How to Do an Informational Interview This Year

An informational interview is a conversation you have with someone working in a field or industry that interests you. This can be as informal as a discussion over a cup of coffee or as formal as a defined interview in their workplace or over lunch. This is not a job interview, but a chance to learn, research your chosen career path, and seek career advice from someone who is familiar with the kind of role you would like to hold in the future. Think of these interviews as a unique opportunity to advance your own career and gain some professional connections.

While it can feel awkward to put yourself out there in this way, there are a number of benefits to seeking informational interviews. They can help you to excel in your current position or begin the process of career development. For example, you could seek an informational interview with hiring managers in your particular career field to get an idea of how you can improve your CV and cover letter and ultimately increase your chances of finding a new job when you’re ready to progress.

1. Make sure people on the inside are on your side

While an informational interview is not a job interview, it is a chance to make a good impression on the people you speak to. The professional associations you make when undertaking these interviews can be helpful in the long term. If you impress the right people, they may put in a good word for you with hiring managers in the event that a job does become available.

2. Gain insider knowledge

Whether you’re seeking an entry-level job or looking to take your career to the next step, the insider knowledge you can gain from an informational interview can be incredibly helpful in a future job search.

3. Broaden your professional network

Conducting these kinds of interviews can also help you to create a professional network early in your career. Knowing people and making a good impression on them can lead to many learning and employment opportunities.

Being able to network effectively can make the difference between a very successful interview and a mediocre one. CVHelp’s networking tips can help you make the most of informational interview opportunities.

The benefits of an informational interview are determined by which questions you ask, of course. When you connect with people in your chosen career path, it is important that you take the lead while still allowing the interviewee to do the majority of the talking. You should start by asking the questions that most interest you, and if your interviewee says something of particular interest, you should ask follow-up questions. Here are some sample questions that you could ask during an informational interview:

• Why did you choose this career?
• What types of training do you recommend for someone who wants to do this job?
• What past work experience do you rely on most often?
• What are the biggest rewards and downfalls of this job?
• What professional journals or resources do you recommend for someone entering the field?
• What is the general salary range for this career? What entry-level salary can I expect?
• What personality traits are most beneficial in this job?
• Is there a good work/life balance in this career?
• What advancement opportunities can I expect in this career path?
• What are the challenges of the job market right now?
• Are there any career services you would recommend?
• What has been the biggest challenge in your career so far?
• How do you expect the field to change over the next 10 or 20 years?

Try to have questions in mind before you even reach out to someone, whether that’s via social media like LinkedIn or via more formal channels. Coming into an informational interview with a firm idea of what you want from it is the best way to get results.