Informational interviews are 16 times more effective than submitting resumes. One conversation can open doors that hundreds of applications seldom do.
You're a student, recent grad, or career changer. Learn how informational interviews can help you find meaningful work — and how to start today.
Show Me How →An early-career professional asked to interview you about your career. Here's what to expect and why your 20 minutes matters more than you think.
What to ExpectResumes go into a digital pile. Conversations create real human connections. When a role opens, people think of someone they've met — not a PDF.
You learn what a job is really like, what skills actually matter, and what hiring managers look for — information you can't find on a job posting.
Each conversation makes you more comfortable talking about your goals and asking good questions — skills that transfer directly to job interviews.
Your first informational interview could be the beginning of a career you love. We'll walk you through it step by step.
Start Your First Interview →A short, informal conversation where you ask someone about their work, their career path, and their field. That's it. No pressure, no application, no catch.
An informational interview is a 15–20 minute conversation with someone who works in a field you're curious about. You ask questions. They share their experience. There's no job on the line, no pressure to impress, and no hidden agenda.
Think of it as career exploration through real human connection — hearing firsthand what a job is actually like, what skills matter most, and how someone got to where they are today.
It is: A friendly conversation where you learn about someone's work and career path. A chance to build a genuine professional relationship. An opportunity to gain insight you can't get from a job posting.
It is not: A job interview. A request for a favor. A pitch for someone to hire you. You're not asking for anything other than a few minutes of someone's time and their honest perspective.
The numbers tell a remarkable story. Research shows that approximately 1 in 12 informational interviews leads — directly or indirectly — to a job. Compare that to submitting resumes online, where the odds are closer to 1 in 200.
That means informational interviews are more than 16 times more effective than the traditional apply-and-hope approach.
Why? Because real conversations create real connections. When a professional meets you, hears your story, and understands what you're looking for, you become a real person — not a piece of paper in a pile. When they hear about an opportunity, they think of you.
There's no rigid format — that's part of what makes them comfortable. But here's what most look like:
You send a short, polite message to someone working in a field you're interested in. You explain that you're exploring careers and would love 15–20 minutes of their time.
The conversation is casual — by phone, video, or in person. You come prepared with a few thoughtful questions. They share what they know.
You walk away with real insight about a career path, a new professional connection, and often a referral to someone else you can talk to.
A brief, genuine thank-you message within 24 hours leaves a lasting impression and keeps the door open for future connection.
This is the most common fear, and it almost never happens. When you clearly say you're looking to learn — not to ask for a job — people understand. Most professionals are flattered to be asked about their career.
That's completely normal — and it's exactly what makes informational interviews so powerful. LinkedIn, alumni networks, and professional communities are full of approachable people. Our Job Seekers guide walks you through how to find them.
Traditional networking can feel transactional — exchanging business cards and making small talk. An informational interview is focused and personal. You're asking someone to share their story. That creates a much deeper connection.
Informational interviews are actually ideal for introverts. It's a structured, one-on-one conversation where you mostly listen and ask questions. No room full of strangers, no small talk. Introverts often find these more comfortable and more effective than traditional networking.
Yes — about 1 in 12 leads directly or indirectly to being hired. You're building genuine relationships with people in your target field. When opportunities arise, they think of you. Visit our Success Stories page for real examples.
Whether you're looking for work or a professional who's been asked for one, we've got a guide for you.
An early-career professional wants to learn from your experience. It's easy, it's quick, and your 20 minutes could change someone's career trajectory.
An informational interview is not a job interview. No one is asking you to hire them, refer them, or make any commitments. It's a short, casual conversation where someone asks about your work, your career path, and what you've learned along the way.
Think of it as a coffee chat about your professional life — something most people find they actually enjoy.
Most take about 15–20 minutes. Many happen over a phone call or video chat — you don't even need to leave your desk.
You already know things that would take someone years to learn on their own. A few minutes of sharing can genuinely shape someone's career direction.
No preparation required. Just show up and answer honestly. The interviewer has done the homework — your job is to be yourself.
You're not being asked to hire, share job openings, or make referrals. If you want to, great — but there's zero expectation.
Nothing tricky or uncomfortable — just genuine curiosity about your experience.
Tip: You don't need polished answers. Honest, real responses are more helpful — and more appreciated — than anything rehearsed.
Most people can point to a moment in their career when someone took a few minutes to share advice, offer encouragement, or open a door. Informational interviews create those moments on purpose.
Research shows that 1 in 12 informational interviews leads — directly or indirectly — to someone being hired. Your 20 minutes isn't just a nice gesture. It's one of the most effective ways you can help someone find work.
When you share your experience with one person, they carry that knowledge forward. They make better career decisions. They pass your advice along to peers. And when they succeed, part of that success traces back to a conversation you made time for.
By sharing your time and experience, you're giving someone more than advice — you're giving them a real chance.
See the Impact →Everything you need to find people, reach out, have great conversations, and build the connections that lead to meaningful work.
When you apply online, your resume enters a pile of hundreds — sometimes thousands. An algorithm scans it for keywords. A recruiter may glance at it for six seconds. The odds are roughly 1 in 200.
But when you sit down with a real person and have a genuine conversation, something different happens. They remember you. When they hear about an opportunity, they think of you — not a PDF.
The data: 1 in 12 informational interviews leads to a job. Over 16 times better odds than submitting resumes.
Important mindset: You're not going in to ask for a job. You're going in to learn, to connect, and to build genuine relationships. The jobs come as a natural result of doing that well.
You don't need to know someone personally. Here are the best places to find professionals in your target field:
Search by job title, company, or industry. Alumni from your school are especially likely to say yes — there's a built-in connection.
Family, friends, classmates, neighbors — you'd be surprised how many people know someone in your target field. Ask for introductions.
Industry groups on LinkedIn, Slack communities, professional associations, and local meetups where professionals gather.
Look at team pages or blogs of companies you're interested in. Reaching out directly shows initiative and genuine interest.
Pro tip: At the end of every informational interview, ask: "Is there anyone else you'd recommend I talk to?" This one question keeps your network growing naturally.
You're asking for 15–20 minutes to learn from someone's experience. Most people are flattered by that, and most will say yes.
Keys to a great outreach message:
Hi [Name],
I'm [Your Name], a [student/recent graduate/career changer] interested in [field or industry]. I came across your profile and was impressed by [something specific about their work].
Would you be open to a 15–20 minute conversation? I'd love to learn about your experience and any advice you might have. Happy to work around your schedule — phone, video, or coffee all work.
Thank you for considering it!
[Your Name]
Don't take it personally. People are busy. A polite follow-up a week later is appropriate. If they still don't reply, move on gracefully. The right ones will say yes.
Pick 5–7 that feel most relevant to your situation. The best interviews feel like natural conversations, not interrogations.
Listen more than you talk. The golden ratio is about 80/20 — they should be doing most of the talking. Your job is to ask thoughtful questions and listen deeply.
Be on time. Be warm. Be genuinely curious. Start by thanking them, then move into your questions. Let the conversation flow naturally. Watch the clock and respect the 20-minute window.
This is where most people drop the ball — and where you can stand out. A thoughtful follow-up within 24 hours turns a single conversation into a lasting professional connection.
Hi [Name],
Thank you so much for speaking with me today. I really appreciated hearing about [something specific they shared] — it gave me a much clearer picture of [the field/role].
Your advice about [specific advice] was especially helpful, and I plan to [how you'll act on it].
Thanks again for your generosity. I hope our paths cross again!
Best,
[Your Name]
The single most powerful habit you can build: commit to one informational interview per month.
Over the course of a year, you'll have 12 real conversations with professionals in your field. You'll have a network of people who know your name, your story, and your ambitions. Statistically, at least one of those conversations is likely to lead to a job.
On the first week of every month, identify someone and send your outreach message. By month's end, you'll have had the conversation. Twelve months later, you'll have a real professional network — built entirely on genuine relationships.
Your first informational interview is the hardest — not because it's difficult, but because it's new. We'll walk you through it.
Start Your First Interview →Everything you need to prepare for, schedule, and complete your first informational interview — from choosing who to talk to through the thank-you note.
You don't need your entire career figured out. Just pick one field or job title you're curious about. The whole point is to explore — it's okay if you're not sure yet.
Not sure where to start? What kind of work do you daydream about? What topics do you gravitate toward? What problems would you love to spend your days solving?
You only need one person to start. Look on LinkedIn, your school's alumni network, or ask family and friends who might know someone. Anyone with real experience in the role can teach you something valuable.
Keep it short, respectful, and specific. Tell them who you are, why you're reaching out to them, and ask for 15–20 minutes.
Hi [Name],
I'm [Your Name], a [student/recent grad/career changer] exploring careers in [field]. I found your profile and was interested in [something specific].
Would you be willing to chat for 15–20 minutes about your experience? No strings attached. Happy to work around your schedule.
Thanks for considering it!
[Your Name]
Don't overthink it. Just have a handful of thoughtful questions that show genuine curiosity. Some strong options:
Be on time. Be warm. Be genuinely curious. Thank them for their time, move into your questions, and let it flow naturally. Take brief notes. Respect the 20-minute window. Before wrapping up, always ask: "Is there anyone else you'd recommend I speak with?"
This is the step most people skip — and the one that makes the biggest impression.
Hi [Name],
Thank you for taking the time to speak with me. Your insight about [something specific] was eye-opening, and your advice about [specific advice] is something I'm going to act on.
I really appreciate your generosity. Hope we can stay in touch!
Best,
[Your Name]
What did you learn? What surprised you? Did they refer you to someone else? Use this to plan your next conversation. The goal: one per month. You just finished your first — keep the momentum going.
If you're feeling nervous, that's normal. Almost everyone is before their first one. But here's what people consistently say afterward: "That was so much easier than I expected." You're not being judged. You're just having a conversation. Most professionals are happy to help — all you have to do is ask.
Our full job seekers guide dives deeper into every step — finding people, crafting outreach, mastering follow-up.
Real examples of how informational interviews led to jobs, career clarity, and connections that made all the difference.
(Illustrative example) I had been applying to marketing jobs for months with no response. A classmate suggested informational interviews instead. My third conversation was with a content manager at a tech company. She mentioned a junior role opening soon that hadn't been posted. She referred me directly, and I got the job. I never would have found that opportunity on a job board.
(Illustrative Example) I was finishing my business degree with no idea what I actually wanted to do. I started doing one informational interview a month, talking to people in different roles. By the fourth conversation, I realized I was most energized when people talked about project management. That focus changed my whole job search — I landed a PM role within two months.
Illustrative Example) I was terrified to reach out to strangers. I almost didn't send the first message. But the data analyst I contacted was incredibly kind — she spent 25 minutes telling me about her career path and what skills to focus on. She connected me with two other people. Those conversations led to a freelance contract that turned into a full-time offer.
(Illustrative Example) As a career changer in my 30s, I felt like I was starting from scratch. Informational interviews gave me something resumes couldn't — credibility and connections. The people I talked to saw my enthusiasm firsthand. When one of them heard about a role three months later, he emailed me before it was posted. That introduction led to my current job.
(Illustrative Example) A student reached out on LinkedIn last year asking for 15 minutes. I almost said no because I was busy. I'm so glad I didn't. She asked thoughtful questions, and I could tell she was genuinely interested. When a junior role opened on my team, she was the first person I thought of. She's been on my team for eight months now.
(Illustrative Example) I try to do one or two informational interviews a month now. It's become one of my favorite things. I remember how lost I felt early in my career, and getting to help someone navigate that is genuinely rewarding. It takes almost no time and the impact is real.
Every story on this page began with someone who was nervous, unsure, and wondering if it would really work. They sent the message anyway.
Start Your First Interview →