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Informational Interviews

Informational interviews can be an important part of researching job opportunities.

What is an informational interview?

An informational interview is a meeting between you and another professional. It is a way to find out more about the industry, occupation, or companies where you may want to work. It can also be a way to evaluate how well your skills and interests fit with a particular career or employer.

You initiate an informational interview and are expected to ask the questions. The purpose is to obtain information, not to get a job. These interviews are also a good opportunity to get leads and develop key contacts, that will help tap the hidden job market — or jobs that aren't always advertised.

How do you set one up?

Find people

Figure out what industry, occupation, or company you want to explore. Then ask everyone you know for potential contacts that are related to your goal. The Employer Locator can also help you find potential employers to contact. Feel free to schedule the interview with someone without hiring power. They often know more about day-to-day activities and have more specific information for you.

Make contact

Pick up the phone and make contact. Possible phone script:

"Ms. Smith, Brad Johnson suggested I speak with you. My name is Steven Olson and I am interested in the ________ field. I could use advice from someone who is in this field. Do you have any time this week when I could meet with you? I know you're busy, so I only need about 15 minutes of your time. I would really like to learn more about your company and the ________ field from someone like you."

You may want to explain a little about your own background and why their occupation appeals to you. Be sure that they do not get the impression that you are asking them for a job.

Tips for successful informational interviews

  • If meeting in person, dress and act professionally.
  • Make a good impression. This person may provide additional leads or referrals that could lead to a job.
  • Bring a copy of your resume in case you have the opportunity to have it critiqued or to leave it with the person who interviews you.
  • Keep it short. Limit your initial interview to 15 to 30 minutes.
  • Ask for names of other people to contact.
  • End the interview with an action plan. Ask the interviewee if you can contact him or her again.
  • Thank the person for taking the time to meet with you.
  • Remember to follow up with a thank-you note after your interview.

Sample informational interview questions

To make best use of your interview time, know in advance what questions you are going to ask. For example, you might want to ask:

  • What is a day on this job really like?
  • What do you like about your job? Dislike?
  • Is your job typical of others in this field?
  • What's the corporate culture like here? (Hours, salary, titles)
  • Which firms do you think are your toughest competitors, and how do they differ from your company?
  • How did you get into this field?
  • How do you stay current in your knowledge?
  • What kind of experience or training is required?
  • What are employers looking for? (Skills, education, experience)
  • May I have a copy of a job description?
  • What is the potential for advancement?
  • What are current job prospects like?
  • Are there related fields I might want to look into if few jobs are available in my primary career goal?
  • What's the best way to find out about jobs in this field?
  • Can you refer me to someone else in this field?

Source: Creative Job Search, Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development.