Informational Interviews
The Power of a Conversation
When you're thinking about making a career change or looking for a new job, where do you start?
You might update your resume, search job postings, or spend time on LinkedIn looking at opportunities. Those are all worthwhile activities, but there's another strategy I encourage my coaching clients to use that I think is often underutilized: informational interviews.
Despite the formal-sounding name, informational interviews are simply conversations with people whose professional experiences you'd like to learn more about. They can help you explore different career paths, learn about organizations and industries, and understand what particular jobs are really like. They can also introduce you to people and opportunities you might never have discovered on your own.
I've experienced their value firsthand during two very different career transitions.
People are often more generous than you expect
When I was considering leaving UCSF to move into the biotech industry, I started asking friends to introduce me to people they knew working in biotech and pharma. I wanted to learn more about the industry, understand the different types of opportunities available, and figure out how my background and experience might translate.
One of those introductions led to an experience I've never forgotten.
When a man I'd never met before heard that I was interviewing for a position at Genentech, he spent 90 minutes coaching me on how to prepare for the interview.
Ninety minutes! Helping someone he'd never even met!
Years later, when I was exploring the possibility of becoming a coach, I reached out to a woman who had left Genentech several years earlier and was now working as a coach herself. Not only did she agree to talk with me, she invited me to her home. We went for a walk on the beach while she told me about her experience, recommended coaching programs and books, and suggested other people I could connect with.
Both experiences have stayed with me, not just because of the valuable information I gained, but because of the generosity of people who had no obligation to help me.
People are often much more willing to share their time, knowledge, and connections than we expect.
But we have to be willing to reach out.
Don't let discomfort hold you back
I know that reaching out to someone you don't know well can feel uncomfortable.
You might worry that they're too busy, that you're imposing on their time, or that they'll wonder why you're contacting them. But think about how you'd feel if someone reached out because they valued your experience and wanted your advice. Chances are, you'd be happy to help if you could.
Of course, not everyone will have the time or interest to meet, and that's okay. You're simply making a request, not creating an obligation. Don't let the possibility of hearing no keep you from discovering what might happen if someone says yes.
Informational interviews can open doors you didn't know existed
One of the biggest benefits of informational interviews, particularly when you're job hunting, is that they help you see beyond the opportunities listed on job boards. Job postings tell you which positions are currently open. But they don't necessarily tell you about emerging opportunities, teams that are growing, or roles that might be a good fit for your skills but have different titles than you'd expect.
Conversations with people working inside organizations can give you a much richer understanding of what's happening in an industry or company. You might learn about a department you didn't know existed, a role you hadn't considered, or a skill that would make you a stronger candidate for the work you're interested in pursuing.
And as you build relationships, people may think of you when relevant opportunities arise. They might introduce you to a hiring manager, recommend another person to speak with, or let you know about a position before it's posted.
The goal of an informational interview isn't to ask someone for a job. It's to build the knowledge and relationships that can help you find the right opportunities.
This is especially valuable when you're making a career transition. If you're moving into a new industry or function, you may not know all the possible roles, how organizations are structured, or how your previous experience might translate.
Talking with people who have firsthand experience can help you connect those dots.
They're valuable even when you're not looking for a job
I also encourage people to think of informational interviews as a tool for ongoing professional growth, not just something to do during a job search. Maybe you're curious about moving into leadership, transitioning to a different function, or exploring a new industry. Perhaps you're generally happy in your current position but want to better understand what opportunities might be available in the future. Or maybe you're feeling ready for something different but aren't quite sure what that looks like yet.
Talking with people whose experiences differ from your own can broaden your perspective and help you make more informed decisions.
Sometimes you'll discover an exciting possibility you hadn't considered. Other times, you'll learn that a role or career path isn't what you imagined. Both are valuable outcomes. And unlike a job interview, there's no pressure to convince someone that you're the right candidate. Your goal is simply to learn.
There's another important benefit: You're building professional relationships, not just gathering information.
Someone you speak with today might become a mentor, colleague, collaborator, or valuable connection years down the road.
You never know where a conversation might lead.
Getting started may be easier than you think
One of the simplest ways to begin is to ask people you already know for introductions.
When I was exploring biotech, I didn't start by sending messages to dozens of strangers. I started by telling friends what I was interested in and asking whether they knew anyone I could talk with. Think about your friends, former colleagues, classmates, and other professional contacts. Who might know someone working in an organization, role, or industry you'd like to learn more about? Let them know what you're exploring and ask whether they'd be willing to make an introduction. You might be surprised by the connections that emerge.
LinkedIn can also be a useful tool for identifying people you'd like to meet, particularly through your second-degree connections. And don't be afraid to reach out directly to someone whose experience interests you. A short, thoughtful message explaining why you'd value a conversation can go a long way.
Once you've connected, remember that the purpose isn't to ask for a job or impress the other person with your qualifications. It's to be curious, listen, and learn from their experience.
One question to always ask at the end of an informational interview is:
"Is there anyone else you would recommend I speak with as I learn more about this field?"
That's how one conversation can lead to another, gradually expanding both your knowledge and your professional network.
And don't forget to follow up afterward. A thoughtful thank-you note, an occasional update, or sharing something relevant to your conversation can help turn a one-time meeting into an ongoing relationship.
Sometimes a conversation is the first step
One of the things I've learned through my own career transitions is that you don't need to have everything figured out before you start talking with people. In fact, those conversations can be an important part of figuring things out. They can challenge your assumptions, introduce you to possibilities you hadn't considered, and help you see how your skills and experiences might translate into something new. And sometimes, they lead to an unexpected act of generosity or an opportunity you couldn't have anticipated.
So, if you're thinking about your next career move, curious about a different professional path, or simply interested in expanding your network, I encourage you to start a conversation.
Who is one person you'd love to learn from? And who do you know who might be able to introduce you?
You might be surprised by where that first conversation leads.
Ready to give informational interviews a try?
I've created a free Informational Interview Guide with practical suggestions for finding people to talk with, preparing thoughtful questions, making the most of your conversations, and following up afterward.
[Download the free Informational Interview Guide]
If you're navigating a career transition or wondering what might be next for you, coaching can help you explore your options and move forward with greater clarity and confidence. [Learn more about working with me.]
