How Informational Interviews Can Transform Your Career Search

Brandi Oldham
Jun 16
3 min read

If you’ve ever felt stuck in your career or wondered if a new path might be right for you, you’re not alone. It’s a big leap to move from curiosity to clarity, but there’s a powerful (and often underutilized) tool that can help: the informational interview.

Informational interviews are simple but transformative. They’re 30-minute conversations where you ask questions, listen, and learn from someone already in a field or role you’re curious about. These chats aren’t about landing a job—they’re about expanding your perspective, building connections, and gathering the insight you need to take your next step with confidence.

Why Informational Interviews Matter

Here’s the deal: career growth isn’t just about polished resumes or applying to endless job postings. It’s about relationships, stories, and learning from real-life experiences. Informational interviews give you an inside look at the realities of a career path—the good, the challenging, and the surprising.

They’re also an incredible networking tool. Reaching out to someone and showing genuine interest in their journey not only gives you knowledge but also leaves a positive impression.

How to Get Started

Feeling nervous? That’s normal. But trust me, the hardest part is sending the first message. Here’s how to make the process easy:

Find People to Interview
- Use LinkedIn to connect with professionals in fields that interest you.
- Ask friends, family, or colleagues for recommendations.
- Check out company websites to find team members whose roles intrigue you.
Send a Polished Message Keep it simple and respectful. Introduce yourself, share why you’re reaching out, and ask for 30 minutes of their time. Be sure to include your availability and flexibility to make scheduling easier. Example: Hi [Name],I recently connected with you on LinkedIn and am exploring career fields outside my current role. I admire the work you’re doing as a [Their Role] and would love to learn more about your career journey. Would you have 30 minutes for a quick chat? I’m happy to work around your schedule. Thank you for considering!

Preparing for the Conversation

Showing up prepared is key. Think about what you want to learn and write down questions ahead of time. A great structure for informational interviews includes focusing on the past, present, and future:

Past: How did they get started? What’s their career path?
Present: What’s a typical day like? What’s the most rewarding or challenging part of their role?
Future: Where is their field headed? What skills or knowledge will be most valuable in the next few years?

You can also personalize your questions based on their role, industry, or something they’ve shared in the conversation.

Pro Tips for a Great Experience

Stick to the Time Limit: Be mindful of their schedule and keep the conversation to 30 minutes unless they offer to go longer.
Send a Thank-You Note: After your conversation, send a heartfelt email thanking them for their time and insight.
Ask for Referrals: Before ending the call, ask if they know anyone else you should speak with. This simple question can grow your network exponentially.

Why It’s Worth It

You might walk away from an informational interview feeling energized and inspired—or with the realization that a particular career isn’t for you. Either way, that’s a win. These conversations help you build clarity, confidence, and connections—all crucial for navigating your career journey.

So, what are you waiting for? Grab a coffee, craft that first message, and start building the career you’ve been dreaming about—one conversation at a time.

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