Top 5 Informational Interview Tips
by Chaim Shapiro, M.Ed

One of the most popular job search tips is the “Informational Interview.” The idea behind this strategy is that it’s too easy for someone to decline when you ask them for a job. Instead, the argument goes, job seekers should ask to meet a professional for an informational interview to get their advice on how to be successful in their field. Once that professional sees you and how well you present yourself in person, they will be more willing to hire you or recommend to a friend.
Does that strategy really work? I personally don’t believe so, but informational interviews can be valuable for other reasons.
Here are my “Top 5 Informational Interview Tips.”
1) You are NOT fooling anyone. While informational interviews may have been a great trick when they were first introduced, let’s be real. No professional is falling for it anymore. They know exactly what you want when you ask them for an informational interview. Be real and set your expectations and your strategy accordingly.
2) Everything you wanted to know but were afraid to ask. What is the point of an informational interview then? This may be a shock, but how about getting “information” (it IS in the name).
People working in the field know their field better than anyone else. An informational interview is your opportunity to ask real questions about the future of the profession, the skills you will need to be successful and any other questions you may want to ask.
Don’t try to wing it. Come prepared with a list of questions that show you have taken the time to research the field so you can make sure you sound like an expert.
3) Cultivate your network. Even without the strong possibility of finding a job via an informational interview (and to be sure, it does happen on rare occasions), they are still a great way to network. Networking is essential for everyone, but it is even more important for students who are just starting out in their careers.
Anytime you present yourself professionally, you have created a professional contact that may be valuable to you or other parts of your network in the future. View informational interviews as a great way to help you cultivate a new contact.
4) Build your network. I like to say that “birds of a feather flock together.” Most professionals know other professionals in their field. After you conduct your informational interview and present yourself professionally, take the opportunity to ask if they know anyone else you can talk to for similar advice. Frequently, they will be happy to make introductions. When you utilize this strategy effectively, it is a great way to expand your network significantly.
5) Don’t forget to say “thank you.” It is essential that you thank the professional for his/her time. Time is money, and they graciously offered you their time and expertise.
Make sure to send a detailed thank you email within 24 hours that extends your gratitude and neatly summarizes some of the main takeaways you gained from the session. I advise sending a handwritten thank-you letter as well. Very few people still do that. The goal of networking is to be memorable, and professional thank you emails and a personalized letter will help you stand out in a meaningful way.
Chaim Shapiro, M.Ed is Director of the Office for Student Success at Touro College
