Informational Interview: How to Ask, What to Ask, and an Email Sample

An informational interview is a focused conversation with someone who can share firsthand insight about their career, industry, organization, or area of expertise. It is not a job interview, and the goal is not to ask for a position. Instead, you learn how the work really happens, gather advice, and build a professional relationship through a respectful exchange.

Whether you are changing careers, entering a new field, returning to work, or exploring opportunities in another country, an informational interview can help you make better-informed decisions. Here is how to find the right person, ask for a conversation, prepare useful questions, and follow up well.

Why informational interviews are useful

Job descriptions explain responsibilities, but a conversation with someone doing the work can reveal the skills that matter most, common challenges, and how people enter the field. You may also learn about regional differences in hiring practices, workplace expectations, or professional qualifications—details that can be especially valuable when exploring an international job market.

An informational interview can help you:

• Check whether a role or industry fits your interests and strengths.
• Understand the skills, credentials, and experience employers value.
• Learn how work culture and career paths vary by organization or country.
• Identify useful next steps, such as a course, professional association, or project.
• Develop a genuine professional connection without making the conversation a sales pitch.

There is no guarantee that a conversation will lead to a referral or job opportunity. Treat it as a chance to learn, not as a hidden recruitment meeting.

Who to ask for an informational interview

Choose someone whose experience can help you answer a specific question. That might be a person in a role you are considering, someone who recently moved into your target field, or a professional with experience in a country or market you hope to understand.

Start with people you already know: former colleagues, classmates, instructors, community members, or friends of friends. If you contact someone you have not met, look for a clear point of relevance. For example, you may share a professional association, have studied a similar subject, or be interested in a career path they have discussed publicly.

Make your request specific

Rather than asking, “Can you tell me about your career?” explain what you hope to learn. A focused request is easier to answer and helps the recipient decide whether they are the right person to speak with.

You could ask about a particular role, a transition between fields, working in a certain region, or the skills needed for an early-career position. Keep the scope modest: request a brief conversation, not ongoing mentorship.

How to ask for an informational interview

A good request is concise, personal, and considerate of the other person’s time. Whether you write by email or send a direct message, include these elements:

1. A clear subject line: State the purpose, such as “Request for a brief conversation about environmental consulting.”
2. A short introduction: Say who you are and, if relevant, how you found the person.
3. A reason for contacting them: Mention a specific aspect of their experience that connects to your question.
4. A focused learning goal: Explain what you are exploring without asking them to solve your entire career plan.
5. A manageable request: Suggest a 15- to 20-minute call or meeting, and offer flexibility.
6. An easy way to decline: Make it clear you understand if their schedule does not allow it.

Personalize each message. A note that refers to the person’s work or career path is more thoughtful than a generic message sent to many people. Keep the tone professional but natural, and do not attach documents or request a referral in your first message unless the person has invited you to do so.

Sample informational interview email

Subject: Request for a brief conversation about public health careers

Hello Maya,

I’m currently exploring career paths in public health after completing a degree in biology. I came across your work in community health programs and was especially interested in your move from research into program coordination.

If you have 20 minutes in the next few weeks, would you be open to a brief call? I’d be grateful to hear what skills have been most useful in your role and what you would recommend to someone preparing to enter the field. I’m happy to work around your schedule.

I understand if you are not available, and thank you for considering my request.

Best,
Jordan Lee

Adapt the sample to your situation rather than copying it word for word. If the recipient agrees, reply promptly, confirm the date and time zone, and ask whether they prefer a phone call or video meeting. For an in-person conversation, suggest a convenient public location and be prepared to cover your own expenses.

What to ask during an informational interview

Prepare more questions than you expect to use, but let the conversation flow. In a short meeting, you may only have time for five or six. Ask open-ended questions that invite examples rather than questions that can be answered with “yes” or “no.”

Questions about the role and daily work

• What does a typical week look like in your role?
• Which responsibilities take up most of your time?
• What parts of the work are most challenging or rewarding?
• How does your role interact with other teams or professions?

Questions about skills and career paths

• Which skills have made the biggest difference in your success?
• What experience or training helped you prepare for this work?
• What do people often misunderstand about entering this field?
• How do professionals commonly move into more senior or specialized roles?

Questions about the industry or location

• What changes are shaping the field in your region?
• Are there local qualifications, licenses, or language skills that newcomers should understand?
• How do workplace expectations in this market differ from those you have encountered elsewhere?
• Which professional groups, events, or learning resources would you recommend?

Choose questions that fit the person’s experience. If they have worked in several countries, ask about those experiences; if they have spent their career in one organization, focus on their role and sector. Avoid questions about confidential matters, personal circumstances, or salary unless compensation is directly relevant and the person seems comfortable discussing it. Do not ask, “Can you get me a job?” A more appropriate closing question is, “Is there another kind of person or resource you think would be useful for me to explore?”

How to prepare and guide the conversation

Before the meeting, review the person’s professional background and write down your goals. Prepare a short introduction of your own: who you are, what you are exploring, and why the conversation matters to you. This is context, not a long presentation.

Join on time, especially when coordinating across time zones. If the conversation is online, check your audio and connection beforehand. During the meeting, listen closely, take brief notes with permission, and ask follow-up questions based on what the person says. Avoid interrupting to deliver your own pitch or turning every answer into a request for an introduction.

Keep an eye on the agreed time. Near the end, thank them and ask whether there is one final piece of advice they would emphasize. If the conversation is going well, you can ask whether they are comfortable with a short follow-up later, but respect their answer.

What to do after the conversation

Send a thank-you note within a day or two. Mention one or two specific points you found helpful and, if appropriate, share the action you plan to take. For example: “Your suggestion to speak with local licensing bodies helped me identify the next step in understanding qualification requirements.” This shows that you listened and value the person’s time.

If you promised to send information or follow up after completing a course or project, do so. Otherwise, avoid frequent messages that create an expectation of ongoing support. A brief update after you have acted on their advice can be welcome, but keep it relevant and low-pressure.

Common informational interview mistakes to avoid

• Making a vague request: Explain the topic you want to discuss and why you chose the person.
• Asking for too much time: Start with a short meeting and let the other person offer more time if they wish.
• Arriving unprepared: Research their background and prepare questions that are not easily answered by a quick online search.
• Treating the meeting like a job interview: Focus on learning rather than trying to prove you are the best candidate.
• Failing to follow up: A concise thank-you message is a simple way to close the interaction professionally.

Approached with curiosity and respect, an informational interview can give you clearer direction and a more realistic understanding of a career path. Be specific in your request, ask thoughtful questions, and follow through on what you learn. Even one useful conversation can help you choose a practical next step.

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