Have you ever wondered what a specific job or industry is really like? Or have you ever wanted advice on how to achieve your career and education goals? An informational interview is a great next step!
What is an informational interview?
Informational interviews are structured conversations with professionals in fields that interest you. They differ from job interviews in that their primary purpose is information gathering and relationship building.
An informational interview allows you to:
- Gain Industry Insights: Learn about the daily realities, challenges, and opportunities within specific roles and industries.
- Ask In-Depth Questions: Uncover valuable information about company culture, career progression, and required skill sets.
- Expand Your Network: Connect with professionals who can offer guidance and mentorship.
- Refine Your Career Goals: Gain firsthand knowledge to tailor your interests to specific career paths.
- Make Informed Decisions: Solidify your career goals and understand different professions.
How to Conduct an Informational Interview
- Identify an Interviewee: Use BroncoLink and LinkedIn to connect with alumni or professionals in your field of interest. Also consider people already in your network or potential contacts through faculty, friends, or family.
- Write an Email Request: See our informational interviewing handout for a sample email to request an informational interview.
- Identify Questions for Your Interviewee: What do you hope to get from an informational interview? Identify questions that support your goals and use our informational interviewing handout for ideas.
- Make a Good Impression: Be punctual, courteous, and express gratitude for your interviewer’s time.
- Send a Thank-You Note: Send a follow-up email reiterating your appreciation and outlining key takeaways from the conversation.
Get Started
Look at our Informational Interviewing Handout for strategies for finding interviewees, asking questions, and more.
The following video quickly highlights some of Career Services’ top tips for informational interviews.
