An informational interview is a conversation in which you learn about someone’s career, role, industry, or organization. Despite the word interview, you are usually asking questions rather than being evaluated for a specific opening.
“I’m exploring product operations. Would you have 20 minutes for an informational interview?”
CareerOneStop, sponsored by the U.S. Department of Labor, describes it as a meeting to learn from someone working in a field or company of interest—not a job interview. The conversation can still influence your network, but a job offer is not the stated purpose.
Why Americans use this format
U.S. professionals may use informational interviews to understand a career change, learn how an industry hires, test assumptions about a role, or ask for advice. Students and experienced professionals both use them.
The ritual is not universal. Some people happily meet strangers introduced through a shared contact; others only speak with people they already know. Industry, seniority, workload, company policy, and personal preference affect access.
An informational interview is also not a hidden entitlement to a referral. The other person is giving time and perspective, not promising to advance your application.
What you might hear
“This is informational, but I’m happy to explain how our team works.”
The person is setting a boundary around hiring.
“Let’s treat this as a coffee chat rather than a formal interview.”
Expect a conversational meeting, though professional preparation still helps.
“I can’t discuss confidential projects, but I can talk about the field.”
Respect that limit and redirect to general experience.
“You should speak with our customer-success lead next.”
This is a useful introduction, not necessarily a job lead.
How to request one
Keep the message specific and easy to decline:
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Start a session →“Hi Ana, Marco suggested I contact you. I’m considering a move from analytics into product operations and would value hearing about your experience. Would you have 20 minutes in the next two weeks for a video call? I understand if your schedule does not allow it.”
Useful elements are:
- who you are
- why this person is relevant
- what you want to learn
- a short time request
- a low-pressure exit
Do not attach a large assignment: “Tell me everything about your industry” makes the person design the conversation for you.
What to ask
Prepare questions that benefit from lived experience:
- “What does a typical week look like?”
- “Which skills matter most in the first year?”
- “What surprised you after entering the field?”
- “How does hiring usually work for this type of role?”
- “Which part of my background should I explain more clearly?”
- “Is there another perspective you recommend I seek?”
Avoid asking about protected personal information, confidential decisions, individual compensation, or private employee matters. A broad question about published salary ranges is different from asking a stranger to disclose their pay.
How to respond and follow up
At the start:
“Thank you for making time. I’ll keep us to 20 minutes unless you prefer otherwise.”
At the end:
“Your point about customer-facing experience was especially useful. I’m going to revise my résumé examples. May I keep in touch?”
Send a brief thank-you message, ideally mentioning one insight or action. There is no legal or universal requirement to send one; it is a professional courtesy and memory aid.
Status, access, and privacy
Networking access is uneven. People with prestigious schools, employers, or family connections may receive faster responses. Do not interpret silence as a judgment of your ability, and do not repeatedly pressure someone who has not replied.
Senior employees should avoid creating false hiring expectations. If a candidate’s information will enter a formal process, explain that transition and follow consistent hiring practices. Applicants may also request reasonable accommodation for an actual hiring process; an informal conversation should not be used to bypass legal requirements or collect inappropriate information.
This article is general communication guidance, not legal advice. Hiring rules vary by employer, role, location, and public- or private-sector process.
Recognition versus production
When you hear informational interview, translate it as career-learning conversation, usually without a specific selection decision. When requesting one, be concise, prepared, and respectful of refusal.
Compare professional coffee chats, which can serve several networking purposes, and keeping in touch after an interview, which occurs after a formal hiring interaction.
The practical takeaway
An informational interview is a structured request to learn, not a disguised demand for a job. Ask for a short conversation, bring informed questions, protect confidential boundaries, and follow through on useful advice.