Informational Interview Activities for Students

Teachers & homeschoolers · Activities · Updated October 1, 2026 · LearnLife Editorial

What is an informational interview activity and why use it with students?

An informational interview activity involves students preparing for and conducting interviews with professionals to learn about careers, industries, or workplaces. These activities help students develop curiosity about job roles, build confidence in communication, and practice professional etiquette before entering the workforce. For teachers and homeschoolers, these activities provide a real-world context for learning about careers while honing skills such as asking clear questions, active listening, and taking notes. When students participate in informational interviews, they gain insights beyond textbook knowledge, enabling better-informed decisions about their futures.

For example, a student interested in healthcare might interview a nurse to understand daily tasks, challenges, and the education required. This direct exposure encourages thoughtful career exploration and personal goal setting.

How can you prepare students for informational interviews?

Preparation begins with teaching students how to research the career or professional they will interview. Older students can explore resources like CareerOneStop or the Occupational Outlook Handbook to gather background information. Middle school students might start by reading simple descriptions or watching videos about the profession.

Next, guide students in creating a list of thoughtful questions. Encourage them to focus on what the professional does daily, the skills needed, career pathways, and advice for newcomers. For instance, students might prepare questions such as:

• “What is a typical day like in your job?”
• “What skills have helped you succeed?”
• “What challenges do you face regularly?”
• “How did you decide to pursue this career?”

Have students practice asking these questions in pairs or small groups to build confidence and fluency. Reinforce interview etiquette by discussing appropriate dress, punctuality, how to introduce themselves, and expressing gratitude at the end. For instance, a student might say, “Thank you for taking the time to speak with me today; I really appreciate learning about your career.” This preparation helps students feel ready and professional.

What are some engaging informational interview activities for middle school students?

Middle school students benefit from activities that focus on foundational communication skills in a low-pressure environment. Here are two effective activities:

Role-Play Informational Interview

• Age/Grade: Grades 6-8
• Time: 30-40 minutes
• Materials: Job description cards, printed question templates
• Steps:

1. Pair students, assigning one as the interviewer and the other as the professional with a given job card.
2. The interviewer uses the question template to conduct a mock interview.
3. After 15 minutes, roles switch.

• Skill Built: Asking questions, active listening, speaking clearly
• Debrief: Discuss what questions helped get detailed answers and brainstorm ways to ask follow-up questions like “Can you tell me more about that?”

Career Research and Presentation

• Age/Grade: Grades 6-8
• Time: 2-3 class sessions or at-home days
• Materials: Printed career profiles or internet access, poster or slide materials
• Steps:

1. Each student chooses a career to research.
2. Students gather information on job duties, education needed, and work environment.
3. Create a poster or digital presentation summarizing findings.

• Skill Built: Research, summarizing information, public speaking
• Debrief: Students present to peers or family, practicing clear explanations and answering questions.

For homeschooling, parents can role-play as professionals or arrange video chats with friends or relatives in various careers, giving students real interview experience.

What informational interview activities suit high school students?

High school students can take on more advanced and authentic informational interview experiences. Consider this activity:

Real Informational Interview Project

• Age/Grade: Grades 9-12
• Time: 1-2 weeks (including preparation, interview, reflection)
• Materials: Interview question checklist, notebook or recording device
• Steps:

1. Students identify a career of interest and research basic facts.
2. Prepare 5-7 open-ended questions.
3. Reach out to a local professional or family acquaintance to schedule an interview (in person or virtual).
4. Conduct the interview, taking notes or recording with permission.
5. Write a reflection summarizing what they learned and how it affects their career plans.

• Skill Built: Professional communication, networking, career research, writing
• Debrief: Hold a group discussion where students share insights and compare experiences, or assign an essay on how the interview shaped their goals.

Peer Interview Circles

• Age/Grade: Grades 9-12
• Time: 45-60 minutes
• Materials: Question templates
• Steps:

1. Students form small groups and take turns interviewing each other about career interests and goals.
2. After each interview, peers provide positive feedback and suggestions.

• Skill Built: Interviewing, active listening, constructive feedback
• Debrief: Reflect on how well they listened and the value of feedback in improving communication.

For homeschool settings, parents can help arrange interviews or offer feedback on reflections and interview preparation.

How do you guide students in crafting effective informational interview questions?

Teaching students to ask open-ended, meaningful questions is essential. Start by explaining the difference between closed questions (yes/no answers) and open-ended questions that encourage detailed responses. Show examples:

• Closed: “Do you like your job?”
• Open: “What do you enjoy most about your job?”

Have students brainstorm questions around these categories:

• Daily tasks: “What does a typical workday look like?”
• Skills and training: “What skills are most important for this job?”
• Career path: “How did you get started in your career?”
• Challenges: “What challenges do you face?”
• Advice: “What advice would you give to someone interested in this field?”

Encourage students to write at least 5-7 questions and practice asking them aloud with peers or family. Suggest follow-up prompts such as, “Can you explain that more?” or “What led you to that decision?” This practice builds confidence and improves the quality of the interview.

How can teachers and homeschoolers debrief informational interview activities effectively?

Debriefing helps students reflect and deepen their learning. After an activity, facilitate discussion or writing exercises with questions like:

• What was the most interesting thing you learned?
• Which questions helped you get detailed answers?
• How did it feel to ask questions and listen attentively?
• Did the interview change your thoughts about the career?
• What skills did you practice, and what do you want to improve next time?

In classrooms, group discussions allow students to share experiences, encouraging peer learning and confidence-building. For homeschoolers, parents can guide one-on-one conversations or ask students to write journal entries or essays summarizing their discoveries and feelings.

Modeling example reflection prompts can help: “I learned that this career requires strong problem-solving skills, which I enjoy,” or “I felt nervous asking questions but got better after practicing.” This makes the experience meaningful and prepares students for future interviews.

What materials and technology support informational interview activities?

Materials vary by activity complexity:

• Question templates or checklists printable or digital
• Role cards or career profiles for role-play
• Recording devices like smartphones or tablets (with permission) for real interviews
• Career research websites such as CareerOneStop or the Occupational Outlook Handbook
• Note-taking sheets, notebooks, or digital documents
• Presentation supplies like poster board or slide software

Technology enables remote interviews via video calls or phone, increasing access to professionals beyond the local area, especially helpful for homeschoolers or classrooms lacking nearby contacts. Students should practice etiquette for online communication such as muting when not speaking and dressing appropriately.

For younger students, printed materials and in-person role-plays simplify the process and reduce distractions.

How can activities be adapted for classroom versus at-home settings?

Classrooms offer group settings ideal for role-plays, peer interviews, and class presentations. Teachers can organize guest speakers or field trips to provide live interview experiences. Time can be broken into shorter sessions to fit schedules. Classrooms also benefit from group discussions to debrief and share learning.

At home, activities may be more flexible in timing but may rely more on parent facilitation or remote professional connections. Parents can role-play as interviewees, assist with research, and help arrange video calls with family friends or acquaintances in various careers. Individual projects such as career research and writing reflections fit well in homeschooling.

Both settings require clear instructions on interview etiquette, question development, and reflection to ensure students gain the most from the activities.

Frequently asked questions

What is the main purpose of an informational interview for students?

The main purpose is to help students learn about careers by talking with professionals, gaining insights into job duties, skills, and work environments without seeking a job offer. It builds knowledge and communication skills for future career choices.

How can middle school students find people to interview if they don’t have many contacts?

Students can start with family members, teachers, or neighbors who work in different fields. Teachers or parents can also help by connecting students with community professionals or guiding role-play interviews when real contacts aren’t available.

Are virtual informational interviews as effective as in-person ones?

Yes, virtual interviews via video call or phone can be equally effective. They require the same preparation and etiquette, and they offer access to professionals who might not be nearby.

What should students do after completing an informational interview?

Students should send a thank-you note or email to express appreciation. Reflecting on what they learned and considering how it affects their career plans turns the experience into helpful guidance.

How can teachers assess students’ progress in informational interview activities?

Teachers can assess based on students’ preparation (like question lists), participation in activities, quality of interview summaries or reflections, and presentations. Rubrics focusing on communication, research, and reflection help provide clear feedback.

Besides career insight, what skills do informational interviews develop?

Informational interviews help develop communication, active listening, research, critical thinking, networking, and professional etiquette skills, which are valuable beyond career exploration.