3 key takeaways
- Learn what an informational interview is, and how to request one
- Explore free informational interview templates
- Try Teal's Interview Tracker to grow, track and expand your professional network
Informational Interviews can be one of the most effective ways to grow your career. Informational Interviews are meetings to exchange information and no other intent than networking and learning. Often they are initiated by a person looking to learn more about a career path, job title, company, or industry. A common aspect of informational interviews is reaching out to someone you don’t know. To make that process a little less daunting and easy to approach, below is a small presentation we put together on running successful informational interviews as well as guides and temples.
What is an informational interview?
An informational interview is a brief, informal meeting where you connect with someone in a field, role, or company you're interested in to gain firsthand insights and advice. Unlike a job interview, the goal isn't to land a position, but to gather valuable information, expand your professional network, and get a realistic view of any potential career paths you might be interested in.
What is the purpose of an informational interview?
The purpose of an informational interview is to network and learn valuable insights about potential career career paths, company culture, or job opportunities you may be interested in exploring in a low-pressure setting.
Key benefits of informational interviews:
- Gaining insights into specific careers, industries, or companies
- Building your professional network
- Gathering insider knowledge about job roles and workplace cultures
- Identifying skills you need to develop for your desired career
- Uncovering potential job opportunities
How to ask for an informational interview
Asking for an informational interview doesn't have to be intimidating. Here's how to do it effectively:
Identify the right person
Choose someone whose career path or role aligns with your interests.
Ask a connection for an introduction
If possible, get an introduction through a mutual contact. If you don't share any mutual connections, LinkedIn can be a great resource for finding other professionals who may be a good fit for answering your questions.
Craft a clear, concise message
When you're writing your message and request, you'll want to introduce yourself, share your career interests, explain why you're interested in talking with them, and provide details about what you're hoping to gain.
Follow up
If you haven't heard back after 7-10 days, you can send a follow-up message.
Remember, people are often flattered to be asked for advice. Be respectful of their time, and you'll likely find many professionals happy to help.
Pro tip: Use Teal's Interview Tracker to keep track of your informational interview outreach and follow-ups. Having a organized approach can help you build and maintain valuable professional relationships throughout your career journey.
Informational interview questions
Choose 5-8 questions from the list below to ask during a typical 15-30 min informational interview.
Career
- 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 past work experiences helped you most?
- What do you wish someone would have told you before you started this career?
- If you could go back in time, what would you do differently?
- 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?
- Where do you see yourself in 5 or 10 years?
Company
- Why did you decide to work for this company?
- What do you like most about this company?
- How does your company differ from its competitors?
- What is the company’s relationship with its customers?
- What does the company do to contribute to its employees’ professional development?
- What technology does your company use?
- What systems are in place to enable employees to give management feedback and suggestions?
- How would you describe the atmosphere at the company? Is it fairly formal or more casual and informal?
- Is there a basic philosophy of the company or organization? What is it? (Is it a people-, service-, or product-oriented business?)
- What can you tell me about the corporate culture of this company?
- Is the company’s management style executed from the top downward, or do frontline employees share in the decision-making?
- Is there flexibility in work hours, vacation schedule, place of residence, telecommuting, etc.?
- What work-related values are most highly esteemed in this company (security, high income, variety, independence)?
- How does the company acknowledge the outstanding accomplishments of its employees?
Current Job
- Why did you choose this job?
- How did you get this job?
- What are some big projects you’re working on now or that you’ve finished up in the last few months?
- What does a work day look like for you?
- What's the greatest challenge your department faces?
- What's the biggest challenge for your job?
- What's the most important preparation for a role like yours?
- What's the most rewarding part of your job?
- What would surprise people about your daily work?
- How will this job change over the next 10 years?
- What do you enjoy most about the work you do? / What are you most excited about right now?
- What do you enjoy the least? Or, is there something that surprised you about the role when you first started?
- Do you know the typical salary range for this type of role?
- Do you recommend anyone else that I should talk to in order to learn more about this type of role?
Follow up questions
- Are there any questions I'm not asking that I should be?
- What networking or industry-related groups do you recommend joining?
- What publications or books do you recommend to read?
- Is there anyone else you recommend for me to speak to?
- Would it be alright for us to stay in touch?
Informational interview templates
Informational interview request email:
Hi [name],
I hope this message finds you well. I’m reaching out because I am exploring a career change and would love to learn more about [mention something specific here related to their occupational field or industry]. Would you be willing to hop on the phone for 20 minutes to discuss your career so far and give some insight into your industry?
If you’re open to this idea, I am available to speak at the following times in the next two weeks:
[INSERT A BULLETED LIST OF DATES AND TIMES]
Please let me know if one of those dates and times works for you and the best way to reach you, and I’ll send over a calendar invite! Thank you for taking the time, and I hope to speak to you soon!
Thank you,
[name]
Informational interview follow up email:
Dear [name],
It was so nice to meet with you today! Thank you for taking the time to answer my (many) questions and share your career journey. I especially loved hearing about [something you enjoyed talking about].
I look forward to staying in touch as I continue figuring out my next step. I definitely plan on using your advice to [piece of advice that stuck with you]. Thanks again, and let me know if I can be any help to you in the future!
Best,
[name]
How to prepare for an informational interview
Preparing for an informational interview is key to making the most of this valuable opportunity. Here's how to set yourself up for success:
Do your research
Research and learn about the person you're meeting. Review at their LinkedIn profile to learn about their past experiences and any affiliations or projects they've been a part of that are relevant to your goals.
Prepare thoughtful questions
Focus on their career path, daily responsibilities, and industry insights and avoid questions that can easily be answered by a quick online search. You can ask them what a typical day, week or month looks like in their role. You'll want to ask open ended questions and allow time for them to ask you questions at the end.
Set clear goals
Identify what specific information you want to gain, and consider how this conversation fits into your broader career goals or strategy.
Practice your elevator pitch
Craft a concise introduction about yourself and your career interests, and be ready to clearly explain why you're connecting with them.
Bring the right tools
Be ready to take notes, and prepare a copy of your resume, just in case they request it.
Dress appropriately
Dress and present yourself professionally, even for virtual meetings.
Be ready to listen
Remember, the primary goal is to learn from their experience, so be sure you're showing genuine interest in their insights and advice.
Use informational interviews to grow in your career
Informational interviews are a powerful tool that can help you create a career development strategy. They offer unique insights, expand your professional network, and can open doors to unexpected opportunities.
Remember, every informational interview is a chance to learn, grow, and shape your career path. Don't be afraid to reach out and start building these meaningful connections. Your next career breakthrough could be just one conversation away.
