What Is an Informational Interview, and How Do I Ask for One?

An informational interview is a short, relaxed conversation with someone who works in a job, company, or industry you want to learn about. You are not asking for a job. You are asking for advice and insight. To get one, send a brief, polite message to the right person, ask for 15–20 minutes of their time, and make it easy for them to say yes.

It is one of the best ways to learn what a job is really like and build real connections. Here is how to ask for one and make it count.

What is an informational interview (and what it is not)?

An informational interview is a learning conversation. You ask questions. The other person shares their experience. It usually lasts 15–30 minutes and happens over a video call, a phone call, or coffee.

It is not:

• A job interview. Nobody is judging you for a role.
• A request for a job. Asking "Can you hire me?" breaks trust fast.

It is useful when you want to:

• Understand what a role involves day to day
• Test a career change before you commit to it
• Learn how a company or industry works in a new country
• Grow your network with people who can later refer you

Who should I ask for an informational interview?

Start with people who are one or two steps ahead of where you want to be. They remember the path clearly and often have more time than senior leaders.

Good places to find them:

• Your existing network. Former classmates, old colleagues, friends of friends.
• LinkedIn. Search by job title and company. Look for shared schools, shared past employers, or shared languages.
• Alumni groups. Many universities have alumni directories or online groups.
• Professional communities. Industry associations, meetups, and online groups.

People who share something with you, such as a school, a home country, or a past employer, are more likely to reply.

How do I ask for an informational interview?

Keep your message short, specific, and respectful of their time. A good request has four parts:

1. Who you are in one sentence.
2. Why them. Mention something specific about their work or path.
3. The ask. 15–20 minutes, at a time that suits them.
4. An easy exit. Let them know it is fine to say no.

Example message

Hi Maria, I'm a marketing assistant moving into product management. I saw you made a similar switch at your company, and I'd love to hear how you did it. Would you be open to a 15-minute call in the next few weeks, whenever suits you? No problem at all if you're too busy. Thank you!

Tips that improve your reply rate

• Personalize every message. Copy-paste messages are easy to spot.
• Do not attach your resume in the first message.
• Follow up once after about a week if you hear nothing. Then let it go.

What should I ask during the conversation?

Prepare 5–8 questions, but expect to use only a few. Let the conversation flow. Good questions are open and about their experience:

• "What does a typical week look like in your role?"
• "What skills matter most for success in this job?"
• "What do you wish you had known before you started?"
• "How did you get into this field?"
• "Is there anyone else you think I should talk to?"

That last question is powerful. One good conversation can lead to two or three more.

Before and during the call

• Research them first. Read their profile and company page so you don't ask basic questions.
• Be on time and keep to the time you asked for. If you asked for 15 minutes, offer to stop at 15.
• Take short notes so you can follow up with specific details.

What should I do after an informational interview?

The follow-up is where many people lose the value. Do these three things:

1. Send a thank-you message within 24 hours. Mention one specific thing you learned.
2. Act on their advice if you can, such as a course, a person to contact, or a skill to build.
3. Stay in touch. Send a short update a few months later: "I took your advice and…" This keeps the relationship alive.

If a relevant job opens later, you can ask whether they would be comfortable referring you. By then, you are no longer a stranger.

Frequently asked questions

Is it okay to ask for a job during an informational interview?

It is best not to ask directly, as it can make the person uncomfortable. If they mention an opening, show interest and ask how best to apply.

How long should an informational interview last?

Aim for 15–30 minutes. Ask for a short time in your first message and respect it. If the person wants to talk longer, they will say so.

What if nobody replies to my requests?

This is normal. Many people are busy and miss messages. Send one polite follow-up, then reach out to others. Personal, specific messages usually get more replies.

Should I send a resume before an informational interview?

Not in your first message. If the person asks for it, or offers to share it with someone, then send a clean, up-to-date version. Make sure it matches the type of role you discussed.

Can I do informational interviews for jobs in another country?

Yes, and they can be especially helpful. People already working there can explain local hiring habits and resume expectations. Be flexible about time zones.

Turn conversations into applications

Informational interviews show you what employers want. The next step is showing it on paper. When you find a role you want, Joblio can tailor your resume to that job description, score your match, and help you write a cover letter.