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What is an "Informational Interview"
An informational interview is like a casual conversation you have with someone who works in a field or job that you're interested in learning more about. Imagine you're curious about becoming a chef. You might arrange to talk with a chef to learn about their daily work, how they got into the profession, and any advice they have for someone starting out.
The goal of an informational interview is to gain insights and build a network in your field of interest. It's a great way to explore careers and make informed decisions about your own career path.
Choosing Who to Talk With
You find someone who has the job or works in the industry you're curious about. It's not a job interview, so you're not asking them for a job, just for information and advice.
Setting Up the Meeting
You ask them if they can spare some time for a chat – this could be in person, over the phone, or even online.
Preparing Your Questions
Before the meeting, you think of questions you want to ask. These could be about their career path, what they like about their job, the challenges they face, or what skills are important in their field.
Having the Conversation
During the chat, you ask your questions, listen to their stories and advice, and learn as much as you can about the field. It's also a good time to ask about other people they think you should talk to or other resources to check out.
Following Up
After the interview, it's nice to send a thank you note to show appreciation for their time and the information they shared. Related Interviews
While informational interviews are typically more informal an internship interview could be a next step once you have identified a career that you are interested in pursuing. To make sure you are fully prepared, check our list of the top questions to ask in an internship interview to stand out and maximize your chance of success.
Quick answers
What is an informational interview?
An informational interview is a casual talk with someone who works in a job or field you want to learn about. You ask about their daily work, how they got started, and their advice. It's not a job interview. The goal is to learn and build your network so you can make better career choices.
How do I ask someone for an informational interview?
Find someone who has the job or works in the field you're curious about, then ask if they can spare some time to chat. Make it clear you want information and advice, not a job. You can meet in person, over the phone, or online, whichever is easiest for them.
What questions should I ask in an informational interview?
Ask about their career path, what they like about their job, the challenges they face, and which skills matter most in their field. Write your questions down before the meeting. Near the end, ask if there's anyone else they think you should talk to, or other resources you should check out.
What should I do after an informational interview?
Send a thank-you note soon after to show you appreciate their time and advice. Then follow up on anything they suggested, like people to contact or resources to read. If the talk helped you choose a career to pursue, an internship interview could be your next step.
Is an informational interview the same as a job interview?
No. In a job interview, an employer decides whether to hire you. In an informational interview, you're the one asking questions to learn about a career. It's more relaxed and feels like a conversation. Still, come prepared and be polite, since the person you talk to could become a helpful contact later.
Not sure who to talk to yet? Take the free career test first to get a list of careers worth asking about.
