Informational Interviews: Complete Guide
The most underrated job search tool. 70%+ of jobs come through networking, and informational interviews are how you network strategically.
Why They Work
Informational interviews bypass the resume black hole. You're not asking for a job - you're building relationships. And relationships lead to referrals, which lead to jobs.
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What Is an Informational Interview?
A 15-30 minute conversation where you learn from someone working in a role, company, or industry you're interested in.
It IS:
- Learning about their career path
- Understanding the company/industry
- Getting advice and insights
- Building a genuine connection
- Expanding your network
It is NOT:
- Asking them for a job
- Pitching yourself
- Sending your resume unsolicited
- A hidden interview
- Manipulation to get hired
Who to Request Informational Interviews From
Warm Connections (Easiest)
- Former colleagues: People you've worked with before
- Alumni: Same school, bootcamp, or program
- Friends of friends: Ask for introductions
- People who engaged with your content: LinkedIn commenters, etc.
Cold Connections (Harder, Still Works)
- LinkedIn 2nd connections: Ask mutual connection for intro
- Authors/speakers: People who put content out there want engagement
- People in roles you want: They were once where you are
- Employees at target companies: Not HR, actual team members
Who NOT to Target
- CEOs and executives: Too busy, start lower
- Recruiters: They're paid to fill roles, not give advice
- Anyone you have no connection to: Some commonality helps
How to Request an Informational Interview
The Perfect Request Formula
- 1. Connection point: Why you're reaching out to THEM specifically
- 2. Brief context: Who you are (very short)
- 3. Specific ask: 15-20 minutes to learn about X
- 4. Make it easy: Offer multiple options, be flexible
Template: Warm Connection (Alumni)
Hi [Name],
I noticed we both graduated from [School]. I'm currently exploring opportunities in [field/industry] and was really impressed by your path to [their current role] at [Company].
Would you be open to a quick 15-minute call to share a bit about your experience? I'd love to hear how you made the transition to [industry/role].
Completely understand if you're too busy - just thought I'd reach out since we share the [School] connection.
Thanks,
[Your name]
Template: Cold Connection (Interest in Their Work)
Hi [Name],
I came across your [article/talk/post about X] and it really resonated. I'm exploring a transition into [field] and your perspective on [specific topic] was helpful.
Would you have 15 minutes for a brief call? I'd love to ask a few questions about [specific aspect of their work/career path].
Happy to work around your schedule - early morning, lunch, evening all work for me.
Thanks for considering,
[Your name]
Template: Referred by Mutual Connection
Hi [Name],
[Mutual connection] suggested I reach out to you. I'm currently [brief situation] and exploring roles in [field]. [They] mentioned you'd be a great person to learn from given your experience at [Company/role].
Would you be open to a brief 15-minute call sometime? I have a few specific questions about [topic] that I think you could really help with.
Thanks,
[Your name]
Questions to Ask
About Their Career Path
- "How did you get into this field/role?"
- "What surprised you most about this career?"
- "What do you wish you knew when you started?"
- "What skills have been most valuable?"
About the Company/Industry
- "What's the culture really like day-to-day?"
- "Where do you see this industry heading?"
- "What challenges is the company/team facing?"
- "What makes someone successful there?"
About Breaking In
- "What would you look for in a candidate?"
- "Any skills or experiences I should develop?"
- "Who else should I talk to?"
- "Are there communities/groups I should join?"
Closing Questions
- "Is there anything I can help you with?"
- "Can I keep you updated on my search?"
- "Anyone else you'd recommend I speak with?"
- "What's the best way to stay in touch?"
During the Conversation: Do's and Don'ts
Do:
- Be on time (or early for video calls)
- Let them do most of the talking
- Take notes (ask if okay first)
- Respect the time limit religiously
- Show genuine curiosity and interest
- Mention specific things about their work
- Ask for referrals to others to talk to
Don't:
- Ask for a job or referral directly
- Send your resume unless asked
- Go over time without permission
- Dominate the conversation
- Ask questions you could Google
- Complain about your job search
- Make it about you instead of learning
After the Conversation
Same Day: Send Thank You
Hi [Name],
Thank you for taking time to chat today. Your insight about [specific thing they said] was really helpful - I hadn't thought about it that way before.
I'm going to follow up on your suggestion to [specific action]. I'll keep you posted on how things go.
Thanks again - I really appreciate your generosity with your time.
Follow Up Actions
- Connect on LinkedIn with a personalized note
- Reach out to anyone they recommended
- Actually do the things you said you'd do
- Update them when you have news (new job, followed advice, etc.)
2-4 Weeks Later: Brief Update
Hi [Name],
Quick update - I took your advice about [specific thing] and [result]. Also had a great chat with [person they referred you to].
Wanted to say thanks again and keep you in the loop. Happy to help if there's ever anything I can do for you.
Best,
[Your name]
Converting to Job Opportunities
The Key Insight
You never ask for a job. But if you've built a genuine relationship and they like you, they'll often volunteer to help. "We might have something opening up..." or "Let me introduce you to our hiring manager."
Natural Paths to Opportunities
- They mention openings: "Oh, interesting - I'd love to learn more if there's a formal process I should follow."
- They offer to connect you: Accept graciously, follow up promptly
- They ask about your search: Be specific but not desperate about what you're looking for
- Nothing immediate: Ask to stay in touch, check in periodically
If You See a Job Posted Later
Hi [Name],
Hope you're doing well! I saw [Company] posted a [Role] position that seems like a great fit for my background. I'd love to apply.
Would you be comfortable putting in a referral? I completely understand if not - just thought I'd ask since we connected about this area.
Either way, hope to stay in touch!
Common Objections & How to Handle
"I'm too busy right now."
"Totally understand - would it be okay if I followed up in a few weeks when things settle down?"
"What specifically do you want to know?"
Have 2-3 specific questions ready: "I'm curious about [X], [Y], and your take on [Z]."
"Are you just looking for a job?"
"I'm exploring options, but right now I'm mostly trying to learn about [industry/role] before I know what to pursue. Your perspective would really help."
No response to initial message
Wait a week, send ONE gentle follow-up. If still no response, move on. Never send more than two messages total.
Numbers Game: What to Expect
Typical Response Rates
- Warm connections: 60-80% respond positively
- Alumni network: 40-60% respond positively
- Cold outreach (well-targeted): 20-30% respond positively
- Cold outreach (spray and pray): 5-10% respond
Goal: 3-5 informational interviews per week during active job search.