What an informational interview is
An informational interview is a short, voluntary conversation with someone who works in a field, role or organization that interests you. Its purpose is to learn, not to apply for a job. You ask how the work really goes, what the field is like, and how the person got there.
This is one of the cheapest and most reliable ways to test a career idea. Job descriptions and articles describe a role in general terms. A person doing it can tell you about the hard parts, the unwritten expectations and the paths that actually lead in. For anyone considering a non-traditional route, a late switch or a return after time away, that firsthand picture is worth a lot.
Why it is useful
- A realistic view. You can compare your assumptions with daily reality before spending time or money on training.
- Vocabulary. You pick up the terms people use, which helps with resumes and later interviews.
- Direction. People often point to related roles or sub-fields you hadn’t heard of.
- Connections. Each conversation can widen your professional network, usually without any pressure.
- Confidence. Talking to practitioners makes an unfamiliar field feel less mysterious.
Finding people to talk to
Start with people who are closest to you and widen out:
- Direct contacts. Former colleagues, classmates, neighbors, relatives of friends, members of groups you belong to.
- Second-degree contacts. Ask people you know, “Do you know anyone who works in X?” Many are glad to make an introduction.
- Alumni and community groups. Schools, professional associations and local events often have members open to a conversation.
- Public profiles. If you contact a stranger through a professional platform, keep the message short and specific, and expect that many will not reply.
Aim for variety: someone early in the field, someone experienced, and ideally someone who has changed direction. Different levels give different perspectives.
Making the request
A good request is brief, specific and easy to decline. It should say who you are, how you found them, what you want to learn, and how little time you need. For example:
“I’m exploring a move into [field] and noticed your work in [specific thing]. Would you be open to a 20-minute call in the next few weeks so I can ask a few questions about how you got into it? I understand if you’re busy.”
Some points to keep in mind:
- Ask only for a short conversation, and offer to work around their schedule.
- Say plainly that you are seeking advice, not a job. Asking for a job in an informational interview tends to make people uncomfortable and undermines the trust you are building.
- Do a little homework first so you aren’t asking questions with obvious answers.
If you don’t hear back, one polite follow-up after a week or two is reasonable. After that, move on without taking it personally; people are busy.
Preparing
Before the conversation, read what you can about the person’s role and organization, and write down five to eight questions. Think about what you actually need to know. Your self-reflection on interests and work preferences will help you decide what to ask.
Questions worth asking
Open questions that invite stories usually give the best answers:
- What does a typical week look like for you?
- What do you enjoy most, and what do you find hardest?
- How did you get into this work? Would you do it the same way again?
- What skills or experiences matter most for people starting out?
- What do people outside the field often misunderstand about it?
- How is the field changing, and what is getting harder or easier for newcomers?
- What kind of person tends to thrive in this work, and who tends to struggle?
- Is there anyone else you’d suggest I talk to?
If you are comparing paths or considering a midlife career change, you could also ask about how people with non-linear backgrounds are received. Avoid questions about salary in detail; if pay matters, a general question about typical ranges, or separate pay research, is usually more appropriate.
Running the conversation
- Be on time and respect the limit. If you asked for 20 minutes, mention when it is up and let them decide whether to continue.
- Listen more than you talk. Good active listening, including follow-up questions on what the person actually said, makes the conversation richer and shows respect.
- Be ready to introduce yourself briefly. A concise answer to “tell me about yourself” gives context without taking over the conversation.
- Take notes. Write down specifics, and especially names of resources or people they suggest.
- Don’t ask for a job or a referral. If they offer, accept gratefully; if not, leave it.
Introverts often find a one-on-one conversation with a clear purpose easier than a large event, and informational interviews can be a comfortable form of networking. Preparing questions in advance helps with nerves.
After the conversation
Send a thank-you message within a day or two, mentioning something specific you learned. Later, if you followed a suggestion, such as reading a book or contacting someone, let them know how it went. That small update keeps the relationship alive, and people tend to enjoy hearing that their advice was useful. This is the basis of good networking follow-up.
Keep a simple record of whom you talked to, the date, key points and any next steps.
Learning from the pattern
After several conversations, look for patterns. What do people consistently like or dislike? Which skills come up repeatedly? Does the day-to-day work sound appealing? Sometimes the answer is a clear yes. Sometimes it is a clear no, which is just as valuable because it spares you a costly mistake. Often it is “partly,” pointing you toward a related role or a smaller experiment such as a side project.
Remember that each person is describing their own experience, in one organization and at one time. Treat what you hear as useful evidence, not a complete or final picture, and check it against other sources.