How to Explain Informational Interviews on Your Resume
Short answer
Explaining an informational interview on a resume means showing that your child took the initiative to learn about a career by talking with someone working in that field. It should be described as a purposeful conversation to gain knowledge, not as a job or formal interview. Parents can teach this skill step-by-step, starting around middle school, using simple language, examples, and practice to build confidence.
Why Do Kids Need to Learn How to Explain Informational Interviews on a Resume?
Parents can help their children understand why explaining informational interviews on a resume matters. Informational interviews show initiative, curiosity, and a willingness to learn, all qualities that adults appreciate in job seekers. Kids who can clearly describe these conversations demonstrate they are thinking about their future and actively exploring career options. This is especially helpful for teens applying to part-time jobs, internships, or college programs that value real-world experience, even if unpaid.
Explaining an informational interview also teaches kids how to communicate experiences beyond paid work — a key skill for any resume. It helps them learn how to tell stories about what they’ve done, even if those activities didn’t involve formal employment. This skill grows their confidence in sharing their strengths and interests.
For example, if your child talks with a local nurse to learn about healthcare jobs, they can then write on their resume: “Conducted an informational interview with a registered nurse to explore healthcare career paths and understand daily responsibilities.” This wording highlights curiosity and learning, which employers and schools appreciate.
At What Age Does the Skill to Explain Informational Interviews Usually Develop?
Understanding what informational interviews are and how to explain them develops gradually. Around ages 8-10, children begin exploring the idea of different jobs and can start asking simple questions about what people do at work. This is a good time to encourage curiosity by talking about everyday work they see, such as a cashier, teacher, or mechanic.
Between ages 11-13 (middle school), kids can begin structured practice, like preparing questions for an informational interview and understanding that these talks are about learning, not applying for a job. Around this age, they can also start to recognize that these conversations are valuable experiences.
From ages 14-18 (high school), kids are ready to describe informational interviews clearly on a resume or college application. They can write short, specific statements about who they spoke with, what they learned, and how it helped them decide on a career. By this age, they also benefit from practicing follow-up questions and reflecting on what they gained from the conversation.
This age-by-age development helps kids build skills naturally, with parents supporting each step.
How Can Parents Teach Their Child to Explain an Informational Interview on a Resume?
Parents can guide children through explaining informational interviews by breaking down the process into easy steps with examples and practice. Here is a step-by-step method parents can use:
- Explain What an Informational Interview Is: Use simple language like, “It’s when you talk to someone about their job to learn what it’s really like.”
- Discuss Why It’s Important: Tell your child that these talks help them understand jobs better and show responsible behavior on a resume.
- Help Your Child Prepare a Few Questions: For example, “What do you like most about your job?” or “What skills do I need to work in this field?”
- Practice the Conversation: Role-play with your child, taking turns being the interviewer and the professional.
- Write a Short Resume Entry Together: Use clear, straightforward wording such as: “Completed an informational interview with a local graphic designer to learn about career skills and daily tasks.”
- Review and Edit: Make sure the entry is concise, positive, and focused on learning.
Parents can support this process by reminding kids that the goal is to show they take steps to learn about careers, not that they had a formal job interview.
What Are Some Practical Things Parents Can Say to Help Explain This?
Here’s a simple script parents can use to talk about informational interviews with their child:
“You know how sometimes you ask someone about their job just to learn more about it? That’s called an informational interview. When you put this on your resume, you can say you talked with someone to learn about their work and what skills you need. It shows you’re curious and taking steps to explore your future.”
After this, you might add: “Let’s think of a few things you learned from talking with that person. Then we can write a sentence that explains it clearly, so others know you’re serious about your career ideas.”
Using “you” and “we” language helps your child feel involved and supported. Avoid technical terms and make the conversation feel natural and encouraging.
How Can Families Practice Informational Interview Skills in Everyday Life?
Parents can create everyday opportunities to practice skills related to informational interviews. Try these ideas:
- Ask Questions About Adults’ Jobs: When visiting a friend or family member, encourage your child to ask polite questions like, “What do you do at your job?” or “What do you like best about your work?” This helps kids get comfortable asking about careers.
- Turn Outings Into Mini Interviews: For example, at a store, ask your child to think about what questions they would ask the manager about running the business.
- Observe and Reflect: After meeting someone new, help your child summarize what they learned in one or two sentences.
- Use Role-Playing: Regularly practice informational interview conversations at home to build confidence and improve communication.
- Write It Down: Encourage your child to keep a journal or notes about the people they talk to and what they learned. This can later be adapted for a resume entry.
These everyday moments build skills naturally and reduce the pressure around formal interviews.
What Common Mistakes Do Parents Make When Teaching This Skill?
Some parents may unintentionally make explaining informational interviews harder for their children by:
- Using Complex Language or Jargon: Terms like “networking,” “career exploration,” or “professional development” can confuse younger children. Keep explanations simple and relatable.
- Rushing the Process: Expecting kids to immediately write formal resume entries without practice can cause frustration. Allow time for conversation and rehearsal.
- Treating Informational Interviews Like Job Interviews: Kids might feel stress if they think this is about getting a job. Clarify it’s about learning and asking questions.
- Overlooking Writing Guidance: Some parents don’t help with exactly how to phrase informational interviews on a resume. Offering clear examples and reviewing drafts is crucial.
- Ignoring Age and Readiness: Pushing younger kids into formal resume writing before they understand the concept can backfire. Match teaching to the child’s age and experience.
Avoiding these mistakes by being patient, clear, and supportive will make the skill easier to learn and apply.
When Should Parents Seek Extra Help for Teaching This Skill?
If your child finds it hard to understand informational interviews or struggles to explain them, consider getting extra guidance. School counselors and career advisors often have resources or workshops on career skills. Local youth programs or libraries may also offer sessions on job readiness and networking.
If your child has learning differences such as language processing challenges or social anxiety, a specialist or tutor can adapt teaching methods. For example, visual aids, written scripts, or one-on-one coaching can make learning smoother.
Parents should also seek help if their child feels overwhelmed or discouraged. Encouragement from trusted adults can build motivation and confidence.
Finally, parents can use articles like “How to Explain Informational Interviews” or “How to Describe Networking Skills on Your Resume” for structured advice to support their child’s learning journey.
Frequently asked questions
How is an informational interview different from a job interview?
An informational interview is a casual, friendly conversation where your child asks questions to learn about a job or career. It’s not about being hired. A job interview is a formal meeting to decide if someone gets a job.
Should my child put informational interviews under work experience on a resume?
It’s best to put informational interviews in a separate section like “Career Exploration” or “Professional Development” to show these were learning experiences, not paid jobs.
How can my child describe an informational interview on a resume?
Use clear phrases such as “Conducted an informational interview with [job title] to learn about daily responsibilities and skills required.” Keep it brief and focused on learning.
What if my child has never done an informational interview?
Encourage informal conversations with family or neighborhood adults about their jobs. These talks count as informational interviews and provide valuable practice.
How do I help my child find people to interview?
Start with people you know—family, friends, neighbors—and suggest your child ask about their work. Schools or local youth programs may also connect kids with professionals.