What an Informational Interview Actually Is
An informational interview is a short, informal conversation where you ask someone about their job, career path, or industry. You're not asking for a job. You're asking for insight.
This distinction matters. The moment someone thinks you're going to pitch them for a position, the dynamic shifts from generous to guarded. Keep it genuine -- you're learning, not selling.
Why does this matter for your job search? Harvard Business Review has reported that up to 80% of jobs are filled through networking rather than formal applications. LinkedIn's own data shows that 70% of people hired at a company had a connection there. Informational interviews are how you build those connections strategically, rather than spraying cold applications into the void.
How to Request an Informational Interview
The request is where most people fail. They write long, vague messages that are easy to ignore. Here's what works.
The Principles
- Be specific about why them. Generic flattery ("I admire your career") is obvious and ignorable. Reference something specific -- an article they wrote, a project they worked on, a career move they made.
- Be brief. Your request should be readable in 30 seconds.
- Ask for a small commitment. 15-20 minutes, not an hour. Coffee or a video call, not dinner.
- Make it easy to say yes. Offer flexible timing. Don't make them do work to help you.
Email Template (Cold Outreach)
Subject: Quick question about your path from [Previous Role] to [Current Role]
Hi [Name],
I'm a [your current role/situation] exploring a transition into [their field/industry]. I came across your profile and noticed you made a similar move from [their previous field] to [current field] -- I'd love to hear how you approached it.
Would you be open to a 20-minute phone or video call in the next couple of weeks? I have a few specific questions about the industry and would really value your perspective.
Completely understand if your schedule doesn't allow it. Either way, thanks for considering it.
Best, [Your Name]
LinkedIn Message Template (Connection Request)
Hi [Name] -- I'm a [role] exploring [field/industry] and noticed your transition from [X] to [Y]. I'd love to hear about your experience if you're open to a brief chat. No worries if the timing isn't right. Thanks for connecting!
Warm Introduction Template (Via Mutual Contact)
Subject: [Mutual Contact] suggested I reach out
Hi [Name],
[Mutual Contact] mentioned you'd be a great person to talk to about [specific topic]. I'm currently [your situation] and exploring [their field/area of expertise].
Would you have 15-20 minutes for a quick call? I have a few specific questions and would really appreciate your insight.
Thanks so much, [Your Name]
Response Rates
Expect roughly:
- Warm introductions: 60-80% response rate
- LinkedIn messages (with personalization): 20-35% response rate
- Cold email (with personalization): 15-25% response rate
- Generic messages: Under 5%
Send 10-15 requests to get 5-7 conversations. This is a volume game, and rejection isn't personal -- people are busy.
What to Ask
You have 20 minutes. Prepare 6-8 questions but plan to get through 4-5, leaving room for natural conversation. Prioritize questions you can't answer through Google.
Questions That Work
About their role:
- "What does a typical week look like for you?"
- "What's the most challenging part of your job that outsiders don't see?"
- "What skills do you use every day that you didn't expect when you started?"
About their career path:
- "How did you end up in this role? Was it planned or did it evolve?"
- "If you were starting over today, what would you do differently?"
- "What was the hardest part of transitioning from [previous field] to [current field]?"
About the industry:
- "What trends are you watching that will change this field in the next few years?"
- "What do companies in this space look for in candidates that might not be obvious from job postings?"
- "Are there specific certifications or skills that actually matter versus ones that are just nice to have?"
About getting started:
- "If you were in my position, what would you focus on first?"
- "Are there other people you'd recommend I talk to?"
- "What resources (blogs, podcasts, communities) do you find most valuable?"
What NOT to Ask
- "Can you get me a job?" or "Are you hiring?" This is the cardinal sin. It immediately changes the dynamic and makes the person regret agreeing to the conversation.
- "What's your salary?" Too personal for a first conversation with someone you don't know well.
- Anything you could easily Google. Don't ask what their company does or when it was founded. Do your homework.
- Nothing at all. Coming unprepared wastes their time and ensures they'll never refer you to anyone.
How to Run the Conversation
Before the Meeting
- Research their background (LinkedIn, company bio, any published work)
- Research their company (recent news, products, industry position)
- Write out your questions in order of priority
- Prepare a concise 30-second description of your own background and what you're exploring
During the Meeting
Start by respecting the clock. "Thanks so much for taking the time. I know you're busy, so I'll keep us to 20 minutes. Is that still good for you?"
Give a brief introduction (30 seconds, max). "I'm currently a [role] at [company/situation]. I've been exploring [field/industry] because [one specific reason]. I have a few questions I'd love your perspective on."
Ask, then listen. Your ratio should be about 20% talking, 80% listening. Take notes -- it shows respect and helps you remember details for follow-up.
Watch the clock. At the 15-minute mark, say: "I want to be respectful of your time. I have one more question if that's okay." This gives them the option to extend naturally if they're enjoying the conversation (and many will).
End with the referral question. "Is there anyone else you'd recommend I talk to?" This is how one informational interview becomes three. A warm introduction from them to their contact is exponentially more valuable than your cold outreach.
Thank them sincerely. "This has been really helpful. I appreciate you sharing your experience, and I'll keep you posted on how things go."
Common Mistakes
- Talking too much about yourself. They agreed to share their experience, not hear your life story.
- Going over time without permission. Nothing undermines the impression you're making like disrespecting someone's schedule.
- Being too passive. Asking only surface-level questions makes the conversation forgettable.
- Recording without permission. Take handwritten notes or typed notes. Don't record.
The Follow-Up (This Is Where Most People Drop the Ball)
The follow-up is where informational interviews generate actual career results. Most people skip it. Don't.
Within 24 Hours
Send a thank-you email. Reference something specific from the conversation -- this shows you were actually listening.
Hi [Name],
Thanks again for taking the time to chat today. Your point about [specific insight] really shifted how I'm thinking about [topic]. I'm going to follow up on your suggestion to [specific recommendation they made].
If I can ever return the favor, please don't hesitate to reach out.
Best, [Your Name]
Within 2 Weeks
If they referred you to someone, reach out to that person and mention the referral. Then send a brief update to the original contact: "I reached out to [referred person] and we have a call scheduled for next week. Thanks again for the introduction."
This closes the loop and makes them feel good about helping you. It also keeps you on their radar.
Ongoing (The Long Game)
The real value of informational interviews isn't immediate -- it's cumulative. Over months and years, these connections become your professional network.
- Share relevant articles or resources occasionally (not weekly -- maybe once a quarter)
- Congratulate them on career milestones (LinkedIn makes this easy)
- If you come across an opportunity or resource that fits them, share it. Giving before asking builds lasting relationships.
- When you do land a role (or make a career move), let them know. People who helped you along the way genuinely want to hear how things turned out.
Converting Informational Interviews Into Job Leads
This has to happen naturally. You never directly ask for a job during or immediately after an informational interview. But the conversation often leads to opportunities organically:
- They mention their team is hiring and suggest you apply
- They forward your resume to a colleague who has an open role
- They think of you months later when a position opens and send you a message
- They become a reference or advocate when you apply to their company through normal channels
The key is that these outcomes flow from a genuine relationship, not from a transactional ask. People recommend people they like and trust. The informational interview is how you build that trust.
How Many Should You Do?
If you're actively exploring a career change or job search, aim for 3-5 informational interviews per month. At that pace:
- Month 1: You understand the landscape, vocabulary, and key players
- Month 2: You have specific insights about what companies want and where the gaps are
- Month 3: You have a small network of people who know your name and what you're looking for
- Month 4+: Referrals and introductions start generating themselves
The compound effect is real. Each conversation gives you better questions for the next one, and each contact expands your network's reach.
Sources
- Harvard Business Review: How to Get the Most Out of an Informational Interview -- Framework for conducting effective informational interviews, including what questions to ask and common mistakes to avoid
- The Muse: Informational Interview Guide -- Practical templates and advice for requesting, preparing for, and following up after informational interviews
- LinkedIn Official Blog: The Value of Networking -- Data on how professional networks influence hiring decisions, including the finding that 70% of hires have an existing connection at the company
A strong resume makes every networking conversation more productive. When someone offers to pass your resume along after an informational interview, you want it to be ready. Superpower Resume helps you build a polished, tailored resume so you're always prepared when an introduction turns into an opportunity.
