What an Informational Interview Actually Is
An informational interview is a structured conversation you request with someone already working in a field or role you want to understand better. Unlike a job interview, you are the one asking the questions. There is no application, no evaluation, and no hiring decision involved.
The purpose is straightforward: to gather firsthand, practical knowledge that you can't get from a job listing or a course catalog. If you're still figuring out which educational path to pursue, or whether a career is actually the right fit, hearing directly from someone doing that work is one of the most reliable ways to find out. It complements the more structured research described in our guide to mapping your interests to a career field.
Informational interviews are widely used by college students, career changers, and first-time job seekers. They cost nothing except your preparation time and, when done well, can clarify decisions that months of online searching might not resolve. For a broader view of how education and careers connect, see our article on how education and work actually connect.
What you will need
How to Set One Up and What to Expect
The process follows five straightforward steps, and the total investment — from finding someone to sending a thank-you — is typically a few hours spread over a week or two. Most outreach messages go unanswered, and that's normal. A response rate of one in four to one in three is realistic, so reach out to multiple people in parallel.
Find professionals working in your target field and send connection requests or messages.
Send a concise, professional outreach message to request a conversation.
Video call platform (e.g., Zoom or Google Meet)
Conduct the interview remotely when an in-person meeting isn't possible.
Notebook or note-taking app
Record key insights, names, and follow-up actions during the conversation.
Identify the right person to contact
Start by identifying someone whose current role aligns with the career you are exploring. LinkedIn is the most practical starting point — search by job title, industry, or company. Alumni networks at your school or college are also a strong source, since shared background often makes people more willing to respond.
Look for someone at the entry or mid-career level in your target field. Senior leaders may have less time; someone two to five years into a role you're aiming for can give you the most directly applicable perspective.
Send a clear, respectful outreach message
Your message should be short — three to four sentences maximum. Introduce yourself in one line, explain specifically why you are reaching out to them, state what you are asking for (a 20-minute conversation), and make it easy to say yes or no.
Avoid vague phrases like "pick your brain" or "any advice you have." Instead, be direct: "I'm exploring a career in UX research and would love to ask you a few questions about how you got started and what the day-to-day work looks like."
Prepare your questions in advance
Arrive with six to eight focused questions. Group them into three areas: the person's own career path, the realities of day-to-day work in the field, and advice on education or preparation for someone just starting out.
- "What does a typical week look like in your role?"
- "What skills do you use most that school didn't teach you?"
- "If you were starting today, what would you do differently in terms of training or education?"
- "What credentials or experiences do hiring managers in this field actually care about?"
This last question is especially valuable if you're trying to decide between educational paths. See our career research checklist for more questions worth asking before committing to a program.
Conduct the conversation
Open by thanking the person and briefly restating your purpose. Then let the conversation flow — your questions are a guide, not a rigid script. Listen actively, follow threads that seem valuable, and take notes on specifics: names of certifications they mentioned, terms you didn't recognize, or roles they referenced.
At the end, ask one closing question that often yields the most useful result: "Is there anyone else you'd suggest I speak with?" This can extend your network one conversation at a time.
Send a follow-up thank-you within 24 hours
A short, specific thank-you message — referencing something concrete from the conversation — closes the loop professionally. It reinforces that you were genuinely listening and leaves the door open for future contact.
If they suggested resources or other contacts, mention that you plan to follow up on those suggestions. This is how a single conversation begins to build into a real professional network over time.
Keep It to 20–30 Minutes
Professionals are busy. Proposing a short, defined time window — and sticking to it — shows respect and dramatically increases your acceptance rate. If the conversation runs long because the other person keeps talking, that's their call to make, not yours.
This Is Not a Job Application
Informational interviews are strictly about gathering information, not asking for employment. Treating the conversation as a job pitch will likely end it quickly and damage the relationship. Make your intent clear from your very first message: you are seeking insight, not an opening.
Don't Ask Questions You Could Google
Asking basic questions that are easily answered on a company's website signals that you haven't done basic preparation. Research the person's role and industry before the meeting so your questions focus on real-world experience that only they can share.
Once you've had a few informational interviews, you'll have a much clearer picture of what career progression in a field actually looks like — and which qualifications are genuinely valued versus which simply look good on paper.
