Informational interviews are an opportunity to gather information and get advice from an experienced person in a career or industry that interests you. It's a chance to learn valuable, candid, and up-to-date career information and learn about the culture of a company. Initiating an informational interview can help you decide whether a particular career is right for you, and in the process, you will also develop a network of contacts.
Important note: Informational interviews are not job interviews! They are an opportunity for you to network and gather information from someone experienced in your field(s) of interest.
Arranging an Informational Interview
- Explore LinkedIn and identify people (UNH alumni, especially!) you'd like to connect with who have a job of interest to you
- Send them an invitation to connect
- Research their career path, and prepare a list of questions
- Other than LinkedIn, you can also send a professional email to prospective mentors you know by other means to set up a time to speak
- Explain why you are contacting them and where you found their name
- Say that you are interested in their job/field and that you would like to schedule a 20-30-minute call with them to learn more
- Let them know that you are flexible and will work around their schedule
- Prepare an email or LinkedIn message similar to: “Hello, my name is Jane Wildcat. I'm a sophomore at UNH currently majoring in [your major]. I found your profile on the LinkedIn alumni page and I’m very interested in the work you do. I'm hoping we could schedule a 20-30-minute informational interview so I could gather information about your career path. Please let me know if you might be available to connect for a call sometime soon. Thank you very much for your time.”
- Confirm the date, time, and location (if applicable) of the meeting
- Send a thank you note within 24 hours of the interview
Sample Questions for an Informational Interview
- What is a typical day like in your role?
- What drew you into this line of work?
- How did you break into this field/industry?
- Has your career path taken any unexpected turns?
- What skills are most important at your company?
- What do you like most about your job?
- What are the biggest challenges in your role?
- What kind of experience would employers in this field look for in a job applicant?
- Can you describe a time where you failed at something, and what you learned from it?
- What training or degrees are necessary to be where you are today?
- What are the opportunities for advancement within your field?
- What is the best career advice you have received?
- Are there any professional organizations I should consider joining if I am interested in your field/job?
- Who else would you suggest I speak with to learn more about this field? May I use your name when I contact them?
- Would you be willing to look over my resume and suggest the kinds of jobs for which I might be a competitive candidate?
- What haven’t I asked you already that you feel I should know?
