What an Informational Interview Actually Is
An informational interview is a structured but informal conversation in which you ask a professional about their career experience — not to apply for a job, but to gather firsthand knowledge about a role, industry, or career path. It's one of the most underused tools in the job search toolkit, partly because the name sounds more formal than the reality.
Unlike a job interview, you're the one asking the questions. The professional you're speaking with has no obligation to evaluate or hire you — they're simply sharing perspective. This dynamic removes much of the pressure and opens up candid, practical conversations that formal applications never create. For job seekers who feel stuck, this kind of direct human input can clarify direction in ways that job listings and career websites rarely do. If you're just starting your search, it pairs well with the broader strategy outlined in our job search starter's roadmap.
Informational interviews also serve a secondary purpose: they build your network organically. Each conversation has the potential to lead to a referral, a recommendation, or simply a contact who knows your name when a role opens up — which matters more than most job seekers realize. Research consistently suggests that a significant share of positions are filled through professional connections before or instead of public postings, making relationship-building a practical complement to cold applying.
What You'll Need Before You Start
Before reaching out to anyone, get clear on what you want to learn. Vague curiosity produces vague conversations. Are you trying to understand what a product manager actually does day-to-day? Exploring whether a pivot into data analytics is realistic with your background? Trying to understand the culture at a specific type of organization? The sharper your focus, the better your questions — and the more useful the conversation will be for both of you.
What you will need
Search for professionals in your target field and send connection requests or direct messages.
Send a direct, personal outreach message to potential contacts outside LinkedIn.
Calendly or similar scheduling tool
Make it easy for contacts to book a time without back-and-forth emails.
Prepared question list
Guide the conversation and ensure you cover what matters most within the time allotted.
How to Request and Run One
The mechanics of an informational interview are straightforward once you understand the etiquette. The steps below walk through the full process — from identifying the right contacts to following up after the conversation.
Never Ask for a Job During the Meeting
The cardinal rule of informational interviews is that you are asking for someone's time and knowledge, not for employment. Asking directly for a job during this conversation violates the trust implied in the request and will likely end the relationship. Keep the conversation focused on learning. If the contact sees you as a strong candidate, they will raise opportunities on their own terms.
Identify who you want to talk to
Start by listing professionals whose career paths interest you — not just executives, but people one to three levels above your current position. LinkedIn is the most practical place to search by job title, company, or industry. Alumni networks, professional associations, and even mutual connections are equally valid starting points. Aim for people whose specific experience matches what you're trying to learn, not just impressive titles.
Craft a concise outreach message
Your message should answer four questions in three to four sentences: Who are you? Why this person specifically? What are you asking for? How much of their time will it take? Reference something specific about their work — a post they published, a company they've worked at, or a career transition they made. Generic messages are easy to ignore; personalized ones are harder to decline.
Example structure: "Hi [Name], I'm a marketing coordinator exploring a move into UX research. I came across your work at [Company] and found your perspective on mixed-methods research compelling. Would you be open to a 20-minute call to share how you made that transition? I'm happy to work around your schedule."
Send the request through the right channel
LinkedIn's InMail or a connection request with a note works well if you don't have their email. If you do have a direct email address — through a mutual contact or a public professional page — use it. Email tends to feel more personal and less transactional. Keep the subject line simple and clear: "Quick question about your career in [field]" or "Informational conversation request."
Prepare your questions in advance
Come with five to eight thoughtful questions that focus on the other person's experience. Good areas to cover include: how they got into their current role, what a typical day looks like, what skills they'd prioritize for someone entering the field, and what they wish they'd known earlier in their career. Avoid questions that are easily answered with a Google search — those signal a lack of preparation.
Conduct the conversation respectfully
Arrive on time (or log on early for video calls). Let them lead the tone. Stick to the agreed time — if they want to keep talking, they'll say so. Listen actively, take brief notes, and follow the conversation naturally rather than robotically reading from your question list. The goal is a genuine exchange, not an interrogation.
Send a thank-you within 24 hours
A brief, specific thank-you email — referencing something they actually said — goes a long way. This isn't just politeness; it keeps you memorable and leaves the door open for future contact. If they mentioned a resource, article, or name, acknowledge it. If they offered to make an introduction, follow up on it promptly so they don't have to remind themselves.
What to Do After the Conversation
A single informational interview rarely changes everything on its own, but a series of them — conducted intentionally over weeks or months — can meaningfully reshape how you understand your options and how visible you are to people making hiring decisions. Keep a simple log of who you've spoken with, what you learned, and any follow-up actions you committed to.
If your applications still aren't generating responses even after building these connections, it may be worth examining other factors in your process. Our article on why applications go unanswered covers common structural issues that outreach alone won't fix. And once you're ready to apply with confidence, use a pre-application checklist to make sure every submission is as strong as possible.
Keep Your Outreach Message Short
Busy professionals skim their inboxes. Aim for three to four sentences in your initial request: who you are, why you chose them specifically, what you're asking for, and a clear time commitment (15–20 minutes). Brevity signals that you respect their time before the conversation has even started.
