How to Leverage Informational Interviews for Job Search Success

By Helen Harris?

One of the most effective ways to learn about a career or an industry is with an informational interview.?

An informational interview is typically one in which the discussion revolves more around a person’s individual career development, versus a specific job opportunity, says Dana Leavy-Detrick, who is the director of Brooklyn Resume Studio and Canna Career Partners.

These interviews are often exploratory conversations where a job seeker or someone exploring a career move can gain advice around a certain industry or career path, she adds.

While you may think that these interviews are typically reserved for younger employees just getting their footing — that isn’t the case.?

“Informational interviews can happen at all levels,” said Leavy-Detrick.

For example, new graduates can use informational interviews to learn about different career paths and opportunities while senior leaders can use them as a way to find an internal champion, says Sarah Johnston, who is an executive resume writer, interview coach and founder of Briefcase Coach.

“Overall, informational interviews can be a valuable tool for anyone looking to gain a better understanding of a specific field or industry, as well as for those who are trying to find job opportunities, build connections, and advance in their career,” says Matt Warzel, who career coach and resume writer.

How to Ask for an Informational Interview

The first step of preparing for your informational interview is asking who you want to speak with for a meeting — whether it be virtual or in-person.?

“Avoid cold contacting people with whom you haven’t established a relationship or rapport," says Leavy-Detrick. "Instead, tap into your own network or a mutual contact who can recommend someone who would be open to speaking with you, and be clear on what your objectives are for the conversation."

But if you don’t know the person or have any immediate connections, that doesn’t necessarily mean you have to abandon the conversation altogether. You just need to put in a bit more research.?

Warzel adds that it’s generally a good idea to do your due diligence by researching your desired interviewee before you make the first contact.?

“Before you ask someone for an informational interview, make sure you know who they are and what they do,” says Warzel. “Look them up on LinkedIn, research their background and experience and identify what they can specifically offer you.”

From there, he advises that you personalize your message and make it clear that you have done your research and know who they are.?

Warzel also says you should explain your reasons for wanting to interview them, as this shows that you have done your research and know about the field or industry.

Above all, Warzel states that the most important thing to remember with your request is to be polite, respectful and professional — and to not be discouraged if they say no.

How to Prepare Questions for the Interview

Johnston says the best way to prepare for an informational interview is to start conducting some pre-interview research online.?

“You have to strike the right balance between knowing enough about the person to ask engaging questions but not too much,” says Johnston. “I recommend asking open-ended questions during the interview. Your goal is to ‘information gather’ about the industry or company.”?

It’s important to remember you are the one guiding the conversation — so you have to make sure you prepare questions in advance, says Katelyn Richards, who is a career coach and personal branding strategist.

To do this, she recommends having the questions fall into the following three categories:

1. Ask them about their story, the work they do, what they love about it, what's hard about it, and how they got to where they are.?
2. Ask questions that give you clarity about the company they work for, their current needs, the problems they are coming up against, the work culture, etc.?
3. Ask them who else they know that they think you should talk with, and ask them for a warm introduction.

Warzel adds a few more helpful tips when it comes to preparing for your interview:?

• Practice the questions beforehand with a friend or family member to become comfortable with the format and the flow of the conversation.
• Make sure to dress professionally (even if it’s a virtual meeting).??
• Be on-time.?
• Remember to bring something to take notes with, as this will help you reflect back on the interview later.?
• Send a follow-up letter to your interviewee after the meeting thanking them for their time.??

“By preparing beforehand, you will be able to make the most of your informational interview and gain valuable insights and advice from the person you are interviewing,” said Warzel. “You'll also be able to make a good impression which may lead to future connections and opportunities.”

While you may go into an informational interview thinking about the short-term decisions you’re looking to make in your career now, there is also long-term value in this networking opportunity.?

For instance, Leavy-Detrick says informational interviews allow you to learn about a company or industry without the pressure of a formalized job interview. This means you are allowed to ask deeper questions that reveal more about a company’s culture or growth opportunities.?

“Additionally, they can be a great source of career advice if you have the benefit of connecting with someone more senior in your field or one you’re looking to transition into,” says Leavy-Detrick. “Not to mention, there’s potential to build a longer-term relationship with that person that could lead to future job or mentorship opportunities.”

You can’t go wrong asking someone you have researched and have a genuine interest in getting to know more about for an informational interview. This opportunity will allow you to not only learn more about your career field and another company and professional — but also practice your interviewing and research skills.?

“You’ll have the chance to build out your network and community of connections for your career long term,” says Richards. “[This experience] is beneficial for your career because it gives you practice for real interviews while building meaningful, authentic relationships with people long term who you can continue to stay connected with throughout your career.”?

(A version of this article first appeared on January 17, 2023, on the Get Ahead by LinkedIn News page. You can read the full article, which was written and reported by Helen Harris by clicking here.)

Everyone experiences disappointments in their careers and job searches. Maybe they didn't get that dream job. Or, perhaps they were passed over for a promotion. While it's normal to be upset and sad after these setbacks, the key is to process those emotions and keep moving forward. The guest on the latest episode of my #GetHired podcast is Brittany N. Cole, who is the CEO of the career-development company Career Thrivers. Brittany knows that every career is filled with ups and downs. She teaches us how to roll with the punches and emerge from blows stronger than before in the latest episode of #GetHired with Andrew Seaman.

You can find a transcript of the conversation below. Also, you can listen to the episode above or by clicking here.

Brittany also joined my LinkedIn News colleague Brandi Fowler on Monday to answer LinkedIn members' questions about career grief. You can catch a replay by clicking here.

COMING UP:?

Did you ever meet an executive or even a coworker that had an incredible quality that just commanded the room? You can't put your finger on it, but they just have "it." Well, it's likely their presence. While presence may come naturally to some people, others sometimes need to work on it. If you're one of those people, how do you build an authentic presence that represents you and your brand? My guest on the next episode of the podcast is my former colleague Lorraine Lee, who was named one of 2020’s Top Virtual Keynote Speakers. She often presents to professionals from Fortune 100 companies on how to boost their professional presence. She’s going to walk us through how it’s done in the next episode of #GetHired. Follow my podcast wherever you like to listen, including Apple Podcasts, so you don't miss the episode.?

Lorraine will then join Brandi on Monday, April 17, at noon ET on #GetHired Live to answer your questions about job searching in modern times. You can RSVP for that live conversation by clicking here or the accompanying image.

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