would like to ask and prepare a structured list of topics that you would like to cover during the interview. Be sure to keep the interviewee’s time in mind and not to overextend the conversation. Following up with a thank you email or message after the interview is a great way to show your appreciation.

B. Conducting the interview

When conducting the interview, make sure to be friendly and professional. Start the conversation with some small talk to help put the interviewee at ease. During the interview, listen carefully and take notes. If something needs to be clarified, don’t hesitate to ask for more information or examples.

Follow your question list but also feel free to ask follow-up questions based on the interviewee’s responses. Always be respectful of time and keep the interview on track. Remember, an informational interview is not a job interview, it’s a conversation meant to learn about the interviewee’s experience and expertise.

C. Common mistakes to avoid during an informational interview

To ensure the interview goes smoothly, there are a few common blunders to steer clear of. Firstly, avoid discussing your personal job search too much. It’s important to focus the conversation on the interviewee’s experiences and not take up too much of their time with irrelevant information. Be sure to articulate why you are interested in speaking with them and making the most out of the informational interview.

Another common mistake is not doing enough research beforehand. It is important to show that you have a sincere interest in the interviewee’s experiences and company, so don’t ask questions that are easily answered by reading their website. Finally, remember to respect the interviewee’s time and their privacy. Do not push for names, competitive information or sensitive data.

By preparing thoroughly, conducting the interview professionally and avoiding common errors, you can make the most out of an informational interview, build relationships and learn from the industry pros.

Following Up After the Interview

Congratulations! You have successfully completed an informational interview. However, the journey is not yet over. Following up after the interview is equally important to leave a good impression and strengthen your relationship with the professional.

A. Sending a Thank-You Note/Email

The first step in following up after an informational interview is to send a thank-you note or email. It is a crucial step that cannot be ignored as it shows appreciation for the time and insights provided by the professional.

When writing a thank-you note/email, make sure to personalize it and highlight the key takeaways from the interview. Mention how the information provided has helped you and express your gratitude towards the professional for their time and effort. Keep it short and concise, but don’t be afraid to add a personal touch if appropriate.

Sending a thank-you note/email within 24 hours of the interview is ideal as it demonstrates your professionalism and eagerness to learn.

B. Building and Maintaining the Relationship

After sending a thank-you note/email, it’s essential to continue building and maintaining the connection with the professional. It involves showing genuine interest in their work and industry by following them on social media, reading their publications, and attending their events.

Another way to maintain a relationship is by sending periodic updates on your progress or accomplishments that align with the information discussed during the interview. For instance, if the professional had recommended a particular certification program, updating them on your enrollment and completion could strengthen the relationship.

Remember to respect their time and not be pushy or spammy in your attempts to connect. Stay professional and considerate of their preferences and boundaries.

C. Additional Steps to Take After the Interview

Apart from sending a thank-you note/email and building relationships, some additional steps can help maximize the benefits of an informational interview. Here are a few to consider:

Reflect on the interview: Take time to reflect on what you learned from the interview and how you can apply it in your career. It helps identify areas of improvement and solidify your understanding of the insights.
Connect with new professionals: Networking is a continuous process, and an informational interview can help you identify new professionals to connect with. Follow-up with them and ask if they would be open to an informational interview or a brief conversation to learn more about their work.
Give back: If you come across any relevant information or resources that could benefit the professional you interviewed with, consider sharing it with them. It shows that you value the relationship and assists the professional in their work.

Following up after an informational interview is crucial in leaving an excellent impression and building relationships with professionals. It involves sending a thank-you note/email, staying in touch, and taking additional steps to apply what you have learned. By applying these strategies, you can maximize the benefits of an informational interview and propel your career forward.

Tips for Success in Informational Interviews

Informational interviews can be a great way to network, gather valuable information about a career or industry, and explore potential job opportunities. However, to ensure a successful informational interview, there are a few tips that can help you build rapport with the interviewee, practice active listening, and engage them in your career development.

A. How to build rapport with the interviewee

Building rapport with the interviewee is crucial in order to establish trust and comfort during the interview. It’s important to be professional and respectful, but also friendly and approachable. Here are some tips for building rapport:

Research the interviewee beforehand: Learn about their background, their position, and their company. This will show that you are interested and invested in the interview.
Start with a brief introduction: Begin the interview by introducing yourself and expressing your gratitude for their time. Share a little bit about yourself and your interests and goals.
Use small talk: Start by engaging in light conversation. Ask the interviewee how their day is going, or discuss any shared interests you may have.

Remember, the goal is to establish a positive and comfortable relationship with the interviewee that will allow for a valuable conversation.

B. Active listening techniques

Active listening is the practice of fully concentrating on, understanding, and responding to the information provided by the interviewee. Here are some techniques for active listening during the interview:

Maintain eye contact: This demonstrates your focus and interest in the conversation.
Avoid interruptions: Allow the interviewee to finish their thoughts before responding or asking another question.
Reflective listening: Repeat back what the interviewee said in your own words, to show that you understand their perspective and have been attentive.
Clarify: If you’re unsure about something the interviewee said, ask a clarifying question to ensure you fully understand.

By practicing active listening, you show respect for the interviewee and their time, and also gain a better understanding of the subject matter.

C. Engaging the interviewee in your career development

While the interviewee is typically the focus of the conversation, it’s important to also engage them in your career development and goals. Here’s how:

Be honest and direct: Be transparent about what you’re looking for and what you hope to gain from the conversation.
Ask specific questions: Ask the interviewee about their career path, their successes, and their challenges. Ask for advice on how to achieve your goals, and what skills or experience you need to acquire.
Follow up: After the interview, follow up with the interviewee to thank them and let them know how you plan to use the information you gained. This shows that you value their time and contributions.

D. Potential outcomes of an informational interview

Informational interviews can lead to a variety of outcomes, including:

New connections: You may meet new professionals in your field and expand your network.

Examples of Informational Interview Questions

Conducting informational interviews can be beneficial in various stages of your career development. Whether you are looking to switch industries, explore new career paths or attain more education to advance your skills, talking to professionals in your desired field can help you gather useful insights from their experiences.

Here are some sample questions you can ask professionals in your industry, as well as questions to consider when exploring a new career or going back to school:

A. Sample questions to ask professionals in your industry

Can you describe your current role and day-to-day responsibilities?
What skills or experience do you think are essential for success in this industry?
How did you first become interested in this field, and what path did you take to get where you are today?
What do you see as the future of this industry or job market?
Can you recommend any resources or events to help me stay current and improve my skills in this industry?

B. Questions to ask when exploring a new career

What inspired you to pursue this career, and what do you find most fulfilling about it?
What are some challenges you face in this career, and how do you manage them?
What skills or experience do you think are necessary for success in this field?
What type of education or training is commonly required for this field, and how can I best prepare myself to succeed?
Can you recommend any networking events, industry associations, or websites to help me gain a better understanding of this field?

C. Questions to ask when considering going back to school

What are the benefits of returning to school for further education, and how can this help my career development?
Are there any specific degrees or certifications that are highly regarded in my desired field?
How can I balance school with my current work and personal responsibilities?
Are there any financial aid or scholarship opportunities that I can take advantage of?
Can you recommend any schools or programs that align with my career goals and interests?

Remember that these are just sample questions, and it’s important to tailor your questions to the person you’ll be speaking with and the specific goals you’re trying to achieve. Networking and informational interviews can be powerful tools in advancing your career, and to make the most of them, it’s critical to come prepared with thoughtful questions that will help you gain valuable insights, build relationships, and take meaningful steps toward achieving your career goals.

Common Mistakes to Avoid in Informational Interviews

Informational interviews are an excellent opportunity for job seekers and professionals to gain insights into the industry, learn from experienced professionals, and potentially explore future job opportunities. However, to make the most out of these conversations, it is essential to avoid common mistakes that could ruin your chances of building a productive conversation or gaining valuable information.

Here are some common mistakes to avoid in informational interviews.

A. Overstepping Boundaries

Remember, an informational interview is not a job interview, and it is essential to respect the boundaries of the conversation. Avoid pitching yourself aggressively, asking for a job straight away or coming off too strong. Respect the interviewee’s time and expertise and maintain a professional demeanor throughout the conversation. Overstepping boundaries could potentially ruin your chances of building a relationship with the person you’re interviewing or gaining their valuable insights.

B. Asking Inappropriate or Irrelevant Questions

Don’t waste your time or the interviewee’s by asking irrelevant or inappropriate questions. Prepare a list of concise and relevant questions before the interview, and make sure they align with the goals of the interview. Avoid asking personal questions unrelated to the industry or career path, and do not ask for confidential information. Be respectful and mindful of the interviewee’s time and remember that informational interviews are not the right time to be casual or unprofessional.

C. Failing to Prepare or End the Interview Appropriately

One of the most common mistakes people make in informational interviews is not preparing adequately or failing to end the meeting appropriately. Do your research and come prepared with relevant questions that demonstrate you have done your homework on the industry or the company that you are interested in. At the same time, pay attention to your time and end the interview appropriately. Thank the interviewee for their time, exchange contact information, and follow up with a thank-you note afterward.

D. Other Common Mistakes to Avoid

Apart from the above mistakes, there are other common errors that you should avoid. Do not oversell yourself or exaggerate your experience, avoid negative or critical comments about the industry or the interviewee’s company, and do not make assumptions or generalize. Keep an open mind and be adaptable to the interviewee’s responses. Stay curious and engaged while maintaining a professional and respectful demeanor throughout the conversation.

Informational interviews are an excellent tool for learning and development, but it is essential to avoid common mistakes that could ruin your chances of building a productive relationship with the person you are interviewing or gaining valuable information. Avoid overstepping boundaries, asking inappropriate questions, failing to prepare or end the interview appropriately, and making common mistakes that could potentially damage the opportunities that these interviews offer. Remember, an informational interview is a chance to learn, connect, and engage, so make the most of it by avoiding these common pitfalls.

Frequently Asked Questions about Informational Interviews

If you are considering conducting an informational interview, it is important to know what to expect and how to conduct yourself during the interview. In this section, we will address some of the most frequently asked questions about informational interviews.

A. Can I ask for a job during an informational interview?

No, the purpose of an informational interview is not to ask for a job. The aim of an informational interview is to gather information, insights, and advice from someone who is knowledgeable about a particular industry, company, or position. Therefore, it is crucial to keep the conversation focused on the purpose of the interview rather than asking for a job directly. That being said, if the interviewer offers to keep your resume on file or recommends you for a particular position, it is appropriate to follow up with a thank-you email.

B. Should I bring my resume to an informational interview?

Yes, it is always best to bring a few copies of your resume to an informational interview. Even if you are not planning on asking for a job, it is still essential to be prepared in case the interviewer requests a copy of your resume. Additionally, having your resume readily available can also be helpful for the interviewer to provide you with feedback or recommendations on how to improve your resume.

C. How long should an informational interview last?

Typically, an informational interview should last between 20 to 30 minutes. However, it can vary based on the interviewer’s availability and schedule. It is essential to be respectful of their time and keep the conversation concise and focused. As the interviewee, you should also prepare a list of questions in advance to ensure that the conversation remains productive and informative.

D. Other frequently asked questions and their answers

Here are some additional commonly asked questions about informational interviews:

1. How do I find people to conduct informational interviews with?

You can start by reaching out to your professional network, including friends, family, colleagues, or acquaintances who might have connections in the industry or company you are interested in. LinkedIn and other social media platforms can also be helpful in finding potential interviewers.

2. How can I make a good impression during an informational interview?

To make a positive impression, it is essential to come prepared and dress appropriately for the interview. You should also listen attentively, ask insightful questions, and show appreciation for their time and expertise by sending a follow-up thank-you email.

3. Can informational interviews lead to job opportunities?

While the primary purpose of an informational interview is to collect information and insights, it can also open up potential job opportunities. However, it is important to keep the conversation focused on gathering information rather than asking for a job directly.

Informational interviews are a valuable tool for gathering useful industry insights and learning more about job prospects.

Informational Interviews: The Ultimate Guide for 2024