Informational Interview

An informational interview is a meeting — typically 20-30 minutes over coffee, phone, or video call — where you ask a professional about their career path, daily responsibilities, industry trends, and advice for someone entering or transitioning into their field. The explicit purpose is learning, not job seeking, which makes it a lower-pressure interaction for both parties.

Informational interviews serve multiple strategic purposes: they help you validate whether a career path or company is right for you, they build genuine relationships that may lead to referrals later, they give you insider knowledge that makes your applications and interviews stronger, and they expand your professional network in a natural, reciprocal way.

To request an informational interview, reach out via LinkedIn or email with a brief, specific message explaining why you are interested in speaking with them, what you hope to learn, and that you are not asking for a job. Prepare thoughtful questions, respect their time by keeping the meeting short, and always send a thank-you note afterward. Follow up periodically to maintain the relationship — share relevant articles, congratulate them on achievements, or update them on your progress.