The informational interview: insight for success

For those with limited or no work experience, getting the inside scoop on a career is essential before pursuing that career aspiration. Why commit to education targeting a career field or industry if you aren’t certain it’s something you’re interested in or will enjoy? In this way, informational interviews can be excellent tools for gathering knowledge.

They’re also great for young adults seeking direction and career advice can be difficult for high school or college students to engage in decision-making about their futures. In fact, a survey from BestColleges found that 61% of college graduates would go back and change their major. Knowledge about a field’s ins and outs can help reduce regret from mindlessly entering a career path. 

Informational interviews can also be perfect for those considering a career change at any stage of life. Changing jobs can feel risky, but after gaining insights about a field, you’ll likely feel much more secure about making a change. 

Ultimately, the benefits of an informational interview are plentiful. You may learn what a career is like and how to succeed in that field. You can also gain professional interviewing experience and a chance to expand your network. Professional experience can build confidence in future endeavors.

How to prepare for an informational interview

As with any other interview, an informational interview is something you should prepare for. The main difference is that rather than worrying about the perfect answers, you’ll be preparing questions and discussion points. 

To make the most of your conversation, it’s smart to have a checklist of topics and key points to guide you. You can also prepare for your interview by researching interview conduct and practicing relaxation techniques.

Practicing good interview conduct

Even if you’re not specifically applying for a job, proper interview conduct is important. Common interview protocols include understanding how to introduce yourself and what to wear. 

Informational interviews let you practice professional conduct and gain knowledge at the same time. Come prepared to give an overview of your career goals, passions, and why you’re seeking advice about this field.

If you don’t have much experience interviewing, you can ask a friend or family member to do a mock interview. Role-playing beforehand will help you feel more at ease when it’s time to talk in the actual interview.  

Asking the right questions

An informational interview aims to gather insights into a given profession. For this reason, you will want to ask questions about the person’s career and organization. Your questions should reflect what’s important to you about the potential career field. 

Some good questions to consider when preparing for an informational interview include:

• Why did you choose this field?
• What do you love about this profession?
• How would you describe yourself?
• What kind of skills are necessary for success in this job?
• How did you get your current job?
• Is a relevant degree or certification needed for this profession?
• What does your typical day at work look like?
• What is the work culture like?
• What have you learned from the role you’re in?
• Are there opportunities for career growth?
• Is there anything you wish you’d known before entering this field?
• What are the most challenging things about your position? 
• What surprised you about this field?
• How is the work-life balance in this profession?

Preparing for a virtual interview

Indeed’s 2021 hiring trends report states that 82% of employers now use virtual interviews, so why not get some practice before a job interview?

Preparing for a virtual interview is similar to preparing for an in-person interview. One main difference is that it requires you to find a clutter-free communication space. Your interview room should have adequate lighting so other members (the interviewee, company’s owner, etc.) can clearly see you. Choose a peaceful location that will be free of loud background noise to avoid distractions during the interview.

Before you join the virtual meeting, test your camera, microphone, and internet connection. Come into the meeting a few minutes early to be extra prepared. There may be a software update or other incident that delays you joining the meeting. Even though it’s not a job interview, it’s important to be professional. 

If you suddenly experience connectivity issues and are unable to resolve them quickly, let the other person know. This way you can reschedule or find a backup form of communication. It’s important to be mindful of their time and not keep them waiting. 

Conducting your informational interview

After you’ve prepared for your interview, it’s time for the real thing. Come to the meeting with a friendly smile, positive attitude, and intellectual curiosity.

Cultivating productive conversations

You may be worried about the pressure of carrying the conversation, especially at first. However, the discussion tends to flow naturally when someone is talking about their life’s work. There’s plenty to cover, especially if you keep your notes on hand. 

Remember to be mindful of the time in case your conversations get too off-topic. Don’t be afraid to circle back to a question you asked earlier for clarity and to ensure you’re getting what you need out of the conversation.   

Closing out the interview

How long should informational interviews last? An interview should last however long you and the interviewee agree to. However, the person may be passionate about their job and want to keep talking longer than planned.  

To close the interview, emphasize how much you’ve learned from your conversation. Explain to the interviewee how this will help you with your career planning. Thank the interviewee properly for sharing what they do.

Paying your respects

After the informational interview is over, writing a thank you letter is a lovely way to show gratitude. A formal thank you note shows you appreciate the person’s time and expertise and that you value their advice.

Making a habit of gratitude in work settings will set the bar for excellent future professional relationships. Respect goes a long way in any industry, and employers value candidates who go the extra mile to be courteous.