Informational Interviews

Getting Started

Informational Interviews

An informational interview is an informal meeting between a job seeker and a potential employer connection that gives the job seeker an opportunity to seek career advice and learn more about a company's culture, while the employer connection gets an opportunity to get to know a potential candidate for hiring.

How to Get an Informational Interview

  • Keep the message short (letting them know you're looking for help early in the message)
  • Be clear about why you are reaching out (Why did you reach out to them in particular?)
  • Be clear about who you are (Consider things you have in common)
  • Be specific and flexible in your ask (BE CONSIDERATE OF TIME)
  • Consider the subject line (i.e. "Saw your article on LinkedIn, would love to connect")

Things to Avoid:

  • Poor word choice (i.e. "Pick your brain"), grammar and spelling mistakes
  • Canceling and/or rescheduling the interview once offered
  • Bombarding the entire office because they do talk
  • Forgetting to send a follow-up thank you for any response and/or interview
  • Attaching your resume, this is supposed to be a more casual and comfortable conversation
  • Not responding promptly and appropriately (casual and comfortable does not mean unprofessional)

What to Discuss in an Informational Interview

  • Get started
  • Get what you came for
  • Close with a strong finish

Get Started: Let them talk about themselves

  • How did you get your start in this field?
  • What’s it like working at your company?
  • What projects are you working on right now?
  • What’s your opinion on [exciting development in the industry]?

Get What You Came For

  • How did you choose this company or position over others in your field?
  • What is the most rewarding thing about working in this industry? The most challenging?
  • My background is in urban planning—how do you think I can best leverage my previous experience for this field?
  • I’m waiting to hear back about interviews for positions—what advice would you give me about how to best prepare?
  • What experiences, skills, or personality traits does your company look for in new hires?
  • What do you wish you had done differently when you first started at your company?

The Strong Finish

  • Ask for recommendations for 2 or 3 more people who would be good to talk to as you continue networking
  • Be specific in your request because it'll make it easier for your contact to think of someone
  • Allow the contact to come up with anyone he/she feels would be a good next step for you
    • "Is there anyone else you would recommend that I speak with?"

With Whom to Get an Informational Interview

  • Choose people who are in an aspirational role, but not so high up on the ladder that they may not have time to respond to your ask
  • Try to find someone you have common ground with, such as same alma mater, same sorority/fraternity, mutual connections, also a changed careers/industries, etc.)

Homework

  • Find 2 people to request an informational interview
  • Draft a message for each and get feedback from at least 1 teammate from your cohort
  • After receiving feedback and proof-reading one last time yourself, send your messages

Additional Resources

Sample Questions

Never Ghost!

Ghosting: The act of discontinuing contact for a period of time or lacking responsiveness to communications.