Preface

Are you interested in learning more about a particular industry, company, or job role? Do you want to gain valuable insights from professionals who have experience in the field? If so, an informational interview may be just what you need!

An informational interview is a type of meeting where you can ask questions and gain information from someone who has experience in a particular industry or job role. Unlike a job interview, the purpose of an informational interview is not to get hired but to gain insights and information about the industry and job role. This can be a valuable tool for job seekers who want to learn more about potential career paths, network with professionals, and gain insights into the job market.

In this article, I will discuss what an informational interview is and its benefits, how to identify potential interviewees and reach out to them, how to prepare for the interview, and what questions to ask.

What is an Informational Interview?

An informational interview is a meeting between two people where one person, usually someone who is job seeking, gathers information about a particular career, job, or company from someone who has experience in that field. It is an opportunity for the job seeker to learn more about a potential career path, to gain insight into the industry, and to make connections with professionals in the field.

The Benefits of Informational Interviews

There are many benefits to conducting informational interviews. Here are a few:

1. To Explore a New Career Path: Informational interviews can help someone explore a new career path before committing to a specific job or industry. By talking with professionals in the field, they can gain a better understanding of what the job entails, the skills required, and the challenges they may face.

2. Gain Valuable Insights: Informational interviews provide an opportunity to gain valuable insights into a particular industry, company, or role. You can learn about the day-to-day responsibilities, required skills and qualifications, and potential career paths.

3. Expand Your Network: Informational interviews are a great way to expand your professional network. You can connect with people in the industry who may be able to provide referrals or job leads in the future.

4. Develop Relationships: By conducting informational interviews, you can develop relationships with professionals in the industry. This can be helpful in the future when seeking advice or guidance.

5. Build Confidence: Informational interviews can help build confidence in your career choices and goals. You can learn from professionals who have been successful in the industry and gain reassurance that you are on the right path.

6. Improve Communication Skills: Informational interviews provide an opportunity to practice communication and networking skills. By asking thoughtful questions and listening attentively, you can improve your communication skills and build confidence in social situations.

7. Identify Potential Job Opportunities: Informational interviews can sometimes lead to job opportunities. Even if you are not seeking a job at the time, developing relationships with professionals in the industry can increase your chances of hearing about job openings in the future.

8. To Receive Personalized Advice: Informational interviews allow job seekers to receive personalized advice about their job search. They can ask questions about their resume, cover letter, and interview skills, and receive feedback from someone with experience in the field.

How to Prepare for an Informational Interview

Before conducting an informational interview, it is essential to prepare. Here are some tips to help you prepare:

1. Research the Company: Before the interview, research the company and the industry. This will help you ask informed questions and demonstrate your interest in the field.

2. Prepare a List of Questions: Prepare a list of questions to ask during the interview. These can include questions about the person’s career path, job responsibilities, and advice for someone starting out in the industry.

3. Dress Professionally: Even though it is not a job interview, it is still essential to dress professionally. This will help you make a good impression and show that you take the interview seriously.

4. Bring a Resume: Bring a copy of your resume with you to the interview. This can help you receive feedback and demonstrate your qualifications for the job.

5. Follow Up: After the interview, send a thank-you note to the interviewee. This is a great way to build your professional network and leave a positive impression.

How to Conduct an Informational Interview

Here are some steps to help you conduct a successful informational interview:

1. Identify Potential Interviewees: When identifying potential interviewees, it’s essential to start with the industry you are interested in. Here are some ways to identify potential interviewees:

   • LinkedIn: LinkedIn is a great resource for finding professionals in a particular industry. You can search for people by industry, job title, and location.

   • Industry Associations: Many industries have associations or organizations that represent professionals in the field. These associations often have directories of their members that can be a useful resource for identifying potential interviewees.

   • Personal Contacts: Ask your personal contacts if they know anyone in the industry you are interested in. They may be able to introduce you to someone or provide a referral.

2. Reach Out: Contact the person and request an informational interview. Explain your interest in the industry and the questions you would like to ask. Make sure to be respectful of their time and availability. Here are some tips for reaching out:

   • Be Professional: When reaching out, be professional and respectful of their time. Introduce yourself and explain your interest in the industry and why you would like to speak with them.

   • Explain the Purpose: Explain that you are seeking an informational interview to learn more about the industry and the person’s experience. Be clear that you are not seeking a job but rather information and advice.

   • Be Flexible: Be flexible when scheduling the interview. Offer to meet at their convenience, either in person or over the phone.

   • Follow Up: If you do not hear back from the interviewee, follow up with a polite email or phone call. Be persistent but not pushy.

   • Thank Them: After the interview, send a thank-you note to the interviewee. This is a great way to build your professional network and leave a positive impression.

3. Prepare Questions: Prepare a list of questions to ask during the interview. These can include questions about the person’s career path, job responsibilities, and advice for someone starting out in the industry.

4. Conduct the Interview: During the interview, be respectful of the person’s time and keep the conversation focused. Take notes and be engaged in the conversation.

5. Follow Up: After the interview, send a thank-you note to the interviewee. This is a great way to build your professional network and leave a positive impression.

Here is an email template for reaching out to a potential interviewee:

Dear [Interviewee's Name],

My name is [Your Name], and I am a recent graduate [or your current position] interested in pursuing a career in [industry/field]. I came across your profile on LinkedIn [or how you found them] and was impressed with your experience and background.

I am reaching out to request an informational interview to learn more about your career path and the industry. I am not seeking a job, but rather advice and information about the industry and your experience.

If you are available, I would love to set up a brief meeting either in person or over the phone at your convenience. I am flexible with scheduling and can work around your schedule. Please let me know if this would be possible.

Thank you for your time, and I look forward to hearing back from you soon.

Best regards,

[Your Name]

Conclusion

Identifying potential interviewees and reaching out to them can be a challenge, but it’s an essential part of conducting an informational interview. By using resources like LinkedIn, industry associations, and personal contacts, job seekers can identify professionals in the industry they are interested in. By being professional, explaining the purpose of the interview, being flexible, and following up, job seekers can increase their chances of securing an informational interview and gaining valuable insights into their chosen career path.

photo by Christina