Informational Interviewing

An informational interview is a casual, career-focused conversation where you, the student, talk with someone who’s working in a field, company, or role you are interested in. The goal isn’t to get a job – it is to learn, gain career advice and mentorship!

What are the Benefits of an Informational Interview?
  • Make Informed Career Decisions: The professional can give you the ‘inside scoop’ about what the field is really like and provide helpful insider tips you might not otherwise get. The information you get can help you decide whether you would want a career in that field or not.
  • Expand Your Network: As you get in front of people who can offer advice in a particular career field or industry, it can lead to more information and contacts that may lead to a job.
  • Prepare for Formal Job Interviews: In addition to developing field and industry expertise you will learn about how to sell your skills and be more comfortable and confident in situations with industry professionals.
  • Gain Access to the Hidden Job Market: Not all jobs are advertised–but the professionals you are meeting with may be knowledgeable about current or future job openings at their company or at another company.  So even though you aren’t asking for a job, the thought may occur to the person you’re interviewing if you come across as professional, capable, and a good fit for the company.

Not sure how to start Informational Interviewing? Click on the prompts below to get started!

  • Face-to-Face
    • Invite your interviewee to a local coffee shop or cafe, somewhere quiet where you can hear the conversation!

  • Phone Call or Virtual Meeting
    • Schedule a 20-30 minute meeting via phone or video chat service
    • Always provide meeting details ahead of time (i.e., phone number, virtual link, meeting passcode)

Tip: Always provide multiple dates/times of availability to your interviewee to accommodate their schedule!

  • Current Network Connections
    • Peers
    • Professors
    • Current or former colleagues
    • Family & friends

  • SJU Alumni
    • Connected on LinkedIn (SJU Alumni LinkedIn page)
    • Meet at an employer event

  • Industry Professionals
    • Introduced by a current network connection
    • Search on LinkedIn for relevant industry professionals

  • You will likely request your informational interview via LinkedIn, email or phone

  • Be sure to share your 30-second pitch, why you want to meet that person and your interest in their career, company, role or industry

Hi Hunter, I came across your profile while researching SONY Music. I’m an aspiring Entertainment professional studying Management. I’d love to learn about your path to your current role & any advice you would give to someone seeking to enter this field. Please let me know if you have any availability for a 15-minute chat on Wednesday/Friday over the next two weeks!

  • Preparation for an informational interview is the same as preparation for a formal interview. Prior to the conversation, research the following:
    • Company (vision, about, mission)
    • Industry Trends
    • Job Function
    • Interviewee’s background (research the person’s LinkedIn profile)
    • Prepare Elevator Pitch
  • Unlike a formal interview, YOU are leading the conversation! Come prepared with a variety of questions to ask!

  • It is important to tailor each informational interview for the person you are meeting with and to your own goals.
  • Questions will be pulled from your research on the person, company, industry and job role.
  • Some questions to get you started may include:
    • What is the primary skillset you use in your role? What resources do you recommend for brushing up on those skills?
    • What was your career path to X company like?
    • What are some exciting projects you work on?
    • I read about X trend currently taking place, how has that impacted your work?
    • If you were hiring for an entry level role, what top skills would you look for in a candidate?
    • What are your future career aspirations?
    • Can you recommend any other industry professionals for my to contact?

Below is a sample agenda for a 20-minute informational interview.

  • Step 1: First Impression (2-3 minutes): Start with a sincere thank you for the person’s time and expertise.  If you were referred , briefly exchange pleasantries about how you came to know the same person. Then provide some background about yourself-your 30 second pitch.   Be enthusiastic and articulate about your background and why you are excited to have the opportunity to speak with the person.

  • Step 2: Agenda for the Meeting (1 minute): Provide a brief overview of the topics you would like to cover.

  • Step 3: Meaningful Discussion (12-15 minutes): You are in charge of asking questions! Start by asking questions you prepared for the meeting to learn about the persons experience. Once you warm up, you can ask start asking follow up questions based off previous answers or other thoughts you have throughout the conversation.

  • Step 4: Recap and Ending: Be mindful of time – you do not want to go over your scheduled meeting time. Recap what you learned and any next steps that were discussed… and don’t forget to show gratitude!

  • Follow up with a Thank You note within 24-hours to make sure the person knows how much you appreciated their time.
  • Personalize the note by sharing what you learned from the conversation, address any relevant information you omitted and recap any next steps that were discussed.
  • Continue to stay in touch every 6-8 weeks; keep the person in the loop after you meet with their referrals, if you apply to an opening at their company or if you’ve completed any exciting projects in your courses!