What Is an Informational Interview?
An informational interview is a conversation with someone working in a career, company, or industry you’re interested in. The goal isn’t to ask for a job—it’s to learn what the work is actually like, understand how they got there, and decide whether that path is a good fit for you.
For academics considering careers outside higher education, informational interviews are one of the fastest and least expensive ways to explore new career options. Every conversation gives you real-world insight that job descriptions, YouTube videos, and AI tools simply can’t provide.
Remember, the goal of informational interviews isn’t solely to secure a job but to gather information, build relationships, and expand your network. Approach each interview with curiosity and an open mind, seeking to learn from each person’s journey and insights. By casting a wide net and embracing a variety of perspectives, you’ll be better equipped to make informed decisions about your career path and navigate your transition with confidence.
Why Informational Interviews Matter
Reading job descriptions can tell you what a company is looking for, but they rarely tell you what it’s actually like to do the job. Informational interviews give you the context that online research often can’t provide. They help you understand the day-to-day realities of a role, learn how people successfully transitioned into their careers, and determine whether a particular path aligns with your interests and goals.
For academics exploring careers outside higher education, informational interviews can also help reduce uncertainty. Rather than relying on assumptions, you can hear directly from professionals about what they enjoy, what challenges they face, and what skills have been most valuable in their careers.
What Not to Do During an Informational Interview
The purpose of an informational interview is to learn and build a professional relationship—not to ask for a job. A positive conversation can open doors in the future, but approaching it with the wrong expectations can have the opposite effect.
Here are some common mistakes to avoid:
- Don’t ask for a job during the first conversation. Focus on learning about the person’s experiences rather than requesting a referral or employment.
- Don’t spend most of the conversation talking about yourself. Keep the focus on asking thoughtful questions and listening carefully to their answers.
- Don’t ask questions you could answer with a quick Google search. Research the company, industry, and the person’s background beforehand so you can ask more meaningful questions.
- Don’t show up unprepared. Review their LinkedIn profile, company website, or recent work so your questions are informed and specific.
- Don’t exceed the agreed-upon meeting time. If they offered 20 or 30 minutes, be respectful of that commitment unless they clearly indicate they have more time.
- Don’t forget to send a thank-you message. A short email or LinkedIn message expressing your appreciation helps strengthen the relationship and leaves a positive impression.
Remember, your goal isn’t to impress the other person—it’s to be curious, prepared, and respectful. The strongest professional relationships often begin with genuine conversations rather than requests for favors.
Where to Find People For Informational Interviews
Note: Focus is on academics, but social media platforms like LinkedIn/X/Facebook are still worth using to help find people to schedule an informational interview.
- LinkedIn: This should be the primary focus in your networking since LinkedIn is geared towards the private sector. Joining relevant LinkedIn groups or participating in industry-specific discussions can also help you expand your network.
- Twitter (Now X): Explore hashtags such as #altac (alternative academic) or #academictwitter to discover professionals who have transitioned from academia to other fields. Engage with individuals sharing their experiences and insights on Twitter, and consider reaching out to them for informational interviews or further discussion.
- Students in Cohort Who Left Academia: Connect with former classmates or peers from your academic cohort who have transitioned into non-academic careers. They can provide firsthand insights into their career journeys and offer valuable advice based on their experiences navigating similar transitions. Sometimes they speak at panels, at least from my experience.
- Facebook Groups: Joining Facebook groups focused on career exploration, post-academic life, or specific industries of interest can be a valuable resource for finding individuals to interview. Professor is In has a pretty strong Facebook presence.
How To Get Started With Informational Interviews
1. Narrow it down to a few options that best match your goals and interests.
Focus on roles where you can see yourself growing and thriving.
2. Reach out to people working in those roles. LinkedIn is a great place to start.
Send a short message like:
“Hi! I’m exploring new career paths and would love to ask you a few questions about your work as a [Job Title]. Would you have 20 to 30 minutes to chat? Here’s my Calendly link to make scheduling easy. Feel free to choose a time that works best for you.”
3. Prepare thoughtful questions ahead of time.
Ask about their day-to-day work, essential skills, challenges, and what they wish they’d known before entering the field.
4. Show up with curiosity, not expectations.
This is a learning opportunity, not a job pitch.
5. After the conversation, send a thank-you note.
A brief message of appreciation goes a long way and helps build lasting professional relationships.
Best Questions to Ask During an Informational Interview
Preparing thoughtful questions ahead of time helps you make the most of your conversation. While every interview will be different, these questions can help you better understand a role, company, and career path.
About the Role
- What does a typical day or week look like?
- What projects do you spend most of your time working on?
- What do you enjoy most about your job?
- What parts of the job are the most challenging?
About the Career Path
- How did you get into this field?
- What experiences helped you land your current role?
- If you were starting over today, would you do anything differently?
- What career paths are common after this position?
About Skills
- Which technical and soft skills are most important for success?
- Which skills do people often underestimate?
- Are there any certifications or training programs you would recommend?
- What skills did you have to develop after leaving academia?
About the Company
- What is the company culture like?
- How does your team typically collaborate?
- What does success look like in this role after six months or a year?
- What qualities do successful employees at your company tend to have?
For Academics Transitioning Out of Higher Education
- Which skills from academia have been the most valuable in your career?
- Were there any parts of the transition you found particularly difficult?
- What surprised you most after leaving academia?
- Is there anything you wish you had known before making the transition?
Closing Questions
- Is there anything I didn’t ask that you think would be helpful to know?
- Are there any books, podcasts, newsletters, or resources you recommend?
- Is there anyone else you think I should speak with as I continue exploring this field?
Book Recommendations for Networking and Building Social Skills
Disclosure: Some of the links below are Amazon affiliate links. If you purchase a book through these links, After Your PhD may receive a small commission at no additional cost to you. These recommendations are selected to help academics build networking skills, explore career options, and navigate career transitions.
- How to Win Friends and Influence People — Dale Carnegie’s classic book on building relationships, improving communication, and making meaningful connections with others.
- Never Eat Alone — Keith Ferrazzi’s guide to building professional relationships, expanding your network, and creating connections through genuine conversations.
- The 2-Hour Job Search — Steve Dalton’s practical approach to using networking, informational interviews, and structured outreach to improve your job search.
- Designing Your Life — Bill Burnett and Dave Evans explain how design thinking can help you explore career options and make intentional decisions about your future.
- The Introvert’s Edge to Networking — Matthew Pollard’s guide for building professional relationships in a way that feels more natural, especially for people who find traditional networking uncomfortable.