Well, not a single thing, anyway. There are at least three different types of informationals. Each is a different animal, with different strategies to get the most benefit from them.
And benefits they have. It’s not unusual for an informational interview to lead to a job interview and an offer. It may not happen the first time nor the tenth, but these conversations are one of the most effective ways to build relationships, learn about opportunities before they’re advertised, and gain referrals that make you stand out.
What are these three different types of informational interviews? I’ll call them the Career Exploration Informational, the Company Insider Conversation and the Hiring Manager Meeting.
In this and the next two posts I’ll explore each type individually, and then in the fourth post I’ll share some crucial tips for success that are common to the three types.
The Career Exploration Informational Interview
This type of interview focuses on the interviewee’s occupation.
If you’re not sure what kind of job you want to do, it’s time for some research. Read up on various occupations online, use AI tools to identify trends, then verify what you’ve learned by talking with people actually doing the work. No online source can replace firsthand experience. Info interviewing isn’t just for students anymore. It’s one of the smartest ways for experienced professionals to explore a career pivot before committing to it.
The best way to build rapport and relationship is to talk in person, with teleconference or the phone being second best.
The discussion is likely to focus on questions like these:
- Why did you decide to enter this field?
- What is your typical day like?
- On which activities do you spend the largest amount of time?
- Is your job typical of this occupation, or unusual?
- What do you like best about what you do?
- What do you like least?
- What advice do you have for me if I decide to enter this career?
- What other resources should I look into?
That last question is especially important! If your contact recommends a website, publication, training program, organization, or—better yet—someone else to talk to, you now have next steps to pursue in your career exploration. Promise to follow up: “Thank you so much! I’ll follow up on your suggestions and let you know how it went.” That way you can continue the relationship with an occasional emailed update, and because you said you would follow up, your contact won’t be surprised. They’ll see you as keeping your promise.
Connecting on LinkedIn can help keep the two of you on each other’s radar screens and provide additional opportunities to interact. Stay active by responding to comments, congratulating contacts on milestones, and engaging with your contact’s posts. Small interactions help keep relationships warm.
In the best case scenario, an ongoing mentoring relationship may develop.
This type of informational interview may be the easiest to get, especially if you’re a student but even if you aren’t. Having an introduction from a mutual acquaintance always helps, or having something in common, such as being fellow alumni. LinkedIn can help you make these connections. If there’s no particular connection, just ask anyway. You’d be surprised how many people will say yes. It’s flattering to be seen as an expert, and many people like to “give back” and make a difference for someone.
Job descriptions tell you what employers want you to hear, but informational interviews tell you what the job is really like. AI can summarize a career, but only someone living it can tell you what it actually feels like.
A Crucial Tip for Requesting Informational Interviews
It’s often easier to get an informational interview if you don’t call it one! The phrase sounds formal, and just too much like work. Instead, call it a “career research conversation”–or just, “a chance to hear your thoughts.”
In the next post, How to Use Info Interviews to Get Hired Faster, we’ll explore the Company Insider Conversation—the kind of informational interview that often uncovers opportunities long before they’re posted online. (This post has been updated in 2026.)
