How To Tackle an Informational Interview

If you’re looking to change careers, or you’ve just graduated, informational interviews are your secret weapon in the job search.

Informational interviews are informal conversations with professionals in your chosen field for the purposes of gathering information, locating resources, and making connections.

Not just a fantastic networking tool and an informal job interview, they can also get you insider information and industry-specific career advice that’s hard to get from anywhere else.

Follow these 6 steps to tackle the informational interview like the professional you are.

When the time comes to meet, treat it like a job interview. Dress professionally, show up early, and behave courteously.

Follow these steps for interview success:

Now that you’ve warmed up, it’s time to get the inside scoop.

Here are some sample questions:

• How did you get into this role?
• What do you enjoy about the job?
• What’s the worst part?
• Why did you choose this specific company over others?
• How do you feel about a particular development in the sector?
• What do you wish someone had told you when you first started out?
• Do you have any job search advice for a recent graduate/career changer?

Let the conversation flow, but be mindful of time. Let your interviewee know that you know their time is valuable, and that you understand if they need to leave when the time you’ve agreed on has passed.

When it’s time to wrap up, thank your interviewee for their time and for sharing their knowledge with you. Ask if there is anybody they can connect you with for your next interview and if possible see if they can introduce you.

Request a business card before they leave, and in the next day or so, send a hand-written thank-you note. Yes, of course, you could just email them, but we’re building relationships here. Be memorable with an extra personal touch.

The relationship shouldn’t finish once the interview is over. Keep in touch! The people you speak to can be resources, support and valuable connections over the next few years.

After a few weeks, reach out again to send them something useful, such as a relevant article or an invitation to an industry event. Or if one of their suggestions was of particular use to you – a book they recommended or a professional association you joined – let them know how it helped.

Informational interviewing is an excellent way to explore career paths while growing your professional network.

After all, it’s who you know that’s most important, right?

So get out there and start building relationships, getting the low-down, and making yourself visible.

After more career advice? Visit our Careers Hub for more tips, tricks and tools.