Transitioning into a new career can feel overwhelming, but one simple tool can make it a lot easier: the informational interview. If you're thinking about switching fields, talking to people who already work in your target industry is one of the smartest moves you can make.
Informational interviews give you firsthand insight into what a job is really like, what skills matter most, and how to position yourself as a strong candidate—even if you don't have direct experience. Plus, they help you build valuable connections that could lead to future job opportunities.
So, how do you set up an informational interview? What are the best questions to ask? And how can you make the most of what you learn? In this article, we break it all down.
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What is an informational interview
An informational interview is a casual, one-on-one conversation with someone in a job or industry you're interested in. The goal isn’t to ask for a job but to learn firsthand what the work is really like, what skills matter most, and what career paths exist. Think of it as a research tool that gives you insights you won’t find in job descriptions or online articles.
Unlike a traditional job interview, there’s no pressure to sell yourself or prove you’re the right fit. Instead, you’re there to ask questions, gather advice, and hear personal experiences. These conversations help you discover industry trends, workplace culture, and even hidden job opportunities you might not have considered.
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Why informational interviews can make your career change easier
“Informational interviews are one of the most effective ways to help someone considering a career change,” says Jenn Smith, a career coach at The Muse.
They give you a clearer picture of what a role or industry is really like—beyond job descriptions and online research. You’ll hear firsthand from professionals about their daily work, the skills they use most, and the realities of the job. This insight can help you determine whether a career path truly aligns with your interests, strengths, and values before making the leap.
These conversations also help you build valuable connections in your target industry. “They help you tap into the hidden job market, where many roles are filled through referrals before being advertised,” Smith says.
Networking is key to career growth, and real conversations with people in the field can lead to mentorship, job leads, and a better understanding of how companies hire.
Plus, informational interviews can boost your confidence, since having candid discussions with people in the field gives you a better sense of what to expect. “They help you practice discussing your career change to see how it resonates with potential employers,” Smith says. By learning how professionals talk about their work and what they look for in candidates, you’ll feel more prepared when it’s time for your own job interviews.
How to connect with the right people for informational interviews
Finding the right people for an informational interview may be challenging at first, but you likely have more connections than you think. You don’t have to know someone directly in your target field—there are plenty of ways to reach out, from tapping into your existing network to connecting with professionals online.
Network
“Start by tapping into your existing network—friends, family, former colleagues, and alums—someone you know may be in or connected to your target career path,” Smith says. Let people know you’re exploring a new field and ask if they can introduce you to someone in the industry, role, or company you’re interested in. A warm introduction through mutual contact can make it much easier to get a positive response.
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Do cold outreach
If you don’t have direct connections, you can send a LinkedIn message asking for an informational interview. “Search for professionals in your desired company, industry, or role, and use filters to narrow it down by department or function,” Smith says.
Even if you’re reaching out cold, you can warm up the connection by engaging with their content first. “Comment thoughtfully, or share their posts—this builds familiarity and makes your outreach more natural,” she says. “When I was a recruiter, I always noticed when someone genuinely engaged with my LinkedIn posts. If they later reached out for an informational interview, I was far more inclined to say yes.”
Leverage industry groups
Beyond LinkedIn, industry groups and online communities can also be great places to find people to connect with. “Immerse yourself in industry-specific groups on Facebook, Slack, or professional forums,” Smith says. “Actively contribute to discussions before requesting a chat.” Engaging in these spaces helps you build credibility and makes it easier to ask for a short conversation with professionals in the field.
How to ask for an informational interview
When you actually reach out to someone to ask for an information interview, a well-written message can make all the difference. The key is to be thoughtful, clear, and according to Smith, respectful of the other person’s time.
Make your message personal
People are much more likely to respond if they feel you’re genuinely interested in their work rather than receiving a generic request. Mention something specific about their career path, an article they wrote, or a project they worked on. A simple line like, “I came across your post on LinkedIn about [topic] and found it really insightful,” can help build a connection and show that you’ve done your research.
Be polite but direct
Be clear about your intentions. Let the person know why you’re reaching out and what you hope to learn.
Keep it short and direct, like, “I’m considering a career change into [industry] and would love to hear about your experience in the field. If you have 20–30 minutes, I’d really appreciate the opportunity to ask a few questions.” This makes it clear you’re not asking for a job, just advice.
It’s also important to make it easy for them to say yes. People are busy, so offer a short time frame and be flexible. You can suggest a phone call, video chat, or even a quick coffee meet-up if they’re local.
Including a line like, “I’m happy to work around your schedule and can meet at a time that’s convenient for you,” shows that you respect their time and are willing to accommodate their availability.
Read this next: How to Ask for an Informational Interview (and Get a “Yes”)
Follow up
If you don’t hear back after a week or so, a polite follow-up can help without feeling pushy. Simply reply to your original message with something like, "I know you’re busy, so I just wanted to follow up in case my message got buried. I’d still love to connect if you have time." If they still don’t respond, don’t take it personally—move on and reach out to someone else. Building connections takes time, and persistence (without pressure) can go a long way.
Read this next: 5 Rules for Effectively Following Up When You Need a Response
Prepare for your informational interview
Preparation is key to making the most of an informational interview. With the right prep, you'll feel more confident and ready to seize the opportunity.
Think about your goals for the conversation
Knowing your goals will help you focus on what’s most important during the conversation. “Are you looking to learn more about a specific role, gain insights into a company's culture, explore potential career paths, or build a relationship that could lead to referrals?” Smith says.
Do your research
Research the person you'll be speaking with. “Check out their LinkedIn profile, review their work history, and see what kind of content they share,” the career coach says. “This will help you understand their background and give you talking points to break the ice.”
Prepare key questions to ask in an informational interview
Having a solid list of questions can help guide your conversation and ensure you get valuable insights for your career transition. You can ask, for example:
- Can you tell me about your career journey and how you ended up in this role?
- What do you wish you had known when you started in this field?
- What are the biggest challenges you face in your role?
- What skills do you think are essential for someone in this position?
- How does someone with my background break into this field?
- What does a typical day look like in your role?
- What do you enjoy most about working in this industry?
- What are some common misconceptions people have about this career?
- How do you see the industry evolving in the next few years?
- What advice would you give to someone looking to transition into this field?
These questions show that you're genuinely interested in learning and are prepared to listen carefully to their insights. By asking open-ended questions, you'll get a better sense of whether this new career path is a good fit for you.
Know what not to ask or say
Avoid any questions that are too self-serving or transactional. For example, don’t ask directly about job openings, salary expectations, or even inquire about the person's salary. These types of questions can make you seem more focused on the benefits to you rather than the value of the conversation itself.
Instead, “think about what you can give,” Smith says. “Leading with a service mindset makes a lasting impression.” For example, you could offer to connect them with someone in your network or express gratitude by following up with a thoughtful note and updating them on your progress. “Gratitude goes a long way in making you memorable,” the career coach says.
What to do during the informational interview
By creating a comfortable atmosphere and actively engaging, you'll get helpful insights about your career change and build a strong connection that could support your transition.
Set the context
A quick introduction helps establish why you’re reaching out and makes the conversation flow more naturally. You’ve probably mentioned it during your first reach-out, but it’s important to remind them.
You don’t need to give your entire career history—just a short explanation like, “I’m currently working in [your current field] but exploring a transition into [new field]. I admire your career path and would love to learn more about your experience in this industry.” This frames the conversation and makes it clear that you're there to learn, not to ask for a job.
Build rapport
A friendly, conversational tone will make the discussion feel more natural and engaging. Express appreciation for their time, ask thoughtful follow-up questions, and be genuinely curious about their insights.
Taking notes can help you remember key points, but don’t let it distract you—jot down highlights rather than transcribing everything. Active listening is key; nod, keep eye contact (if it's a video or in-person chat), and respond to what they’re saying rather than just waiting for your turn to speak.
Make the most of what you learned
Take time to reflect on what you've learned. Assess whether the insights you gathered align with your goals and if the career change still feels right for you. Pay attention to recurring themes or advice from the interviewee that could provide clarity.
Sometimes, the most valuable takeaway may be realizing that a particular role or industry isn't the best fit for you after all. That’s perfectly fine and part of the exploration process. If this happens, consider exploring adjacent fields, connecting with more professionals, or even adjusting your career path slightly. It's all about refining your direction based on real-world insights.
Once you've processed the information, use it to take actionable steps. Tailor your job search based on the new knowledge, whether that means targeting different roles, highlighting specific skills, or seeking further networking opportunities. The insights you gained should also help shape your resume, LinkedIn profile, and interview preparation.
And remember, as you navigate your own career change, consider paying it forward—sharing what you've learned with others in similar situations helps create a network of mutual support, which can be invaluable in any career journey.
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