Career and Job Search Help Blog

So what is an informational interview? Well, it is not a job interview, but it does get you face-to-face with someone who works in the same industry that you want to work. Most people would be happy to spend 10 minutes to an hour of their time talking to you about the pros and cons about their job and provide tips on how they got started in the industry. A newspaper editor friend of mine told me of this young journalism graduate who asked him for 15 minutes of his time and in the end, my friend babbled on for 2 hours over an extended coffee break!

Whatever you do, avoid calling it an "informational interview". It sounds like a job interview and THAT sounds like you are asking for a job. Instead, say that you would like to chat with them over a coffee. (YOU pay for the coffee.) Have a conversation with them. Ask semipersonal questions like "What got you started in this industry?" "What other careers did you consider?" "Are you happy in your choice of career?" Do not ask if they are happy in their job. That is too contentious.

Be prepared to share your own career aspirations and why this industry appeals to you.

Never ask for a job outright. If you talk about careers, they know that you want a job. If they like you and they can help you in some way, they will.

Appeal to their expertise. Everyone likes to give advice. If you tell them that you are calling because a mutual acquaintance said that they are an expert in their field, they are more likely to give you the time you want. (Make sure this is true!)

Go prepared. Do some research on their company and the industry as a whole. Then you will have something to contribute in the conversation. Many people are generous about helping others make connections. Make it worth their while. Make sure that you know what you want. If need be, write it down in a short paragraph.

Keep track of the time and keep it short. If they wish to keep talking, they will. Especially if they like you.

A good idea would be to send them a short and simple note of thanks and acknowledgement of their time and effort. Depending on the industry and your own style, you could use email, a sort of formal business letter or a casual thank you note. Minimum of 4-5 sentences; on the other hand, do not write an essay. Here is what you could have in your thank you note: Start with a statement of thanks, referring specifically to the time they spent with you. Then mention your conversation, maybe add something about your background that is relevant. You can include anything that is new or supplementary. You can even suggest a resource that they may find useful and of which they may not have heard. Then close with a statement that indicates a mutual interest. This can pave the way for future communication.

Have a look at the following book:

For more on informational interviews, see the following:

Informational Interviewing Tutorial

Mastering the Informational Interview

200 Informational Interview Questions

Visit us again at torontopubliclibrary.ca/jobhelp or subscribe to our updates with your favourite RSS reader. Use our Google search box to search our site.