Informational Interview
A conversation with someone in a role, company, or industry you're interested in — focused on learning, not job hunting. Informational interviews build relationships, provide insider knowledge, and often lead to referrals without ever asking for one directly.
An informational interview is a 20-30 minute conversation with a professional who works in a role, company, or industry you're interested in. You're the one asking questions; the other person is sharing their experience and perspective. **The paradox:** Informational interviews are one of the most effective job search tools precisely because you're not asking for a job. You're asking for knowledge — which is a much easier ask, and one most people are happy to fulfill. **How to request one:** Keep your request to 3-4 sentences. Explain who you are, why you're reaching out to this specific person, and what you're hoping to learn from them. Ask for 15-20 minutes at their convenience. **Good questions to ask:** - What's your day-to-day like in this role? - What skills do the most successful people in this function have that you can't teach? - What would you do differently if you were starting over in this career? - Is there anyone else you'd recommend I speak with? **The referral moment:** At the end of a productive informational interview, it's appropriate to mention that you're actively looking and ask if they know of any relevant openings or if they'd be comfortable making an introduction. This ask lands very differently after a genuine 20-minute conversation than it would cold. **Following up:** Always send a thank you note within 24 hours. Stay in touch periodically — these contacts become part of your network.
Why it matters
A single informational interview that converts to a referral is worth more than dozens of cold applications. They also give you company-specific intelligence that makes your actual applications and interviews significantly stronger.
Candidate tip
End every informational interview by asking: 'Is there anyone else you'd recommend I talk to?' — the best way to expand your network is through warm introductions from people you've already built a relationship with.
Related terms
Networking
Job SearchBuilding and maintaining professional relationships that can lead to job opportunities, referrals, career advice, and industry knowledge. The most effective job search strategy — the majority of positions are filled through networks, not job boards.
Cold Outreach
Job SearchContacting someone you don't know — a hiring manager, recruiter, or potential mentor — to introduce yourself and express interest in opportunities at their company. Effective cold outreach is specific, brief, and offers something before asking for anything.
Employee Referral
Job SearchWhen a current employee of a company recommends a candidate for an open role. Referred candidates have 3-4x higher conversion rates than job board applicants, and most companies have formal referral programs with cash bonuses for employees who refer successful hires.
Hidden Job Market
Job SearchJobs that are filled without being publicly posted. Estimated to account for 70-80% of all hires, they're filled through internal promotions, employee referrals, direct recruiter outreach, and networking before a position is ever advertised.
LinkedIn Networking
Job SearchUsing LinkedIn to build professional relationships, connect with potential employers and recruiters, and stay visible to your industry. LinkedIn is the primary professional network globally, with over 1 billion members and the largest indexed database of recruiter-searchable profiles.