Informational interview guide for parents and teachers
Short answer
An informational interview is a conversation where your child learns about a job from someone who works in that field. Teaching this skill helps kids build confidence, discover career options, and develop communication skills. Parents and teachers can introduce it around age 10, guide kids through practice questions, and create opportunities to talk with adults about their work, making career exploration tangible and fun.
What is an informational interview and why do kids need this skill?
An informational interview is a friendly chat where someone asks a professional about their job, career path, and daily work life. It’s different from a job interview because the goal is to learn, not to get hired. Teaching children this skill helps them become curious, confident communicators who understand the world of work better. It encourages social skills like asking questions, listening carefully, and following up politely. These skills support future networking and job searching, which are essential in many careers.
Kids who practice informational interviews gain early insight into different jobs and industries, helping them make better educational choices. For example, a middle schooler fascinated by animals might interview a veterinarian to understand what the job requires and decide if it fits their interests. This hands-on learning promotes motivation and decision-making based on real-world experience, not just assumptions or stereotypes.
At what age do kids start learning about informational interviews?
Children can begin learning about informational interviews around ages 10 to 11 (typically middle school). At this age, they develop enough social and cognitive skills to understand the concept of asking questions to learn about careers. For younger children (8–10 years), introduce simple curiosity about adults’ jobs with easy questions like “What do you do at work?” and “What do you like about your job?”
Here is an age-by-age approach with specific skills and activities:
| Age Group | Skills to Introduce | How Parents Can Help |
|---|---|---|
| 8–10 years | Basic curiosity, simple questions | Encourage asking family members about their jobs during meals or car rides |
| 11–13 years | Preparing questions, active listening | Role-play interviews at home, practice note-taking, discuss answers together |
| 14–16 years | Contacting professionals, scheduling interviews | Help draft polite emails or messages, set reminders for interviews, practice thank-you notes |
| 17+ years | Professional etiquette, reflection, networking | Guide teens on follow-up emails, use LinkedIn or school networks, reflect on career goals |
Example: For an 11-year-old, parents might say, “Let’s think of three questions you want to ask your uncle who is a firefighter. You could ask, ‘What do you do in a typical day?’ and ‘What training did you need?’ We can practice asking these before you talk to him.”
How can parents introduce informational interviews to their child?
Start by explaining what an informational interview is in simple terms: “It’s when you talk to someone about their job because you want to learn what it’s like, not to ask for a job.” Keep the tone light and curious to reduce any pressure.
Parents can use everyday moments to model this skill. For example, during a family dinner, you might say, “I’m curious to know what your teacher does after school. Why don’t you ask her what she enjoys most about her job?” Another approach is to watch videos or read books about different careers and then brainstorm questions your child could ask someone who works in that field.
To build interest, parents can encourage their child to think about people they know or admire. You might say, “Who do you know that works in a job you find interesting? Let’s write down some questions you could ask them.” This encourages ownership and makes the process more engaging.
What is a simple script parents can use to practice with their child?
Practicing with your child using a script helps reduce nervousness and builds confidence. Here’s a short example you can role-play together:
Parent: “Imagine you’re talking to someone who works as a chef. You can say, ‘Can you tell me what a typical day looks like for you?’” Child: “Can you tell me what a typical day looks like for you?” Parent: “Great! Now, you can ask, ‘What skills do you need to be good at your job?’” Child: “What skills do you need to be good at your job?” Parent: “Perfect. You can also say, ‘What do you like best about your work?’” Child: “What do you like best about your work?”
Encourage your child to listen carefully to answers and ask follow-up questions like, “How did you learn that?” or “What advice would you give someone interested in this job?” Ending with a thank-you is important, so you might add: “Thank you for sharing your time and helping me learn.”
This practice can be repeated with different jobs your child shows interest in. It also teaches polite conversation skills useful in many settings.
What everyday moments can parents use to practice informational interviews?
Parents can create informal, low-pressure opportunities for their child to practice informational interviews in daily life. Examples include:
- Family gatherings: Encourage your child to ask relatives about their jobs. For example, “What’s your favorite thing about working as a nurse?”
- Community events: When meeting local professionals like firefighters, librarians, or coaches, suggest your child ask about their work.
- Shopping or errands: Let your child ask store clerks or bank tellers about their jobs, such as “What do you do here?” or “What’s the most interesting part of your job?”
- Volunteering: If your child volunteers, they can interview supervisors or other volunteers about their roles and career paths.
These moments build social comfort and make the idea of informational interviews feel natural. Parents can scaffold these experiences by preparing questions together beforehand and reviewing what the child learned afterward.
What mistakes do parents often make when teaching informational interviews?
One common mistake is making the process too formal or stressful. Informational interviews should feel like friendly conversations, not tests. Avoid pressuring your child to memorize questions or act perfectly. Instead, focus on curiosity and learning.
Another mistake is skipping preparation. Children benefit from practicing questions and active listening before the interview. Parents should help children understand the importance of eye contact, polite manners, and not interrupting.
Parents also sometimes take over the conversation during the interview or jump in to correct their child. It’s important to let kids lead and ask questions themselves to build confidence. Finally, many parents forget to teach the follow-up step: sending a thank-you note or message is a key part of professional communication.
Encourage your child to see mistakes as learning opportunities. For example, if they forget a question, reassure them by saying, “It’s okay! You can always ask more next time or follow up later.”
When should parents get extra help or resources for their child?
If your child feels anxious about speaking with adults, struggles with communication, or has special needs, extra support can be beneficial. School counselors, speech therapists, or social skills groups can provide coaching tailored to your child's needs.
For teens interested in specific careers, many schools and community centers offer career exploration workshops, mentorship programs, or connections to professionals willing to be interviewed. Parents can also find structured lesson plans or activities online, such as Informational Interview Activities for Students or Informational Interview Questions for Teachers.
If your child has difficulty organizing thoughts or following social cues, working with a counselor or therapist can improve confidence before practicing informational interviews. Parents should also encourage patience, reminding kids that skills develop over time.
Frequently asked questions
What if my child is shy about asking questions to adults?
Start with role-playing at home and encourage small steps, like asking familiar adults first. Praising their efforts helps build confidence. Over time, they’ll feel more comfortable initiating conversations.
Can informational interviews be done virtually?
Yes, virtual interviews via phone or video calls are common and sometimes easier for shy kids. Help your child prepare by practicing video call etiquette, like looking at the camera and speaking clearly.
How do I help my child write a thank-you note?
Keep it simple. For example, “Thank you for sharing about your job. I learned a lot and appreciate your time.” Help your child write or type it soon after the interview to reinforce good habits.
How many questions should my child prepare for an informational interview?
About 5 to 7 questions are a good number. This allows time for follow-up questions and keeps the conversation natural without feeling rushed.
Can parents do an informational interview with their child together?
Yes, joint interviews can ease nerves. Parents can help by guiding the conversation and modeling good questions, then gradually let the child take the lead as they gain confidence.