Informational Interview Questions, Guide, and Templates
Masoud Rezakhnnlo
Author
Use informational interviews to learn how a role, company, or industry really works. Get practical questions, outreach templates, preparation steps, and follow-up advice.
Informational Interview Questions, Guide, and Templates
An informational interview is a short career conversation where you ask someone about their role, company, industry, or career path. The goal is not to ask for a job. The goal is to learn what the work is really like, decide whether the path fits you, and build a professional relationship you can maintain respectfully.
If you only remember one rule, make it this: ask for advice, not a referral. A good informational interview gives you specific next steps, better language for your resume or LinkedIn profile, and a clearer view of the skills employers actually value in that field.
When an Informational Interview Helps
Use an informational interview when you are:
- Exploring a new role, company, industry, or career change.
- Preparing to apply and want to understand what the job description really means.
- Comparing two possible career paths.
- Trying to learn which skills, projects, or credentials matter most.
- Looking for people who can suggest additional resources or contacts.
It is less useful when you only want someone to pass along your resume. If there is an open role, keep the conversation focused on learning first. You can mention your interest briefly, but do not turn the meeting into a hidden job interview.
How to Ask for an Informational Interview
Keep the request short and specific. A strong message explains who you are, why you chose this person, what you want to learn, and how little time you are asking for.
- Choose a relevant person: Look for someone close to the role, team, company, or career path you are researching.
- Personalize the reason: Mention a shared school, group, post, project, company, or career move that made you reach out.
- Ask for 15-30 minutes: Make the time commitment clear and easy to accept.
- Offer flexible options: Suggest two or three times, or ask what works best for them.
- Follow up once: If you do not hear back, send one polite follow-up after about a week.
Informational Interview Request Template
Subject: Quick career question about [role/company/field]
Hi [Name],
I'm [your name], and I'm exploring [role, company, or field]. I noticed [specific reason you chose them], and I would value your perspective on what the work is actually like.
Would you be open to a 20-minute call in the next week or two? I am especially hoping to learn about [specific topic: day-to-day work, key skills, team culture, hiring expectations, or career path].
I can work around your schedule, or I am available [two or three options]. Thank you for considering it.
Best, [Your Name]
Questions to Ask in an Informational Interview
Pick 5-8 questions for a 20-30 minute conversation. Start with the person, move into the role or industry, then end with advice and next steps.
Career Path Questions
- How did you get into this field?
- Which earlier experiences helped you most in this role?
- What do you wish you had known before choosing this path?
- What skills became more important as your career progressed?
- If someone were starting today, what would you tell them to focus on first?
Role and Day-to-Day Questions
- What does a typical week look like for you?
- Which tasks take the most time or energy?
- What problems is your team trying to solve right now?
- What tools, processes, or skills do you use most often?
- What would surprise outsiders about this job?
Company and Team Questions
- How would you describe the team culture?
- What does the company tend to value in people who succeed here?
- How are priorities usually set and communicated?
- What kinds of projects do newer employees usually work on?
- What questions should candidates ask before joining a team like this?
Industry and Trend Questions
- What changes are shaping this field right now?
- Which skills or topics are becoming more valuable?
- Are there professional groups, newsletters, events, or people worth following?
- What common advice about this field feels outdated or incomplete?
Advice and Follow-Up Questions
- Based on what I shared, what should I learn or do next?
- Are there resume or LinkedIn changes that would make my direction clearer?
- Is there anyone else you would recommend I speak with?
- Would it be okay if I stayed in touch and updated you on my progress?
Questions to Avoid
Avoid questions that make the other person feel pressured or that you could answer with a quick search.
- Do not ask, "Can you get me a job?"
- Do not ask for confidential hiring information.
- Do not ask salary questions too early unless the conversation naturally allows it.
- Do not ask them to review a long resume during the call unless they offered.
- Do not arrive with no research and ask, "So what does your company do?"
How to Prepare
Before the meeting, review the person's LinkedIn profile, company page, recent work, and any role descriptions similar to your target. Write a short introduction that covers who you are, what you are exploring, and why you reached out.
Bring a focused question list, but let the conversation flow. Take notes on phrases, skills, tools, and examples that could improve your resume, cover letter, interview prep, or job search direction. If you use Minova, save the company, contact, takeaways, and follow-up date in your job tracker so the relationship does not disappear after one call.
Follow-Up Email Template
Hi [Name],
Thank you again for speaking with me today. I appreciated your perspective on [specific topic], especially your advice about [specific takeaway].
My next step is to [specific action you will take]. I am grateful for your time and would be glad to stay in touch as I continue exploring [field/role/company].
Best, [Your Name]
How to Use What You Learn
After the conversation, turn your notes into action:
- Add the most relevant skills and tools to your resume only if you truly have them.
- Rewrite vague resume bullets with language closer to the target role.
- Update your LinkedIn headline or About section if your direction is unclear.
- Save recommended resources, groups, or people to contact next.
- Send a brief update later if their advice helped you take a concrete step.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is an informational interview the same as a job interview?
No. A job interview evaluates you for a specific role. An informational interview is a learning conversation where you ask about a role, company, industry, or career path.
How long should an informational interview be?
Most are easiest to accept when you ask for 15-30 minutes. Respect the end time unless the other person clearly wants to continue.
Can an informational interview lead to a job?
It can help indirectly by improving your understanding, resume language, and network, but you should not treat it as a shortcut to an offer. Focus on learning and follow up professionally.
