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Mastering Informational Interviews: Your Key to Career Exploration, Advancement, and Job Search Success Oftentimes, people are hesitant to leap into a new career path because they lack a full understanding of the day-to-day responsibilities, required skills, and long-term outlook of a role. Before making a major transition, gaining credible inside information is essential. One of the most powerful — and…
Informational Interviews: A Complete Guide for Career Exploration and Job Search
Mastering Informational Interviews: Your Key to Career Exploration, Advancement, and Job Search Success
Oftentimes, people are hesitant to leap into a new career path because they lack a full understanding of the day-to-day responsibilities, required skills, and long-term outlook of a role. Before making a major transition, gaining credible inside information is essential. One of the most powerful — and underutilized — tools for this purpose is the informational interview.
An informational interview is a structured conversation with someone currently working in the field, role, or company you want to explore. It is not a job interview. It is an opportunity to learn. During this meeting, you can uncover important details about workplace culture, job expectations, challenges, workload, success strategies, and the realities that often do not appear in a job description.
Informational interviews are equally valuable for:
Career exploration — testing whether a path aligns with your interests, values, and strengths.
Career advancement — learning what it takes to move to the next level in your current field.
Job search strategy — gaining insights, building relationships, and creating visibility with insiders who may later become advocates.
I strongly encourage my clients to conduct at least three informational interviews before making any significant career transition or applying broadly for roles in a new industry. These conversations give you clarity, confidence, and connections — the three things people most often lack when navigating career decisions.
Why Informational Interviews Are So Powerful
Informational interviews play a pivotal role in reducing career uncertainty and helping people make informed, empowered choices. Beyond gaining insight into job expectations, they also help you understand:
Industry trends — what is changing and what skills are growing in demand.
Required experience — what employers are really looking for.
Paths to advancement — how people grow, pivot, and succeed in your target field.
Company culture — what it feels like to actually work there.
Hidden opportunities — roles or teams you may not have considered.
In addition, informational interviews build relationships over time. People you meet during this process may eventually become mentors, sponsors, collaborators, or even hiring managers. Many job seekers underestimate how many opportunities come through relationships rather than formal job postings. These conversations build your long-term career ecosystem.
How to Set Up Effective Informational Interviews
1. Your Primary Network
Start with the people closest to you: friends, colleagues, family, former managers, and peers. Many individuals overlook this network because it feels too obvious. Yet this group is most likely to introduce you to warm, supportive contacts who are willing to help.
2. Professional Associations
If your primary network doesn’t yield enough contacts, expand your reach by joining industry associations. Many have networking events, special interest groups, and formal mentorship programs. These communities are ideal for identifying people who enjoy supporting emerging professionals in the field.
3. LinkedIn
LinkedIn is one of the most effective tools for finding informational interview candidates. You can search by company, job title, school alumni, or industry niche. Follow leaders in your field, join LinkedIn Groups, and look at second-degree connections whom your mutual contacts may be willing to introduce.
4. Reaching Out to Request the Interview
Your message should be friendly, brief, and respectful of their time. Clarify that you are not asking for a job — you are seeking insight. A simple message might include:
Sample Outreach:
“Hello [Name], I’m exploring a transition into [field/role] and admire your experience in this area. If you’re open to it, I would appreciate 15–20 minutes to ask a few questions about your career path and insights. Your perspective would be incredibly helpful as I consider my next steps.”
You can request a virtual meeting, phone call, or in-person meeting depending on what feels appropriate.
5. Preparing for the Interview
Treat informational interviews with the same level of professionalism as formal job interviews: research the person’s background, review their LinkedIn profile, understand major industry trends, and prepare questions in advance. Wear professional attire (unless the industry norms differ), arrive on time, and bring a notebook or digital device for note-taking.
Top 10 Smart Questions to Ask During an Informational Interview
Use these questions to spark meaningful conversation and gather actionable insight.
What initially attracted you to this field, and how did you get started?
What does a typical day or week look like in your role?
What skills or qualities are most important for success in this position?
What do you find most challenging — and most rewarding — about your work?
How has the field changed over time, and what trends should I be aware of?
What entry-level roles or pathways are most common for people entering this field?
What mistakes do job seekers make when trying to break into this area?
What experiences or credentials would make someone more competitive?
Who else would you recommend I speak with as I explore next steps?
Is it okay for me to reconnect with you as I continue my career research?
You do not need to ask all ten questions. Select the ones most aligned with your goals and allow the conversation to unfold naturally.
Informational Interview Etiquette: What to Do and What to Avoid
Be Respectful of Time
If you requested 20 minutes, keep your conversation within that range unless the person voluntarily extends it.
Do Not Ask for a Job
This is the number one rule. The moment you turn the conversation into a job request, you shift the dynamic and put pressure on the other person.
Lead with Curiosity
Your goal is to learn. Let your interest and enthusiasm guide the conversation.
Be Prepared
Review their background, know why you reached out, and bring thoughtful questions.
Close the Loop
End by thanking them, acknowledging their insight, and asking if you may stay connected.
Following Up and Maintaining the Relationship
Sending a thank-you note within 24 hours is essential. Keep it concise, warm, and appreciative. In your message, you can:
Highlight something helpful they shared.
Share what you plan to do next.
Ask if it’s okay to stay in touch.
To maintain long-term connection, follow these steps over the next few months:
Update them when you take their advice or reach a new milestone.
Engage with their LinkedIn posts to stay visible and supportive.
Send a brief check-in every 3–6 months with something meaningful, not transactional.
This is how informational interviews evolve into mentorship, sponsorship, or advocacy.
Casting a Wide Net — and Practicing Patience
Some clients get discouraged when they contact one or two people and receive no reply. This is normal. I recommend a 5:1 outreach ratio: for every five people you contact, expect one positive response within two or three weeks. If your goal is to complete three informational interviews, plan to reach out to 15 individuals.
Informational interviews are not only a powerful tool for learning about careers — they open doors in competitive industries, increase your visibility, and help you build meaningful relationships that support long-term career success. Stay optimistic, stay proactive, and begin your informational interview journey today!
Lisa Orbé-Austin is a licensed psychologist, executive coach, author, and co-founder of Dynamic Transitions Psychological Consulting. She specializes in career advancement, leadership development, Imposter Syndrome, and helping high-achieving professionals navigate career transitions with confidence.
