Informational Interviews Explained: How to Ask, What to Say and How to Follow Up

You do not have to know someone's company, or have a job opening in mind, to benefit from talking to people who work in a field you are curious about. An informational interview is a short, friendly conversation in which you ask someone about their path, their work and their advice. It is one of the most useful and least used tools for students.

Done well, informational interviews help you choose a direction, learn the language of an industry and build a network. This guide explains how to set one up, what to ask and how to follow up respectfully.

Why they work

• You learn what jobs are really like, beyond job descriptions.
• You hear how people got where they are, including paths you had not considered.
• You practice professional conversation in a low-pressure setting.
• You build relationships that may lead to advice, introductions or opportunities.
• People like to help. Many professionals enjoy sharing their story with someone who is curious and prepared.

Remember the key rule: you are asking for information and advice, not a job. If a position comes up, that is a bonus.

Who to talk to

Aim for people who work in roles or fields you want to learn about. Sources include:

• Alumni from your school, through the career center or alumni database. Using your alumni network shows how.
• Professors and teaching staff, who often know people in industry.
• Friends, family and neighbors, and their contacts.
• LinkedIn connections and second-degree contacts.
• Speakers at campus events or webinars.
• Past supervisors from internships or jobs.

You do not need senior leaders. People a few years ahead of you often give the most practical advice.

How to prepare

1. Clarify your goals. What do you want to learn: daily tasks, skills, entry routes, culture?
2. Research the person and their organization. Read their LinkedIn profile, company website and any articles they wrote.
3. Prepare questions. Write 8 to 10, and be ready to ask 4 to 6.
4. Update your LinkedIn profile and resume, in case they ask.
5. Plan how to describe yourself in a sentence or two.

How to ask

A good request is short, specific and easy to say yes to. Include:

• Who you are and how you found them.
• Why you are contacting them.
• A clear, small request, such as 15 to 20 minutes.
• Flexibility about timing and format.
• Thanks.

Example:

"Hi Ms. Patel, I'm a junior at State University studying public health. I found your profile through the alumni network and was interested in your work with community health programs. I'm exploring careers in this area and would value hearing about your path. Would you have 15 to 20 minutes in the next few weeks for a call? I'm happy to work around your schedule. Thank you for considering it."

Send it by email or a LinkedIn message. Keep it under 120 words. Avoid attaching a resume unless asked, and never ask for a job in the first message.

If you do not hear back in a week or two, send a brief, polite reminder once. After that, let it go.

During the conversation

Start well

• Be on time, and have your questions ready.
• Thank them for their time.
• Briefly introduce yourself and why you are interested.
• Confirm how long they have, and respect it.

Questions to ask

About their path:

• How did you get into this field?
• What was your first job, and what did you learn?
• What surprised you about your career?

About the work:

• What does a typical week look like?
• What parts of the job do you enjoy most and find most challenging?
• What skills matter most in your role?

About the field:

• How is the industry changing?
• What are common entry points for new graduates?
• Which employers or roles would you look at if you were starting now?

About advice:

• What would you do differently, if you could start again?
• How can a student best prepare?
• Is there anyone else you suggest I speak to?
• Are there books, groups or tools you recommend?

Avoid questions that can be answered by a quick search, and avoid asking about salary in detail. If you are curious about pay, ask about the range for entry-level roles in general or check public sources.

Listen more than you talk

Take notes, ask follow-up questions and show interest. Aim to speak about a third of the time. Be honest if you are uncertain about your goals. People will respect candor.

End gracefully

• Keep to the agreed time.
• Ask whether there is anything you can do to help them.
• Ask for permission to stay in touch.
• Ask if they would be willing to suggest one or two other people to speak to.
• Thank them again.

After the conversation

Send a thank-you message within 24 hours. Mention something specific you learned, and say how you plan to act on their advice. Our guide to thank-you emails has a useful structure that applies here too.

Act on the advice. If they recommended a book, a course or a contact, follow up and report back later. It shows you listened.

Keep notes. Record what you learned, names, dates and follow-up promises in a simple spreadsheet or notebook.

Stay in touch. Every few months, send a short update, such as a project you completed or a new role. Share a relevant article if appropriate. Do not only reach out when you need something.

Etiquette

• Respect their time. Offer to meet by phone, video or at their location.
• Do not ask for a job or referral in the first conversation. If they offer, accept graciously.
• Be professional in tone and appearance.
• Be honest about your experience and goals.
• Protect confidence. If they share something sensitive, keep it private.
• Offer thanks and help. Even students can share useful information, such as campus news or a relevant event.

Variations

• Virtual or phone: Good for people in other cities. Test your technology and keep your camera on if on video.
• Coffee chats: In person, offer to buy coffee or tea if appropriate, and choose a place convenient to them.
• Group events: Career panels and networking nights offer short chances to introduce yourself and request a follow-up conversation.
• Email interviews: When time is short, a few written questions may be acceptable.

Using informational interviews in your search

As you gather conversations, you will start to see patterns. Use them to:

• Refine your goals and rule out paths that do not fit.
• Find roles and employers you had not considered.
• Tailor your resume and applications using the language you heard.
• Prepare for interviews with a better understanding of the field.

Our guide to networking online offers further ideas for building relationships with professionals.

Common mistakes

• Asking for a job.
• Arriving unprepared.
• Going over the time.
• Talking too much.
• Forgetting to follow up.
• Treating it as a one-off.
• Sending a generic request.

A tracking sheet

Keep a simple table with the following columns: name, role and organization, how you found them, date requested, date of conversation, key advice, follow-up promised and date of the next contact.

Review the table once a month. Mark people to thank again, update or share news with. Add a note about who suggested whom, so you can mention the connection when you write.

Over a year, a table with ten to fifteen conversations becomes a map of a field and a set of relationships. You will also notice patterns, such as skills mentioned repeatedly, that tell you where to focus.

If you are shy

Many students feel nervous about asking. Start with people who already know you, such as a former supervisor, then move to alumni. Write your questions in advance and treat the call like a class discussion. Remember that most people remember their own early uncertainty and enjoy helping.

Final thoughts

Informational interviews are simple but powerful. Ask for advice, prepare thoughtful questions, listen and follow up. Over time, they build knowledge, confidence and a network of people who know your name and your goals. Start with one conversation this month.