Grow Your Career With Informational Interviews

Author: Mike Scaletti

Informational interviews are one of the most underused yet powerful tools available to job seekers at any stage of their career. Whether you are exploring a new industry, considering a career pivot, reentering the workforce, or simply trying to grow professionally, informational interviews give you access to real world insight that no job description or company website can fully provide.

Unlike formal job interviews, informational interviews are low pressure conversations. There is no immediate expectation of being hired. Instead, the focus is on learning, relationship building, and gaining clarity. When done thoughtfully, they can open doors to mentorship, referrals, and opportunities that never appear on job boards.

This guide will walk you through everything you need to know to use informational interviews effectively. You will learn what they are, how to request them politely, what questions to ask, how to follow up and maintain the connection, and how to take action by scheduling one this week.

What Informational Interviews Are

An informational interview is a structured conversation with someone who has experience in a role, company, or industry you are interested in. The purpose is to learn from their perspective, not to ask for a job.

These conversations typically last between fifteen and thirty minutes. They can take place over coffee, on a video call, or by phone. The format is flexible, but the intention is clear. You are seeking insight, context, and advice from someone who has already walked a path you are considering.

What Informational Interviews Are Not

To use informational interviews effectively, it is important to understand what they are not.

• They are not job interviews. There is no open position being evaluated, and the person you are speaking with is not assessing you as a candidate.

• They are not sales pitches. You are not there to promote yourself aggressively or ask for favors.

• They are not therapy sessions. While career frustrations may come up naturally, the focus should remain professional and respectful of the other person’s time.

Why Informational Interviews Matter

Informational interviews offer several benefits that traditional job search methods cannot match.

• They provide insider knowledge. You learn what a role actually involves day to day, how teams function, and what skills truly matter.

• They help you validate career decisions. Before investing time and money into a new path, you can confirm whether it aligns with your goals and values.

• They expand your network authentically. Relationships built on curiosity and respect tend to be stronger and more lasting.

• They uncover hidden opportunities. Many roles are filled through referrals or internal conversations rather than public postings.

• They build confidence. Talking with professionals in your field helps demystify career paths and reduces imposter syndrome.

Who Informational Interviews Are For

Informational interviews are useful for a wide range of people, regardless of where they are in their professional journey. Because these conversations are focused on learning rather than evaluation, they can be adapted to many different career goals and situations.

• Students exploring career options who want to understand what different roles and industries actually look like beyond coursework and job titles

• Early career professionals trying to find direction and confirm whether their current path aligns with their long term interests and strengths

• Mid career professionals considering a pivot who need honest insight into new fields, required skills, and potential challenges before making a change

• Job seekers reentering the workforce after a break who want to reconnect with industry trends, expectations, and professional networks

• Professionals seeking advancement or leadership insight who want to learn how others navigated promotions, management responsibilities, or strategic career moves

Even people who are happily employed can benefit from informational interviews as a form of ongoing professional development, using these conversations to stay curious, expand their perspective, and build relationships that support long term career resilience.

How to Request Informational Interviews Politely

One of the biggest barriers job seekers face is asking for the conversation in the first place. Many worry about bothering someone, appearing opportunistic, or taking up time they have not earned. These concerns are understandable, especially for people who are early in their careers or navigating a transition.

In reality, most professionals enjoy sharing their experience when approached respectfully and with clear intent. Many remember what it felt like to be unsure or curious about their own next steps and are often willing to help others gain clarity. When the request is thoughtful, specific, and mindful of time, it is usually received as a compliment rather than an inconvenience.

Identify the Right People

Start by identifying people who are well positioned to offer insight into the career path, role, or industry you are exploring. The goal is to find individuals whose experience can help you better understand what your next step might realistically look like.

Look for individuals who are currently in roles you aspire to or roles that closely resemble the direction you are considering, since they can speak to day to day responsibilities and expectations.

Consider people who have taken career paths similar to the one you are considering, especially if they have made transitions you are curious about, such as changing industries or advancing into leadership.

Include alumni from your school or training program, as shared educational experiences often make outreach feel more natural and increase the likelihood of a positive response.

Explore connections through LinkedIn, professional associations, industry groups, conferences, and networking events, both virtual and in person, where professionals are already open to conversation and knowledge sharing.

You do not need a close relationship to request an informational interview. A shared industry, professional interest, background, or even mutual curiosity about a field is often enough to justify reaching out respectfully.

Do Your Homework First

Before reaching out, research the person and their background so you approach the conversation informed and respectful of their experience.

• Review their LinkedIn profile to understand their career path, current responsibilities, and how they present their professional story

• Understand their role and company, including how their team fits into the broader organization and industry

• Look for common ground such as shared interests, educational background, career transitions, or mutual connections that can help establish rapport

Having this context allows you to personalize your message, demonstrate genuine interest, and ask better questions that go beyond surface level curiosity.

Crafting a Polite and Effective Request

Your request should be concise, respectful, and clear about your intentions, while also sounding warm and human rather than scripted or transactional. The goal is to make it easy for the other person to understand why you are reaching out and what you are asking for, without creating pressure or obligation.

Key elements to include

• Who you are, including a brief snapshot of your current role, career stage, or area of interest so they have immediate context

• Why you are reaching out to them specifically, showing that you have done your homework and are not sending a generic message

• What you are hoping to learn from the conversation, framed around curiosity, insight, and guidance rather than opportunity seeking

• How much time you are asking for, stated clearly and modestly to respect their schedule and boundaries

• A flexible closing that emphasizes appreciation and gives them an easy way to say yes, suggest an alternative, or decline politely

Example Request Message

Hello [Name],

I hope you are doing well. I am currently exploring career paths in [industry or role], and I came across your background while researching professionals whose work I admire.

I would really value the opportunity to ask you a few questions about your experience and any advice you might have for someone considering a similar path. If you are open to it, I would appreciate fifteen to twenty minutes of your time at your convenience.

Thank you for considering, and I completely understand if your schedule does not allow.

Best regards,

[Your Name]

Choosing the Right Platform

Email and LinkedIn are the most common platforms for requesting informational interviews, and each has its own advantages depending on your relationship to the person and the context of your outreach.

LinkedIn works well for initial outreach, especially if you share a connection, belong to the same professional group, or have overlapping industry interests. The platform is designed for networking, which often makes an informational interview request feel more natural and expected.

Email is often more appropriate if you have been introduced by a mutual contact, have met previously, or can find a professional address through a company website or alumni directory. Email can also feel more personal and intentional for longer or more detailed messages.

Regardless of platform, keep your message professional and brief, clearly state your request, and make it easy for the recipient to understand both your purpose and the small time commitment you are asking for.

Handling No Response or Declines

Not everyone will respond, and some may decline. This is normal and should be expected when reaching out to busy professionals with full schedules and competing priorities.

If you do not receive a response after one polite follow up, move on respectfully and without frustration. Continuing to push beyond that point can feel uncomfortable for both sides and rarely changes the outcome.

If someone declines, thank them sincerely for their time and leave the door open for future contact. A gracious response preserves goodwill and reflects professionalism.

Rejection in this context is rarely personal. Timing, workload, and shifting priorities are often the deciding factors, not the quality or appropriateness of your request.

Great Questions to Ask in an Informational Interview

The quality of an informational interview depends largely on the questions you ask and how thoughtfully they are framed. Strong questions show preparation, respect, and genuine interest, while also signaling that you value the other person’s experience and time. Well chosen questions can turn a short conversation into a meaningful exchange that leaves both parties engaged and open to continued connection.

General Guidelines for Asking Questions

• Focus on open ended questions that encourage storytelling, reflection, and detailed responses rather than simple yes or no answers

• Avoid questions that can be answered with a quick online search, and instead aim for insights based on personal experience and perspective

• Prioritize learning over impressing, keeping the focus on understanding their journey rather than proving your own knowledge or ambition

• Be mindful of time by watching the clock, pacing your questions thoughtfully, and respecting the agreed upon length of the conversation

• Let the conversation flow naturally, allowing space for follow up questions and organic discussion while still honoring your prepared structure

Questions About Career Path

• Can you tell me about your career journey and how you arrived in your current role, including key transitions or moments that shaped your direction

• What early experiences, opportunities, or decisions had the biggest impact on your career and helped set your long term path

• Were there any unexpected turns, challenges, or setbacks along the way that ultimately influenced where you ended up

• What skills, experiences, or habits were most important in getting where you are now, and which ones do you rely on most today

Questions About the Role

• What does a typical day or week look like for you, including how your responsibilities shift during busy or slower periods

• What aspects of your role do you find most rewarding, both in terms of the work itself and the impact it has

• What challenges come with this position, and which ones took the most adjustment when you first started

• What misconceptions do people often have about this role, and what do you wish more people understood before entering it

Questions About the Industry or Company

• How do you see this industry changing over the next few years, and what factors do you think will have the biggest impact on those changes

• What trends should someone entering this field be aware of, especially those that may not yet be widely discussed or understood

• What do you enjoy about working at your organization, both in terms of the work itself and the environment it creates for employees

• What qualities tend to be valued most in your company culture, and how do those values show up in everyday work and decision making

Questions About Skills and Preparation

• What skills are most critical for success in this field, and which ones tend to make the biggest difference early on

• Are there skills you wish you had developed earlier in your career that would have made certain transitions or challenges easier

• What types of experience help candidates stand out, particularly when they may not have a traditional background

• Are certifications or advanced education important in this field, and if so, how do employers tend to view them in practice

Questions About Advice and Growth

• What advice would you give someone starting out in this field, especially advice you wish you had received earlier in your own career

• If you were in my position, what steps would you take next to build momentum, gain experience, or narrow your focus

• What common mistakes do you see newcomers make, and how can those mistakes be avoided or corrected early on

• How do you continue learning and growing professionally, and what habits or resources have been most valuable to you

Questions About Networking and Mentorship

• Are there professional groups or communities you recommend

• How have mentors influenced your career

• What is the best way to build credibility in this field, especially for someone who is still developing experience or entering from a different background

• How can someone add value early in their career, even before they feel fully confident or established in their role

Questions to Avoid

• Avoid asking directly for a job or implying that the conversation is a shortcut to employment, as this can create discomfort and undermine the purpose of the discussion

• Avoid overly personal questions that are unrelated to their professional experience or that could feel intrusive or inappropriate

• Avoid negative or gossip driven topics about colleagues, companies, or industries, which can reflect poorly on your professionalism and judgment

• Avoid questions that place pressure on the person to help you beyond the scope of the conversation, such as asking for referrals, introductions, or endorsements before a relationship has been established

How to Maintain the Connection Afterward

The real value of an informational interview often comes after the conversation ends. Thoughtful follow up and ongoing relationship maintenance can turn a single meeting into a lasting professional connection that continues to provide insight, encouragement, and mutual value over time.

Send a Thank You Message

• Send a thank you message within twenty four hours while the conversation is still fresh and the connection feels immediate

• Mention something specific you learned or a point that stood out to you to show you were engaged and attentive

• Express genuine appreciation for their time, insights, and willingness to share their experience

• Keep it concise and professional, respecting their schedule while leaving a positive and thoughtful impression

Example Thank You Message

Hello [Name],

Thank you again for taking the time to speak with me. I really appreciated your insights on [specific topic], and our conversation gave me a clearer and more confident perspective on my next steps.

I am grateful for your generosity, thoughtful advice, and willingness to share your experience. I found our discussion both encouraging and informative, and I hope to stay in touch as I continue learning and growing professionally.

Best regards,

[Your Name]

Apply Their Advice

One of the best ways to honor the conversation is to act on what you learned and translate insight into concrete next steps that move your career forward.

• Enroll in a recommended course or training program that helps you build the skills or knowledge discussed

• Explore a suggested resource such as a book, article, podcast, or professional community they recommended

• Adjust your job search strategy based on what you learned, such as refining your target roles, updating your resume language, or changing how you approach networking

Following through demonstrates respect and seriousness, showing that you value their time, take their advice thoughtfully, and are committed to acting on the insights shared.

Provide Updates

If appropriate, send a brief update after a few weeks or months to let them know how your journey is progressing and to maintain a natural connection.

• Share progress you have made since your conversation, such as skills you have developed, steps you have taken, or clarity you have gained

• Mention how their advice helped you or influenced a specific decision, reinforcing that their time and insight were meaningful

• Avoid excessive messaging or unnecessary updates, focusing instead on quality and relevance

These updates reinforce the relationship, keep you top of mind in a positive way, and help maintain rapport without being intrusive.

Look for Ways to Give Back

Even early in your career, you can add value to professional relationships in meaningful and authentic ways, even if you do not yet feel established or highly experienced.

• Share an article, resource, or insight relevant to their interests or industry that shows you are engaged and thoughtful

• Introduce them to someone in your network when there is a genuine reason and clear mutual benefit

• Offer help on a project if appropriate, especially in areas where you can contribute time, organization, research, or fresh perspective

Professional relationships are strongest when they are reciprocal, built on mutual respect, generosity, and a willingness to support one another over time.

Keep the Connection Warm

You do not need constant contact to maintain a connection or keep a professional relationship meaningful over time.

• Engage with their posts on LinkedIn occasionally by liking or leaving thoughtful comments that show continued interest in their work

• Send a note when they share a milestone such as a promotion, new role, or professional achievement to acknowledge their progress

• Reach out periodically with genuine interest, whether to share a relevant update, ask a light question, or simply check in

Consistency matters more than frequency, as steady and sincere engagement builds trust without creating pressure or obligation.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Understanding common pitfalls can help you approach informational interviews with confidence, professionalism, and a clearer sense of purpose.

• Treating the conversation like a job interview rather than a learning focused discussion, which can create unnecessary pressure and limit openness

• Talking more than listening, missing the opportunity to gain insight from the other person’s experience and perspective

• Failing to prepare questions in advance, which can lead to awkward pauses or surface level conversation

• Ignoring time boundaries by running over the agreed upon length of the conversation or failing to check in about timing

• Not following up after the conversation, which can unintentionally signal disinterest or a lack of appreciation

Approaching informational interviews with humility, curiosity, and respect for the other person’s time helps avoid these mistakes and creates a more positive experience for everyone involved.

Turning Informational Interviews Into Career Momentum

When used consistently, informational interviews become part of a broader career growth strategy that supports intentional, long term decision making.

• They help you refine your goals by testing assumptions, clarifying what you truly want, and aligning your ambitions with real world insight

• They clarify skill gaps by revealing which abilities matter most in practice and where focused development can have the greatest impact

• They expand your visibility by increasing the number of professionals who know who you are, what you are exploring, and what you bring to the table

• They build confidence over time as repeated conversations reduce uncertainty, strengthen communication skills, and normalize career exploration

Instead of viewing them as one off conversations, think of them as stepping stones that gradually shape direction, momentum, and opportunity.

Schedule One This Week

Reading about informational interviews is only the first step. The real impact comes from action and from intentionally applying what you have learned. This week, challenge yourself to schedule one informational interview, even if it feels slightly uncomfortable or outside your routine.

• Identify one person whose career you admire or whose path aligns with a direction you are curious about

• Draft a polite outreach message that clearly explains who you are and what you hope to learn

• Send the request and give yourself credit for taking initiative, regardless of the response

• Prepare thoughtful questions that reflect genuine curiosity and respect for their experience

• Approach the conversation with openness, curiosity, and appreciation for their time and perspective

Even if the outcome is simply greater clarity or reassurance, that clarity is meaningful progress and helps guide your next steps. Informational interviews remind us that careers are built through people, conversations, and shared knowledge over time. By taking this small but intentional step, you invest in your growth, strengthen your confidence, and open the door to opportunities you may not yet see.