The Hidden Benefits of Conducting an Informational Interview

In the hustle of job hunting, many people hyper-focus on landing an interview with a recruiter or manager. But what they miss is that an informational interview—without any pressure of getting hired—can provide invaluable insights and connections. You aren’t competing for a job during an informational interview; instead, you’re gathering intelligence, building relationships, and finding the key details that will set you apart when a real job opportunity comes.

Let’s break it down. Why should you invest time in these interviews? Here are several compelling reasons:

1. Building Connections Beyond Your Resume
   One of the main benefits of an informational interview is creating meaningful, personal connections. Unlike formal job interviews, the conversation is less structured, allowing both parties to open up. This dynamic can lead to deeper relationships, which might not happen in the high-stakes, formal interview context.

   Consider this: You could meet someone who eventually becomes your mentor, or someone who remembers your conversation when a job position opens up in their company. These relationships aren’t just about getting a job today; they’re about building a career network that will support you for years to come.

2. Exclusive Industry Insights
   Imagine sitting down with someone who has worked in your target industry for decades. They’ve lived through trends, experienced failures, and found success in ways no article or blog post can teach you. You’ll gain insight into how they think, what they prioritize, and how the industry really works behind the scenes. This is information that can guide your next steps in a far more informed way than Googling "How to get into X industry."

   For example, if you're interested in digital marketing, you could learn which skills are most in demand or what software programs you should prioritize mastering. These insights give you a head start, helping you tailor your learning and career development to align with actual market needs.

3. Unadvertised Job Opportunities
   Not every job gets posted on a public job board. Some companies fill roles internally or through word-of-mouth referrals. In fact, a significant number of jobs—especially in competitive industries—are filled this way. When you conduct an informational interview, you are tapping into a hidden job market.

   You’re not just another resume in a stack; you’re someone they’ve met, shared a conversation with, and potentially recommended for a role. It’s not uncommon for professionals to refer someone they’ve spoken with during an informational interview when positions open up later.

4. Mastering the Art of Conversation
   Job interviews can be stressful, and many candidates feel immense pressure to perform. However, informational interviews provide the perfect environment to practice your communication skills in a low-stakes setting. You can ask questions, discuss industry trends, and even dive into a little self-promotion—without worrying about a hiring decision looming over your head.

   Over time, these conversations improve your confidence, enabling you to speak more naturally and persuasively during formal interviews. You learn to communicate more effectively about your skills and aspirations, which makes you a better candidate when the real opportunity arises.

5. A Glimpse Into Company Culture
   If you want to know whether a company or industry is a good fit for you, there’s no better way than talking to someone who’s already in the trenches. Informational interviews offer first-hand insights into company culture, the realities of day-to-day work, and whether the company’s values align with your own.

   For instance, you may find that an industry you once thought glamorous is actually far more demanding than you anticipated. Or, on the flip side, you might discover a hidden gem of a company with a culture that perfectly suits your values and work style.

6. Tailored Career Advice
   Unlike generic career advice found online, informational interviews offer personalized feedback. The person you're speaking with can offer specific guidance based on your resume, your goals, and your experience. They may even offer strategic advice on how to pivot industries, climb the ladder faster, or prepare for roles that are evolving.

   Think of it as getting a mini-coaching session without paying for it. Professionals love to share their stories and lessons learned, and you're often able to receive actionable advice that can have an immediate impact on your career strategy.

7. Confidence Booster
   Finally, and perhaps most importantly, informational interviews can boost your confidence. The more you engage with professionals in your desired industry, the more comfortable you become in those spaces. You begin to feel like a part of the conversation rather than an outsider looking in.

   Success is often a matter of mindset. The more you immerse yourself in the industry and engage with its key players, the more you start to feel that you belong. And when the time comes for a formal job interview, you won’t just be another candidate—you’ll be a confident, informed insider who knows the terrain.

Informational Interview Case Study

Let’s illustrate this with an example. Sarah, a recent graduate interested in public relations, conducted an informational interview with a seasoned PR executive. She didn't ask for a job outright; instead, she was curious about the state of the industry, the skills required, and what companies were looking for.

The executive was impressed with Sarah’s initiative and sincerity. A few months later, when a junior PR position opened at the executive’s firm, guess who got a call? Sarah didn’t even apply; her informational interview left such an impression that she became top of mind for the role.

This is how informational interviews work in real life. They offer long-term rewards that you may not see immediately, but the seeds you plant will grow into opportunities down the road.

How to Conduct an Informational Interview

Now that we’ve covered the benefits, let’s touch on how to conduct one effectively.

• Do Your Homework: Research the person you're interviewing. Understand their role, background, and the industry trends they’re dealing with.
• Prepare Questions: Aim for thoughtful, open-ended questions. Focus on the person's career path, challenges they’ve faced, and insights they can share.
• Be Gracious: Remember, you're asking for someone’s time. Be polite, thank them at the beginning and end, and follow up with a thank-you note.
• Stay Focused on Learning: Don’t make the conversation about landing a job—focus on gaining knowledge and building a relationship.

By following these steps, you'll leave a positive impression, one that could lead to exciting opportunities down the line.

In conclusion, the informational interview is an untapped power tool for career advancement. Whether you're seeking insight into an industry, exploring new career paths, or wanting to expand your professional network, these conversations offer unique advantages that can make all the difference in your job search and career progression.