Are Informational Interviews Worth It for Career Networking
Short answer
Yes, informational interviews are definitely worth it because they provide direct access to insider knowledge about a career or industry, help expand your professional network, and offer personalized guidance without the pressure of applying for a job. These conversations give you clarity, confidence, and connections that can shape smarter career decisions.
What is an informational interview in simple terms?
An informational interview is a short, informal meeting where you ask someone working in a career or industry you’re curious about to share their experience and advice. Unlike a job interview, you’re not applying for a role; rather, you’re gathering information to better understand what the job entails, workplace culture, and potential career paths. For example, if you’re thinking about becoming a teacher, you could meet with a current teacher to ask about their daily responsibilities, challenges, and what they enjoy most. This firsthand information helps you get a real sense of the job before investing time and money in training or applying for positions.
Informational interviews also help you build relationships with professionals who might later offer guidance or job leads. They are often done in person, by phone, or video call, and typically last 15 to 30 minutes. The tone is conversational and focused on learning rather than job hunting. Knowing this difference helps you approach these interviews with the right mindset and goals.
How does an informational interview work?
The process starts by identifying a person to interview—this could be someone you know, a referral, or a professional you contact through platforms like LinkedIn. When reaching out, keep your message polite, brief, and clear. For example: “Hello [Name], I’m exploring careers in [field]. I admire your background and would appreciate 20 minutes of your time to learn about your experience. Would you be open to a quick chat?”
Once they agree, schedule a time that works for both of you and prepare thoughtful questions to guide the conversation. During the interview, start by thanking them for their time and briefly explain your interest, such as, “I’m considering a career in [field] and want to understand what it’s really like.” Ask open-ended questions like:
- “Can you walk me through a typical day at your job?”
- “What skills are most important for success?”
- “What do you find most challenging or rewarding?”
Listen carefully, take notes, and avoid asking for a job directly. At the end, thank them again, and ask if it’s okay to stay in touch or if they can recommend others to speak with. After the interview, promptly send a thank-you email mentioning something specific you learned, such as: “Thank you for sharing insights about your role at [company]. I especially appreciated your advice on developing [skill].”
This follow-up helps maintain the relationship and leaves a positive impression.
Why are informational interviews valuable for career exploration?
Informational interviews are especially valuable because they provide a realistic, firsthand view of a career before you commit to it. They help you uncover details you won’t find in job descriptions or online research, such as workplace culture, daily challenges, and growth opportunities. For example, if you’re thinking about working in healthcare, an informational interview with a nurse might reveal the physical demands of the job and the emotional rewards, helping you decide if it suits you.
They also expand your professional network. Many job opportunities arise through connections rather than public postings. By building relationships with professionals, you increase the chances of hearing about openings or even getting referrals. Informational interviews reduce career uncertainty and help you make strategic decisions about education, skill development, and job search efforts.
Moreover, practicing these conversations improves your confidence and communication skills, which are essential for job interviews and networking events. This low-pressure environment allows you to refine your questions and learn how to present yourself professionally.
What do people often confuse informational interviews with?
People often mix up informational interviews with job interviews or mentoring sessions, which can lead to misunderstandings. A job interview is a formal evaluation where the employer assesses your fit for a specific role, and the goal is to get hired. In contrast, an informational interview is about gathering information and building rapport, without any job application involved.
Mentoring is a longer-term relationship focused on career development, guidance, and support. Informational interviews are usually one-time or occasional conversations. It’s important to know these differences so you don’t expect a job offer or ongoing mentorship from every informational interview.
Confusing these can cause awkward moments, such as asking for a job outright during an informational interview or expecting a mentor relationship without building it gradually. Keeping the purpose clear helps you approach each interaction appropriately and maximize its benefits.
How can you prepare for a successful informational interview?
Effective preparation is essential to get the most from an informational interview. Start by researching the person you’re meeting and their company or industry. Look for recent projects, company values, or industry news so your questions can be specific and relevant. For example, instead of asking, “What do you do?” you could say, “I saw your recent work on [project]. Can you tell me about your role in that?”
Prepare a list of 8 to 10 open-ended questions that cover career path, job duties, skills, challenges, and industry trends. Examples include:
- “What skills helped you succeed in this role?”
- “What’s the biggest challenge you face in your job?”
- “How do you see this industry changing in the next few years?”
- “What advice would you give someone just starting out?”
Practice how to introduce yourself clearly and professionally, such as: “I’m currently exploring careers in marketing because I enjoy creativity and communication. I’m eager to learn what day-to-day work is like.” If the interview is virtual, test your technology and choose a quiet, well-lit place. Dress as you would for a job interview to show respect.
During the conversation, listen actively—nod, ask follow-up questions, and take notes. Avoid dominating the talk or asking for a job. Afterward, send a personalized thank-you email within 24 hours, referencing something specific you learned to show you value their time.
What should you do after an informational interview?
After the interview, review your notes and reflect on what you learned. Did the job match your expectations? Are you excited to pursue this career path, or do you want to explore other options? Use this insight to adjust your goals, education plans, or skill-building efforts.
To keep the connection alive, stay in touch with the person you interviewed. This can be as simple as sending a periodic update on your progress or sharing an article relevant to their work. For example: “Hi [Name], I came across this article about [industry trend] and thought you might find it interesting. Thanks again for your advice a few weeks ago!”
If you later apply for jobs in their field or company, mentioning that you spoke with them can demonstrate your genuine interest and initiative.
Consider scheduling additional informational interviews with other professionals to gain broader perspectives. Over time, these relationships can become a valuable part of your professional network, providing support, advice, and job leads.
How long do informational interviews usually last?
Informational interviews are typically brief, lasting between 15 and 30 minutes. This length respects the busy schedules of professionals while allowing enough time for meaningful discussion. It’s best to schedule about 20 minutes initially, which encourages focused, efficient conversation.
If the interviewee is willing to talk longer, they may extend the meeting naturally. It’s polite to check by saying, “I want to be respectful of your time—do you have a few more minutes to continue?” Ending on time leaves a good impression and increases the chances they’ll be open to speaking with you again.
Keeping interviews concise helps you conduct multiple conversations with different people, broadening your understanding and network.
What are some examples of good questions to ask during an informational interview?
Well-crafted questions can uncover valuable insights and make the conversation engaging. Here are examples organized by topic:
| Topic | Sample Questions |
|---|---|
| Job Role | “What does a typical day look like for you?” |
| Career Path | “How did you get started in this field?” |
| Skills & Education | “What skills or training helped you most?” |
| Challenges | “What are some challenges you face regularly?” |
| Industry Trends | “How is the industry evolving right now?” |
| Company Culture | “What do you like best about working here?” |
| Advice | “What advice would you give to someone entering this field?” |
Having a variety of questions ensures a well-rounded understanding of the career and shows your genuine interest.
Frequently asked questions
Can informational interviews guarantee a job?
No, informational interviews are not job interviews and don’t guarantee a job offer. They are meant to build relationships and gather information that may lead to opportunities later, but the main goal is learning, not immediate hiring.
How do I find people willing to do informational interviews?
Use your current network, reach out to alumni groups, professional organizations, or LinkedIn contacts. Be polite and clear in your request. Many professionals are happy to help if approached respectfully.
Should I offer something in return for the informational interview?
Generally, no. Informational interviews are a favor professionals do to help others. However, you can express gratitude by sending a thank-you note and sharing useful resources if you come across any that might interest them.
What if I get nervous during the informational interview?
It’s normal to feel nervous. Prepare questions in advance, practice introducing yourself, and remind yourself that this is a learning conversation, not a test. Taking notes and listening carefully can also help focus your attention.
How often is it appropriate to follow up after an informational interview?
Send a thank-you email promptly after the interview. After that, periodic check-ins every few months are appropriate if you have updates or relevant information to share. Avoid excessive messaging to respect their time.