How is an informational interview different from a job interview?

It is important to understand that an informational interview is NOT a job interview. An informational interview gives you the opportunity to ask questions to gather information from someone who possesses knowledge that you don’t have on a variety of topics. For students and young professionals, informational interviews provide the chance to speak to business professionals and learn more about their profession, their company, and other valuable information that can be helpful as young people emerge into the professional world. While you may ask questions about internship or job opportunities with their company, an informational interview is not focused on a specific job opening. On the other hand, in a job interview the company calls the candidate in to ask them questions to see if they are a fit for a job opening.

How long does an informational interview usually last?

Best practice is to ask for fifteen to thirty minutes of your interviewee’s time. However, if the conversation is going well it is fine to politely ask for more time. The goal is to turn the interview into a conversation, so it wouldn’t be unusual for an informational interview to last for an hour or more. In some cases, the interviewee may invite you to meet others that they work with, or combine the meeting with a facility tour, or even an internship or job interview. The longer it lasts the stronger chance you have at make a lasting, helpful professional connection.

Does the interview have to be in person?

It is far easier to make a lasting impression and create a valuable lifetime contact through an in-person meeting. However, business professionals are busy, and your interviewee may prefer a virtual meeting or a phone call. I encourage you to push for the in-person meeting, offering to meet your contact at their convenience, but if that simply is not possible, then a virtual meeting or phone call can still be beneficial.

If you are planning to work in a city other than the one you currently live in, then an in-person interview may not be possible. Again, while the in-person interview is preferred, it is possible to achieve your goals through a virtual meeting or phone interview.

Many of my students agree that the in-person meeting truly is the key to getting the most out of this project. Every semester at least one student provides feedback indicating that they did not realize the importance of meeting in person until this assignment, and that they feel if they had not put in the extra effort to meet in person, they would not have created the solid, lasting connection that they did.

Do I have to take notes?

It is impressive to come to an informational interview looking professional and prepared. Part of that is bringing a notebook and asking your interviewee if you may take notes during your conversation. It is always best practice to bring a notebook to a professional meeting. Taking notes helps you remember important information and gives you the ability to review the conversation and to review things you may forget, and taking notes is proven to help people retain more information. Additionally, some of the critiques I often hear from employers regarding young people is that they fail to look engaged, to ask questions, and to take notes.

Is it okay to record the meeting?

Some students reveal that they are overwhelmed by the thought of taking notes while conducting the interview. In this case, ask the interviewee if it is okay if you record the interview on your phone. Most interviewees are fine with this if you reassure them the recording is only for personal use. Students report that when they listen to the recorded interview after their meeting, they find they pick up a lot of information they missed the first time.

What should I wear?

You will want to look professional for your informational interview so that you can demonstrate that you understand the expectations of the professional world. For most informational interviews business casual attire is appropriate. According to indeed.com, business casual is defined as:

• Slacks or business dress pants, khakis, chinos, knee length skirts, dark jeans without holes
• Button down shirts, sweaters, blouses, henleys, or polo shirts
• Knee-length or maxi dresses
• Optional cardigans, blazers, or sport coats
• Clean, closed toe shoes such as loafers, oxfords, boots, pumps, or flats
• Simple professional accessories are acceptable
• No hats, inappropriate logos, or text