The Purpose of an Informational Interview: Unlocking Career Opportunities

An informational interview is a conversation you initiate with a professional in your field of interest. The key difference between an informational interview and a traditional job interview is that you’re not asking for a job; instead, you’re gathering insights. But here’s where it gets interesting—through this seemingly low-stakes, casual chat, you could open doors you didn’t know existed.

The primary purpose of an informational interview is to acquire valuable, firsthand information about a job role, industry, or company, which you simply cannot obtain from job descriptions or internet research alone. But beyond just gathering intel, the act of engaging with someone in your desired field can lead to mentorship, job offers, and meaningful career shifts. And if done right, it becomes a secret weapon that propels your career forward faster than formal processes ever could.

Why Should You Care About Informational Interviews?

Let’s break down the benefits. The insights gained from these interviews often answer critical career questions that can otherwise take years to figure out. For example:

• Is this industry the right fit for me? Speaking to someone who has real-world experience in your target field can confirm or dispel your assumptions.
• What are the current trends? These conversations often reveal emerging industry trends that aren’t yet widely known.
• Who is hiring? Job boards only show you what companies choose to post. Through informal conversations, you might learn about openings before they’re even made public.

More importantly, informational interviews put you in touch with professionals who could potentially become part of your network. Networking is crucial in most industries, and informational interviews offer a personal and direct way to build relationships with people in positions you may one day aspire to hold. The conversation itself may not immediately lead to a job, but if you leave a lasting impression, you’ll likely be remembered when future opportunities arise.

In short, the purpose of an informational interview is not just to gather data but to build relationships and cultivate opportunities—ones that might not come through traditional application channels.

What’s in It for the Professional You Interview?

You might wonder, “Why would a busy professional take the time to talk to me?” Here’s the truth: people generally enjoy talking about themselves and their work, especially when it’s with someone who shows genuine interest. By asking thoughtful, informed questions, you’re validating their experience and expertise, which can be flattering.

Moreover, they too benefit from these conversations. Professionals like staying connected to emerging talent, and in some cases, they are actively looking for mentees or proteges. When you reach out for an informational interview, you’re showing initiative, curiosity, and a willingness to learn—traits that seasoned professionals often respect and appreciate.

The Key Steps to Conducting a Successful Informational Interview

So, how do you ensure your informational interviews are impactful and productive? Follow these steps:

1. Identify the right person to interview. You want to speak with someone whose job, career path, or company aligns with your goals.
2. Research them thoroughly. This is where you distinguish yourself from those who send generic LinkedIn messages. Read their articles, listen to their podcasts, and look for common ground. Being prepared leads to more engaging conversations.
3. Craft a clear and respectful request. Keep your initial outreach short, polite, and focused on learning—not on asking for a job.
4. Prepare thoughtful questions. Avoid basic questions like “What do you do?” Instead, dive deeper with questions like, “What challenges do you face in your role?” or “What skills do you wish you had when starting in this field?”
5. Follow up with gratitude. Always send a thank-you email. It not only shows appreciation but also keeps the door open for future conversations.

What You Shouldn’t Do in an Informational Interview

• Don’t ask for a job. The moment you shift the focus from learning to asking for employment, you risk undermining the purpose of the interview. The professional may become defensive, and the relaxed atmosphere could vanish.
• Don’t wing it. While it’s important to maintain a conversational tone, unpreparedness shows disrespect for the other person’s time. Always come with prepared questions, and show genuine interest in their career.
• Don’t be pushy with your follow-up. If the interviewee offers additional help or contacts, great! If not, be gracious and avoid pestering them afterward.

Success Stories from Informational Interviews

To highlight how powerful these interviews can be, let’s look at a few real-world examples.

Case Study 1: From Teaching to Technology

Jessica, a high school teacher, wanted to break into the tech industry but didn’t know where to start. She began reaching out to people on LinkedIn who worked at tech companies in non-engineering roles, conducting several informational interviews. One of her interviews led her to apply for a role in customer success at a startup—an opportunity she hadn’t previously considered. She not only landed the job but also found a mentor in the process.

Case Study 2: Intern to Full-Time Hire

Aiden was a college student interning at a finance firm, but he was interested in working in real estate. Through an informational interview with an executive at a real estate investment company, he learned about an upcoming internship opening. He applied and later transitioned from intern to full-time employee, bypassing traditional recruiting processes altogether.

Case Study 3: Mid-Career Switch

Sarah had been working in marketing for 15 years and was ready for a change. Informational interviews helped her zero in on a shift to product management—a role she initially hadn’t considered because she lacked a technical background. By speaking with several product managers, she understood the skills she needed to develop, took a few online courses, and made the switch. Today, she works as a Senior Product Manager at a major tech company.

The Hidden Value of Informational Interviews

What’s often understated is the confidence that grows out of these conversations. When you’re unsure about your next steps, an informational interview offers clarity. It demystifies unfamiliar industries and roles, giving you the chance to ask questions in a low-pressure setting. Each conversation helps you narrow your focus, identify where you want to go, and, just as importantly, where you don’t want to go.

These interviews also teach you to view your career from new perspectives. Hearing about someone else’s challenges, successes, and mistakes offers valuable lessons you won’t learn through job descriptions or career websites. In short, informational interviews give you an edge in a competitive job market.

Conclusion: Why You Should Start Scheduling Informational Interviews Today

You may think you have no time, or maybe the idea of reaching out to strangers intimidates you. But consider this: what if that one conversation leads to a new job, a mentor, or a vital industry connection? Informational interviews are a gateway to countless hidden opportunities, and the barrier to entry is low. All it takes is curiosity, a bit of courage, and thoughtful preparation.

So, don’t wait for the perfect job posting or another career plateau. Start sending those LinkedIn messages, scheduling those coffees, and making the most of this powerful career tool. The opportunities are out there, but you have to create the conditions for them to find you.