As with any interview, preparation is key. Here are seven steps for preparing for an informational interview:
Step 1: Do your research
Doing some career exploration on your own is essential. This means doing initial research into the career field and employer you want to work with. This will help you get a basic understanding of what that career is like and what credentials you’ll need.
For instance, if you’re interested in being a nurse, do an online search to see what kind of formal education and license is required.
You can still ask the interviewee what their career trajectory was like too. But make sure you lead with the information you gathered, so they know you did your homework.
Step 2: Find people to interview
Once you’re clear on the basic details of your career path, look for people to interview. Remember to check LinkedIn and your current network of friends, family, and classmates.
If you’re still struggling to find someone to interview, head to a career fair or meet with a career counselor.
Step 3: Prepare an introduction
Preparing an introduction is essential to kicking off the interview to a good start. Keep it brief and straightforward.
For instance, you can reiterate your name, your career goals, and what you hope to accomplish by the end of the meeting. You can also ask them to introduce themselves or share something unique (like why they decided to pursue their current career path).
Step 4: Prepare a list of informational interview questions
Prepare interview questions ahead of time. Make sure each question is open-ended and covers something you may not be able to find out on your own. Don’t worry about having them all memorized, either. Remember, informational interviews are often less formal, and no one expects a robot.
When formulating your questions, keep in mind that the goal of an informational interview is to gather insight and not to get a job offer. So while that could be a delightful bonus, your questions should be curated with this intent in mind.
Here’s a list of 14 sample list of questions to get you started:
- How’d you get into this line of work?
- How can I get into this line of work?
- What do you enjoy most about your job?
- What are the essential skills for this job?
- What do you most dislike about your job?
- How would you predict the next 5, 10, and 20 years in this line of work?
- What do you wish you would’ve known before you started this role?
- I see this role requires a graduate school degree — what else do you recommend?
- What kind of experience would I need for this job, and how would I get it?
- What keywords should I use in a resume, job application, and job interview?
- What’s the typical salary range and benefits package for this job?
- What does your typical day look like?
- What kind of hours or schedule would I have in this role?
- What do you find the most meaningful about your work?
- How much autonomy and creativity would I have in this role?
Step 5: Practice a mock interview
Grab a friend or colleague and practice your introduction and interview questions.
Not only will this help you feel more prepared for your official interview, but it may also reveal other interview questions you should ask.
Step 6: Schedule the interviews
After you’ve found people to interview, send them an email.
Keep your introduction simple. Include your name, any common contacts, and a specific reason why you’re reaching out to them. If you can call out their expertise in the field, for example, that’s good to include.
It’s also important to be ready to ask questions on the spot if the interviewee says they won’t be available any other time. This is why it’s beneficial to prepare specific questions before scheduling interviews.
Step 7: End the interview
How you end an informational interview is just as important as how you start one. Make sure you conclude and leave a good impression by:
- Expressing gratitude: thank the interviewee for their time.
- Summarizing key points: briefly summarize their answers to your questions.
- Getting clarity: ask for clarity about any answers you don’t quite understand.
Step 8: Follow up
Rather than thinking of the interview as a one-time meeting, consider how you’ll develop a future ally and supporter.
To make a solid first impression, make sure you follow up after the interview. Send a thank-you note or email after the meeting thanking the interviewee for their information and time. This note doesn’t have to belong, but it should reiterate your gratitude and reiterate any key takeaways from the meeting.
To cultivate a long-term professional relationship, keep up with the interviewee over time. Ask to connect with them on LinkedIn and congratulate them on achievements they share publicly.
