Informational interviews are an incredibly valuable tool in building your professional network and advancing your career. When done right, they can open doors, provide insights, and lay the groundwork for relationships that might just change your trajectory. Here’s how to make the most of these conversations, from prep to follow-up, with some key takeaways to keep top of mind.

Key Takeaways

A successful informational interview can:

• Showcase your professional skills to a stranger or acquaintance in a way that makes them feel comfortable vouching for you.
• Expand your network by introducing you to someone else they know.
• Point you toward new resources, websites, or tools to explore.
• Establish a relationship you can nurture over time—one that might be there for you when you need it most.

Prep: Setting Yourself Up for Success

The first step to a great informational interview is solid preparation. Here’s what to do before you even get on the call:

• Do your research: Look into the person’s company, LinkedIn profile, and any relevant content they’ve shared. Knowing their background will help you ask better questions.
• Be respectful of their time: Request 30 minutes and take the lead on scheduling, adapting to their availability and scheduling preferences as much as possible.
• Plan your questions: Think through what you want to learn and prepare thoughtful questions to guide the conversation.

During: Making a Strong Impression

• Introduce yourself clearly: Share who you are and why you wanted to connect.
  • If you're looking for a job or starting a business, be upfront about your goals big picture
  • Frame the conversation around learning from their experiences and seeking advice rather than asking for jobs or clients
  • Being transparent about your situation helps them tailor their responses, and explicitly stating that you're not asking for a job will help them feel more at ease.
• Ask thoughtful questions: Come ready to lead the conversation with questions like:
  • How did you get to where you are?
  • What’s your favorite part of your job, industry, or team?
  • What challenges do you face in your role?
  • What advice would you give to someone in my position?
  • I noticed you [wrote an article on X/posted X on LinkedIn/shared X on your company’s website]. Could you tell me more about that?
• End with a next step: Ask if there’s anyone else they’d recommend you speak with and whether they’d be willing to make an introduction.