What Are Informational Interviews: what are informational interviews for growth

Let’s get one thing straight: an informational interview is not a job interview. It's not a sneaky way to ask for a job. Think of it more like a friendly chat with a purpose—a low-pressure conversation you initiate with someone in a company or field that you're genuinely curious about.

It's your career reconnaissance mission. You're the one gathering intel and advice from someone on the inside.

So, What's the Real Point of an Informational Interview?

At its heart, an informational interview flips the whole script. Instead of you being in the hot seat, you're the one asking the questions and steering the conversation. The goal isn't to get a job offer but to get information. You’re there to build a real connection and get a realistic peek behind the curtain of a role, company, or industry.

This simple shift in perspective is a game-changer. It takes your career exploration from a passive activity—like mindlessly scrolling through job boards—and turns it into something you actively control. You get to hear the unwritten rules and unfiltered truths straight from someone who has already walked the path you’re considering.

Your Goal is to Learn, Not Ask for a Job

The single biggest mistake people make is treating these meetings as a backdoor strategy to get hired. That’s the quickest way to make things awkward for everyone and get nothing out of the conversation.

The real purpose is simply to learn and connect. When you approach it with genuine curiosity, you’ll find that most professionals are more than happy to share their stories and experiences.

The key to good decision making is not knowledge. It is understanding. We are swimming in the former. We are desperately lacking in the latter.

When you focus on just understanding their journey, you walk away with so much more:

• Real-World Insights: You'll learn about the company culture, day-to-day work, and industry challenges you'd never find in a job description.
• An Authentic Connection: You're not just another applicant; you're building a genuine professional relationship that could lead to mentorship or future opportunities.
• Career Clarity: The conversation might just confirm you're on the right track. Or, it could reveal that a particular path isn't for you, saving you a ton of time and effort down the line.

To avoid any confusion, let's break down the key differences between these two types of meetings.

Informational Interview vs Job Interview At a Glance

This table clearly shows how different the purpose, tone, and outcomes are for each conversation.

Attribute	Informational Interview	Job Interview
Primary Goal	To gather information, get advice, and build a connection.	To get a job offer.
Who's in Charge	You are. You ask the questions.	The interviewer is. They ask the questions.
Tone	Casual, conversational, and inquisitive.	Formal, structured, and evaluative.
Preparation	Research the person, their company, and prepare thoughtful questions.	Research the company, role, and practice interview answers.
Outcome	New insights, a professional contact, and potential referrals.	A job offer (or a rejection).

Seeing them side-by-side makes it clear: they're two completely different tools for two completely different jobs in your career toolkit.

Why This Strategy is So Powerful Today

In a job market that's more competitive than ever, making a human connection before you even apply can give you a massive edge. It's a proven strategy. In fact, informational interviews have been shown to boost networking success by a whopping 85%.

And in a world where 90% of companies are missing their hiring goals, job seekers who build these genuine connections are the ones who truly stand out. You can dig into more of the numbers and trends in recent hiring statistics from Goodtime.io.

Ultimately, an informational interview is your chance to make smart career decisions based on real-world evidence, not just assumptions. You're gathering the intel you need to sharpen your resume, nail your pitch, and confidently take the next step in your career.

The Hidden Advantages of a Simple Conversation

An informational interview isn’t just a casual coffee chat. It's one of the most powerful, under-the-radar tools you can use to get ahead in your career. While a job description gives you the official story, these conversations pull back the curtain and show you what a job is really like.

Think of it this way: a company's website is the polished movie trailer. An informational interview is like sitting down with the director for the behind-the-scenes commentary. You learn what a "typical day" actually involves, the unspoken rules of the workplace, and which skills are genuinely make-or-break for the role.

Gain Unfiltered Insider Knowledge

One of the biggest wins from these conversations is getting raw, real-world intelligence. You get to step outside the carefully crafted corporate messaging and learn the ground truth from someone who lives it every day.

This is your chance to ask the questions that really matter:

• Company Culture: "What's the team's vibe—is it more collaborative or do people mostly work independently?" or "How does the company actually support professional growth?"
• Role Specifics: "Looking back, what skills were the most critical for you to learn in your first year here?" or "What's the most challenging part of this job that nobody talks about?"
• Career Trajectory: "For someone starting in your position, what does a realistic career path look like in the next few years?"

This kind of insider knowledge is gold. It helps you sprinkle specific language and relevant examples throughout your resume and cover letter, transforming a generic application into one that truly connects with the hiring manager. Plus, it gives you a clear roadmap of the abilities you need to build. To learn more, check out our guide on how to develop soft skills.

Tap Into the Hidden Job Market

Let's be honest: many of the best jobs are never even posted online. They get filled through internal promotions, employee referrals, and professional networks. This is the hidden job market, and informational interviews are your VIP pass.

When you build genuine connections, you're no longer just another resume in the pile. You become a familiar face—that proactive, curious person who took the initiative to learn more. When a role opens up, your name is far more likely to come to mind, leading to a referral or even a position being created just for you.

An informational interview allows you to be in the right place at the right time, but more importantly, it allows you to be the right person at the right time.

Refine Your Pitch and Boost Your Confidence

These low-stakes conversations are the perfect practice arena. Every chat is a chance to get better at telling your professional story, explaining your career goals, and clarifying why you're a great fit. You get to test-drive your "elevator pitch" in a safe space and get honest feedback from someone who knows the industry.

This kind of practice is incredibly powerful. It builds your confidence and sharpens your communication, which is a massive advantage when you walk into a real job interview. In fact, job seekers who regularly conduct informational interviews often report feeling more prepared and less rattled. They experience 25% less stress during their search, a huge relief that makes the entire process feel more manageable. For more on this, check out the insights on how industry trends are reducing workplace stress on Sonix.ai. In a tough market with long hiring cycles, that's a game-changer.

How to Secure Your First Informational Interview

Knowing you should do informational interviews is one thing. Actually landing that first conversation is where the rubber meets the road. It can feel a little daunting, but once you have a game plan, it becomes a whole lot easier—and maybe even fun.

The secret? Don't just blast out requests to random people. Start with your warmest connections. Think about the networks you’re already a part of: alumni from your college, people you’re connected to on LinkedIn through a mutual friend, or even just folks who work at a company you really admire. A shared connection, no matter how small, breaks the ice and makes your request feel less like a cold email and more like a friendly hello.

Strategically Identifying Who to Contact

Before you write a single word, you need to know who you’re writing to. A scattershot approach is just a recipe for a full inbox and zero replies. Instead, take the time to build a smart, targeted list of people who can give you the exact insights you’re looking for.

Here’s where to start digging:

• University Alumni Networks: This is your golden ticket. Seriously. Alumni are almost always happy to help out a fellow grad. Check your university's official portal or use the alumni search tool on LinkedIn to find people in the roles or companies you’re targeting.
• LinkedIn Second-Degree Connections: These are the friends-of-friends in your professional life. That mutual connection creates an instant layer of trust and makes an introduction feel natural. You can easily filter your LinkedIn searches to show only these second-degree contacts.
• Professionals at Target Companies: Have a dream company or two? Find people on LinkedIn who are doing the kind of work you want to be doing. Look for anything you have in common—shared interests, groups, or past experiences—that you can mention to warm up your message.

Having these conversations isn't just about gathering information. It’s about building a strategic advantage that helps you uncover opportunities nobody else knows about.

As you can see, gaining that insider knowledge gives you a direct line to the hidden job market. It also helps you refine your pitch, which in turn makes you even better at tapping into those unlisted roles. It’s a powerful cycle.

Crafting an Outreach Message That Gets a Yes

Okay, you've got your list. Now it's time to write a message that actually gets a reply. The goal here is simple: be clear, be brief, and be incredibly respectful of their time. You want to make it ridiculously easy for them to say "yes."

A great outreach message has a few key ingredients. First, your subject line needs to cut through the noise. Something like "Fellow DePaul Alum Seeking Career Advice" or "Question about your work at Google" gets right to the point. It establishes the connection and states your purpose immediately.

The real magic is in the personalization. Show them you’ve actually done your homework. Mention a specific project they worked on, an article they wrote, or something about their career path that stood out to you. This proves you’re not just copy-pasting a generic template.

Your message needs a clear "ask." Tell them you're exploring the field and would love to hear their perspective for a quick 15-20 minute chat. That small time commitment is way less intimidating than a vague request for coffee. And always, always offer to work around their schedule. Maximum flexibility is key.

Remember, smart professionals use informational interviews as a way of getting job interviews without applying online. It’s all about making a real, human connection.

Here’s a simple template you can steal and make your own:

Email/LinkedIn Template

Subject: [Shared Connection, e.g., DePaul University] Alum Seeking Advice

Hi [Name],

My name is [Your Name], and I came across your profile through the DePaul alumni network on LinkedIn. I was really impressed by your work on [Specific Project or Accomplishment].

I'm currently exploring a career in [Their Industry/Field] and would be so grateful for a chance to learn from your experience. Would you be open to a quick, 15-20 minute virtual coffee chat sometime in the next few weeks? I’m happy to work around whatever is easiest for your schedule.

Thanks so much for considering it.

Best,
[Your Name]

This approach is direct but respectful, and it gives them everything they need to say yes. If you need more ideas, our guide on writing an email of interest for a job has some great tips that you can adapt. Follow this playbook, and you’ll be having valuable conversations in no time.

Mastering the Art of the Conversation

Getting the meeting on the calendar is a huge win, but the real magic happens during the conversation itself. This is where your preparation pays off.

You're not just there to fire off a list of questions; you're there to have a genuine dialogue that leaves a lasting, positive impression. Learning how to build rapport and forge genuine connections is the secret sauce here.

And this effort really moves the needle. These conversations can lead to a 40% reduction in the time-to-shortlist for candidates who come prepared. In a world where 90% of companies are battling a flood of AI-generated applications, that authentic human connection makes you stand out.

Do Your Homework Before the Call

Walking in cold is the fastest way to show someone you don’t value their time. Seriously. Before you ever hop on that call, you need to do your research on the person, their company, and their industry.

Spend a solid 20-30 minutes on their LinkedIn profile. Look at their entire career path—what was their first job? Where did they make a pivot? Then, do a quick search for recent company news. Mentioning a new product launch or a big project shows you’ve done more than a quick, surface-level glance.

Crafting Questions That Spark Real Conversation

The quality of your questions will dictate the quality of the conversation. Ditch the simple yes-or-no stuff. Your goal is to ask open-ended questions that invite stories and thoughtful answers, turning a simple Q&A into a rich discussion.

To keep the conversation flowing naturally, it helps to group your questions into a few key themes.

Here’s a look at how you can structure your questions to gather the most valuable insights during your chat.

Categorized Questions for Your Informational Interview

Category	Sample Question 1	Sample Question 2
Career Journey	"Looking back at your career path, what was the most unexpected turn you took, and what did you learn from it?"	"What skills were most critical for you to develop when you first transitioned into this role?"
Company & Culture	"What does a successful week in your role actually look like?"	"How would you describe the team's working style? Is it more collaborative or independent?"
Actionable Advice	"Based on my goal to enter this field, what experiences do you think I should prioritize gaining?"	"What industry podcasts or newsletters do you recommend I follow to stay current?"

Think of these as conversation starters. Let your curiosity guide you, and don't be afraid to ask follow-up questions that dig a little deeper.

For even more ideas, check out our complete guide on what to ask in an interview.

The One Question You Must Never, Ever Ask

There’s a golden rule for informational interviews, and it's a simple one: never, ever ask for a job.

The second you ask for a job, you completely change the dynamic. It shifts the conversation from one of curiosity and advice-seeking to a direct, transactional ask. This puts the other person in an incredibly awkward spot and instantly erodes the trust you just worked to build.

The moment you ask, "Can you get me a job?" or "Are there any open positions for me?" you have broken the unspoken contract of the informational interview. Your goal is to collect information and build a relationship, not to solicit a job offer.

Professional Etiquette from Start to Finish

How you handle the logistics of the call says a lot about you.

Always start by quickly reintroducing yourself and thanking them again for their time. It’s also your job to be the timekeeper. Keep an eye on the clock and wrap things up gracefully when your time is up.

Saying something like, "I know we're at our 20-minute mark, and I want to be respectful of your schedule," shows true professionalism. But above all, the most important skill to bring is active listening. Pay attention, show you’re engaged, and let the conversation breathe.

Turning a Conversation Into a Lasting Connection

So, you’ve just wrapped up a great informational interview. Don't close your laptop and call it a day. The conversation itself is just the starting block; what you do next is what separates a forgettable chat from a meaningful professional connection.

A prompt, personalized thank-you note isn’t just polite—it's essential. Getting that email out the door within 24 hours shows you’re a pro who genuinely appreciated their time. It’s a simple gesture that leaves a powerful, positive impression.

Moving Beyond a Generic Thank You

Anyone can send a "thanks for your time" email. To really stand out, you need to get specific. The trick is to reference something particular they said, a piece of advice that really clicked with you. It proves you were actually listening, not just waiting for your turn to talk.

For instance, you could write something like: "I especially appreciated your advice on gaining experience in data analytics. I’m already looking into the resources you mentioned." This little detail transforms a generic thank you into solid proof that their insights were valuable. If you want to nail the tone and content, we have a whole guide on how to write a thank-you email after an interview that breaks it down.

Nurturing the Connection for the Long Term

The point of learning what are informational interviews is to build a real network, not just to collect a list of names. And that takes a bit of long-term thinking. You want to stay on their radar without being annoying. Think of it like tending a garden—a little bit of attention over time goes a long way.

Here’s how you can keep that connection warm:

• Circle Back with an Update: A few weeks later, shoot them a quick email about how you put their advice into action. Something like, "Following our chat, I completed that online course you suggested, and it was incredibly helpful."
• Share Something Relevant: If you stumble upon an article or some industry news you think they'd find interesting, pass it along with a quick note.
• Acknowledge a Win: Keep an eye on their LinkedIn profile. A simple "Congratulations on the new role!" or "Congrats on the promotion!" is an easy, genuine way to stay in touch.

Nurturing a professional connection isn't about asking for favors. It's about providing value, showing gratitude, and maintaining a human connection.

This soft, value-first approach keeps the relationship alive. That way, when a real opportunity comes up down the road, you’re not some stranger hitting them up out of the blue. You're a familiar, respected contact they’re actually happy to hear from.

Your Burning Questions, Answered

Alright, so you’ve got the game plan. But it’s totally normal to have a few “what if” scenarios running through your head before you hit send on that first email. Let's tackle those lingering questions head-on so you can walk into these conversations with total confidence.

How Long Should an Informational Interview Be?

Keep your initial ask short and sweet: just 15-20 minutes. Seriously. A small time commitment like that makes it a no-brainer for a busy professional to say yes. It instantly shows you respect their packed schedule and won't waste their time.

Once you’re in the conversation, you be the one to keep an eye on the clock. A simple, "I know we're coming up on 20 minutes, and I want to be mindful of your time," goes a long way. It’s a small touch, but that level of professionalism really stands out and makes them more open to helping you again down the road.

What if They Say Their Company Isn’t Hiring?

That’s completely fine! In fact, you should almost expect to hear it. Remember, you're not there to ask for a job—you're there to gather intel and advice. This is one of the biggest mental hurdles to clear when you're learning what are informational interviews.

Here's the perfect way to respond:

"I really appreciate you letting me know. My main goal today is simply to learn from your experience and insights in the industry, not to inquire about openings."

This response smoothly shifts the focus back to your true purpose. It reassures them that you genuinely value their perspective, which is key to building real trust and rapport.

Is It Okay to Ask for Referrals to Other People?

Absolutely. This is one of the most powerful outcomes of a great conversation and exactly how you start building a strong professional network without feeling pushy.

If the chat is going well, try this towards the end: "Based on what we've talked about, is there anyone else you think it would be helpful for me to connect with?" If they suggest someone, your next move is to ask if they’d be comfortable making a quick email introduction. A warm handoff like that is worth ten cold emails.

Can I Still Do These if I Am Currently Employed?

Yes, and you 100% should. Informational interviews aren't just for people on the job hunt. Think of them as a tool for ongoing career exploration, professional growth, and keeping a finger on the pulse of your industry.

You can frame your request as seeking advice for your own development or wanting to understand new trends in the field. It's a smart, proactive way to steer your career and keep your options open, even if you’re perfectly happy where you are.

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