I love informational interviews! They have probably been the most effective and authentic way through which I learn about various jobs, fellowships, or travel experiences. What better way to get all your nifty gritty or generic questions answered than by someone who is already doing the thing you want to do.

Whether or not I end up applying for a specific program, going on a trip, or taking a specific decisions gaining the unfiltered perspective of someone who knows better than me has been an invaluable part of my career. 

Informational interviews can also a low-level way to really understand the things left unsaid through formal channels. You never know what nuggets of information you might get during a conversation and how that might help you in your decision-making process.

Although informational interviews are unlikely to lead to a direct outcome (enrollment in a program, getting hired on the spot), they can be a helpful way to build strong network connections. Building a network is a delicate process and every interaction matters. Failing to show up, wasting someone’s time, or asking less-than-thoughtful questions are some ways that you can make your interview experience less than perfect.

So to avoid that, here are 5 tips to make sure that you have a great informational interview!

1. Talk to people who interest you – An informational interview is most successful when you have a genuine reason for reaching out to a person. Be honest about your intentions and why you want to talk to them. Did they complete a grad school program you are considering? Have they worked at a company you are considering applying to? Have they lived in a country you are looking to visit? There is no point reaching out to someone in whom you are uninterested. 

2. Do your research to develop great questions – Once you have identified the person you want to talk to, do your research! Google and LinkedIn are your friend! Although you want to leave some space for their story to surprise you, there are some basic details that you should have leading into any discussion. Where did they go to school and at what level? Are they still at the company you are interested in? In what region do they live? What kind of causes do they publicly support?

3. Tailor your questions to this person - Identifying basic information can be a great basis upon which to build your more specific questions. What was it about a certain organization’s culture that made them stay for so many years? Or that made them leave so quickly? What factors were the considering before applying to graduate school? What impact did relocating have on their career? 

4. Respect their time (and yours too) – Double and triple check your calendar to confirm the time, place, and mode of communication. Will you be meeting in person or talking over the phone? Are you located in the same time zone? Try not to cancel but if you must, be sure to send a respectful email with a plan to follow up. Also, be sure to keep the first conversation short and sweet at 15 – 20 minutes.  

5. Follow Up – A thank you for goes a long way! Whether the conversation was successful or left you with more questions than answers, be sure to follow up within 12-24 hours with a note thanking this person for taking the time to talk to you. If there were additional steps to be taken, be sure to include what action you’ve taken towards that. Be gracious and kind – you never know where your paths might cross with this person again!

If you need help creating a plan for informational interviewing, let’s find some time to talk!