What is an Informational Interview?
An informational interview is when you meet with someone already doing a job you're interested in so you can find out how they got there. You can also meet with people who already work in your field to get the inside scoop on the types of skills and experiences you should be developing. Here's the concept: talk to people doing the work that you think you would like to do.
Traditionally, the interview lasts between 20 and 30 minutes. Information gathered during an informational interview can be invaluable in finding your fit within a field, in assessing whether an occupation is right for you and in finding organizations that align with your values.
Note: Informational interviewing is interviewing for information only, it is not appropriate to ask for a job. Your interviewee may feel manipulated if you request a meeting for information and steer it towards a job interview.
