How to Get the Most Out of an Informational Interview

You walk into the meeting room, your mind buzzing with thoughts: "Am I asking the right questions? Will I come off as prepared? What if they don't like me?" It’s the tension of the unknown. And yet, here you are, ready for what could be the most important conversation of your professional journey. Why? Because informational interviews are often more valuable than job interviews. They’re a rare chance to dig into an industry, understand its intricacies, and—more importantly—forge relationships that could change the trajectory of your career. But only if you play your cards right.

So, how do you make the most of an informational interview?
This isn't about listing a set of pre-determined questions. It’s about leveraging your curiosity, being strategic, and understanding the unspoken power dynamics. But here's the twist: the success of the conversation often hinges not on what you ask, but on how you listen, and how you show respect for the other person’s time and expertise.

1. The Power of Preparation: What You Do Before the Meeting

Preparation is everything. The most valuable conversations don’t happen by chance. The work you put in beforehand will determine the depth of your exchange. Do your homework. Research the person you’re meeting with, their company, and the industry trends. But don’t stop there.

Create a mental map of where you want the conversation to go, but leave room for flexibility. You’re not here to just tick off a checklist of questions. Your goal is to uncover insight and information that might not be immediately accessible online. Frame your questions to be open-ended, allowing the person to dive deeper into subjects you might not have considered. For example, rather than asking, "What does your day-to-day look like?" ask, "What’s one thing people misunderstand about your role?"

Also, think of ways you can provide value to them. Yes, even in an informational interview, you can give something back. Maybe it's your unique perspective, a recent article you read that they might find helpful, or simply offering to stay in touch for future collaborations.

2. Control the Flow, but Don’t Dominate

During the interview, it’s tempting to focus on getting your questions answered. But don’t forget, the best conversationalists listen more than they speak. Use the 70-30 rule: listen 70% of the time, speak 30% of the time. This dynamic ensures that the person feels heard, respected, and engaged.

When you ask a question, give them space to elaborate. Sometimes, the most valuable insights come after a pause. Let them take their time to think, and don’t rush to fill the silence. Your role is to guide the conversation, not dominate it.

One of the most effective techniques is mirroring—repeating key points back to them to show you’re engaged and to prompt them to go deeper. For instance, if they mention a specific challenge, you might respond with, "That sounds tough. How did you navigate that situation?"

3. The Art of Follow-Up: What You Do After the Meeting

Many people walk out of an informational interview and never reconnect. This is a mistake. The real value of the interview happens after the conversation ends. You’ve built a connection, now nurture it.

Send a thoughtful thank-you email within 24 hours, highlighting a specific insight or topic that stood out to you. This demonstrates that you were fully engaged and that their time was appreciated. Be sincere and specific. For example, "Thank you for sharing your thoughts on how data analytics is transforming your industry. It was eye-opening, and I’d love to learn more about the resources you mentioned."

Don’t let the relationship end there. Check in periodically—share articles, updates on your career, or questions that show you're continuing to think about what they said. This is where informational interviews turn into lasting professional relationships. And who knows, that relationship might evolve into mentorship, collaboration, or even job opportunities.

4. Unlocking Hidden Opportunities

Here’s the kicker: the best informational interviews aren’t about immediate gains. They’re about unlocking hidden opportunities. By diving deep into someone’s experiences, you’ll often discover insights you didn’t even know you needed. Perhaps they mention a conference that’s pivotal in your industry, or a new tool that’s transforming how they work.

Use this opportunity to expand your perspective. Be bold enough to ask the tough questions: "What’s something you wish you knew when you started out?" or "What challenges do you foresee in the next 5-10 years in this industry?"

The more you demonstrate that you’re in it for the long haul—genuinely curious, willing to learn, and open to guidance—the more valuable this conversation becomes, not just for you, but for them. Remember, people love to help those who help themselves.

5. The X-Factor: Building Authentic Relationships

Forget the transactional mindset. Informational interviews are not about what you can get. They’re about what you can give, and how you can build authentic, long-lasting relationships. That’s the real secret. The people who get the most out of these interviews are the ones who treat them as the start of a conversation, not the end of one.

Ask yourself: what can you bring to the table? How can you help this person in the future, even if you’re just starting out? Relationships are a two-way street, and often, the seeds you plant during an informational interview will bear fruit years down the line.

If you go into each conversation with the mindset of genuine curiosity and generosity, you’ll find that the doors that open are often the ones you didn’t even know existed.

A Checklist for Mastering the Informational Interview:

Step	Action
Before the Interview	Research the person, their company, and industry trends.
	Prepare open-ended questions that allow for deeper insights.
	Think of ways you can provide value during the conversation.
During the Interview	Use the 70-30 rule: listen 70% of the time, speak 30%.
	Mirror their key points to show engagement and prompt further discussion.
	Ask thoughtful, deeper questions that uncover hidden insights.
After the Interview	Send a personalized thank-you email within 24 hours.
	Continue to nurture the relationship with periodic check-ins and shared resources.
Long-term Strategy	Build authentic relationships based on curiosity, value, and a genuine desire to learn.

Takeaway: The magic of an informational interview doesn’t happen in the moment—it unfolds over time as you foster relationships, seek out knowledge, and apply the wisdom you’ve gained.