Informational Interviews: Learn and Network Through Conversations
Informational interviews are one of the most effective networking tools available. They allow you to learn about a career, industry, or company while building a professional relationship with someone who has relevant experience. Unlike job interviews, informational interviews have no immediate stakes. You are there to learn, not to ask for a job.
The informational interview format creates a low-pressure environment for both parties. The person you are speaking with gets to share their expertise and help someone. You gain valuable insights and build a connection that may lead to future opportunities.
Preparing for Informational Interviews
Preparation determines the quality of the conversation and the impression you make.
Identifying the Right People
Identify people whose experience aligns with your learning goals. Look for people in roles, industries, or companies you want to learn about. Alumni networks, LinkedIn, professional associations, and personal referrals are all good sources.
When reaching out, be specific about why you are contacting this particular person. I am interested in learning about product management in the healthcare technology space, and your background is exactly what I am hoping to learn from.
Researching the Person and Their Field
Before the conversation, research the person and their field. Review their LinkedIn profile, read articles they have written, and understand their company and role. This preparation allows you to ask informed questions and demonstrates respect for their time.
Good preparation also helps you make a positive impression. People are more willing to help someone who has done their homework.
Preparing Your Questions
Prepare a list of thoughtful questions in advance. Focus on questions that cannot be answered through public research. Ask about their career path, the challenges and opportunities in their field, the skills that are most valuable, and the advice they would give someone starting out.
Avoid questions that are easily answered through Google. Avoid asking for a job directly, which puts the person in an uncomfortable position.
Conducting the Interview
The conversation itself should be professional and respectful.
Setting the Tone
Start by expressing gratitude for their time. Briefly explain your background and what you hope to learn. Then transition to your questions. Keep the conversation focused and respectful of their time.
The tone should be professional but conversational. You are having a conversation, not conducting an interrogation. Follow their lead on formality.
Active Listening
Listen more than you speak. Your goal is to learn from their experience. Ask follow-up questions based on what they share. Show genuine interest in their perspective.
Active listening in informational interviews means being fully present. Do not think about your next question while they are speaking. Listen, then formulate your response based on what you heard.
Asking for Advice
People enjoy giving advice. Asking for advice is more effective than asking for information. What advice would you give someone who wants to follow a similar path? What do you wish you had known when you were starting out?
Advice questions engage the person’s experience and wisdom. They also create a sense of investment in your success.
Following Up
The follow-up is where the relationship is solidified.
Thank You Note
Send a thank you note within twenty-four hours. Express appreciation for their time and mention something specific you learned from the conversation. A specific reference shows that you were truly listening.
A handwritten note can be memorable, but email is more practical and faster. The key is sending it promptly.
Staying Connected
Follow through on any advice you received and let them know about your progress. Connect on LinkedIn. Share articles that may interest them. The goal is to build an ongoing professional relationship, not just a one-time conversation.
Periodic check-ins every few months maintain the connection without being burdensome.
FAQ
How do I ask for an informational interview? Send a brief, respectful email or LinkedIn message. Introduce yourself briefly. Explain why you are reaching out to this specific person. Be clear that you are not asking for a job. Suggest a specific time frame. Keep the request concise.
How long should an informational interview last? Twenty to thirty minutes is standard. Respect the person’s time by ending promptly. If the conversation is going well and they seem engaged, they may extend it. Let them set the pace.
What if the person says no? Thank them for their response and move on. Many people are happy to help, but not everyone has time. Do not take rejection personally. Try someone else.
Is it okay to ask for an informational interview if I am not job searching? Yes. Informational interviews are valuable at any career stage. They help you learn, build relationships, and stay connected to your industry. You do not need to be job searching to benefit from informational interviews.