Informational Interviews
What is an Informational Interview?
An informational interview is a one-on-one conversation between an information seeker (such as a student or career changer) and an information provider (such as an industry professional). The purpose is to gather insight about specific career fields, roles of interest, and current industry trends. While meeting in person is ideal—since it helps make a stronger impression—it’s also acceptable to connect virtually or by phone.
Why Conduct Informational Interviews
Informational interviews are valuable because they can help you expand your network, gain mentorship, better understand industry terminology and trends, and occasionally uncover leads for jobs or internships (though that should not be the main goal).
How to Find Professionals to Interview
You can use several tools and platforms to find professionals for informational interviews, including:
- LinkedIn: Use the search options (People, Alumni, Groups, or Companies) to find professionals in your field of interest. When sending a connection request, include a brief, personalized message explaining why you’d like to connect and what you hope to learn from an informational interview.
- Handshake: Search for professionals or employers and use the messaging feature to reach out. Be sure to personalize your message, clearly stating why you’re reaching out and what you hope to gain from an informational interview.
- Video: Who to Info Interview & How to Find Them
How to Connect With Professionals
When requesting an informational interview, include the following details in your initial message:
- Explain how you found the professional (through a specific resource or networking connection)
- Briefly introduce yourself (your major, year, and current career interests)
- Share why you reached out and what you hope to learn through the informational interview
How to Conduct an Informational Interview
Watch this video to learn how to set up and conduct an informational interview. Once the interview is scheduled, prepare by creating a thoughtful list of questions to ask the professional.
After the interview, consider asking if the professional can recommend others to connect with. This helps expand your network even more. Always send a thank-you email and keep your contact updated on your progress.