Yes, even YOU can (and should) do informational interviews
I got this text from a client yesterday: “I did 2 informational interviews today and they were very helpful! ✅✅” I literally said, “Yessss!” out loud when I read it. For this client, like many, this was a big step! A huge band-aid ripped! A sign that they are truly taking the necessary, vulnerable leap towards their next work-life. I promise you success is just around the corner for them.
If you read “The Answer is Not in Your Computer”, you already know that I’m a big proponent of real live conversations and going out into the world to experiment and explore. But the phrase “informational interview” or “informational chat” seems to strike fear in the hearts of every client (and friend) who I’ve advised. So, I decided it deserves its own post with some specific tips.
First off, what is an informational interview? So glad you asked! It’s a chance to gain more qualitative and contextual information about the area of work you’re interested in from someone who is in it. Most often, they are low-pressure and genuine chats (genuine is key). They are NOT a pitch or trick to sell someone on you or your services. Yes, they may turn into a job or project…but only if you *don’t* go in with that intention. Just know, people can feel a car salesman-like approach miles away. These chats can be a phone call, a video call, a coffee, a beer, or whatever mode of connection makes sense that is truly dedicated time for a conversation.
Okay, now that we know what informational interviews are, why are people so afraid of them? These are the common blockers I hear:
Everyone is too busy to talk to me.
Everyone is busy (or at least feels busy, thanks to the internet) but here are two secrets:
People LOVE feeling revered and helpful. I can’t even count the number of people I’ve reached out to for informational interviews who respond with “I’m happy to chat, but not sure I have much to share” who then provide the deepest and most honest insights. They almost always walk away feeling a bit better about their expertise and are happy that they’ve helped someone else in the industry with just a 30-minute chat. This just goes to show, you aren’t necessarily the only one getting something out of the meeting.
Most people are very giving *if you respect their time*. You are definitely asking for a favor here, so respect it as such. Do this by providing options for how to meet that are logistically considerate of them, both in location and timing. For example: “I know you work in the Financial District so we could either meet at [coffeeshop that is two blocks from their office] or do a quick Zoom call if that’s more convenient. I am extremely open on July 22, 23, or 28th or will do my best to move things any other day that fits your schedule.”
AND prepare before you go! You’re leading this conversation so come with questions, ideas to get their feedback on, etc. Know as much as you can about them without being creepy—again, LinkedIn is the best source for what they’re open to people knowing about them, professionally. Feel free to bring a notebook with your questions written out…and to take notes!
I don’t know anyone to talk to.
It is, of course, possible that this is true, especially if you’re interested in a huge leap. But don’t assume. Check first. LinkedIn is magic, search your contacts there. Ask friends if they know anyone you can speak to. And once you speak to one person, ask them if there’s anyone else they think you should meet.
I had a client who assumed this and then went to a trade show related to their new career field and ran into someone from their old career who had made the same transition! They had dinner and he learned SO MUCH from her.
I don’t have my pitch ready or perfected!
Great! This is the exact moment you should be reaching out for informational interviews. You can know very little about which way you’re heading, or have a general idea that you want to refine. Just be honest and vulnerable about your needs. Don’t try to get more out of the conversation than that: information! Approach it with curiosity, be genuinely open to their feedback and insights, and jump in. You can change your questions and types of information you’re looking for based on what you have already learned from other people, who you’re talking to, and where you’re at with your thinking.
I’m scared and/or intimidated by talking to people about this.
That is extremely normal and understandable. You’re doing something uncomfortable and having to admit that you don’t know something to someone you respect and want to learn from!
A few things you can do to combat this:
Start with the people you’re most comfortable with. Make a list of everyone you can think of to speak to and then order them from least to most intimidating. Start with the least intimidating and work up the list from there. You can even start with a friend who doesn’t know much about the industry you’re interested in at all just to practice. Heck, you can start with me! I’m always open to new connections and happy to give whatever insights I can about the area you’re interested in. I swear I’m quite nice.
Prepare! Often what we’re afraid of is the unknown. Remember that you are in charge of this interaction and how successful it is. Do a bit of research on the person, outline the questions you’d like to ask them, and then see if it feels as intimidating as it did before.
Remember, they are people too. They once didn’t know any of the things they’re sharing with you and there are things they don’t know now. It’s okay for you to not know things and admitting your gaps and being eager to learn are signs of a great employee/colleague/collaborator.
I don’t know what to say in my email/LinkedIn message.
Another valid feeling! Let’s give you something to start from.
Here are a few great cold-email tips from Anne Helen Peterson’s Newsletter:
Describe Your Project [new area of work] with Genuine Excitement
Provide Evidence of Passing Familiarity with the Recipient’s Work
Spell Their Name Correctly
Clearly Articulate What We’d Cover in Our Conversation
Give a Reasonable Expectation for When This Could Take Place
Here are two examples I’ve used that you can also use as templates—
Cold email:
Hi [Their Name],
My name is [Your Name], and I'm reaching out because I'm considering/in the process of transitioning into work related to [brief description of industry/field]. I'm really excited about this field and am looking to deepen my understanding of the area. I came across your profile and was impressed by your experience in [their specific area of expertise].
I'd love to ask you a few questions about:
[Specific topic related to their experience]
[Another relevant topic]I know you're based in [their work location], so if you're up for a chat, we could meet at [nearby coffee shop] or hop on a quick Zoom call - whatever works best for you. I'm pretty flexible with my schedule and happy to work around yours.
Please let me know if you'd be open to a brief 15-20 minute conversation in the coming weeks. I'd be incredibly grateful for the opportunity to learn from your experience!
Many thanks for considering,
[Your Name]
More familiar:
Hi [Their Name],
I’m in the process of transitioning into work related to [brief description] and am looking to deepen my understanding of the area. I'd love to ask you questions about [specific topics that clearly relate to them and their experience].
Please let me know if you're up for that, and if so, a few times that would work for you in the coming weeks!
Many thanks,
[your name]
What if they don’t respond to my email?
That’s fine! Truly this is the worst-case scenario: they open the email, see the ask, think “Oof, no way can I do that right now”, close the email, and forget they saw it. I have talked to many people at different levels and stages of their careers and have never heard anyone angry about getting an informational interview request. They may not have time to respond, or an interest in speaking to you, and that’s okay. It’s probably not anything personal. Follow up a few weeks later, but if you don’t hear back, move on.
I have reached out to people and never heard back, then run into them months later at an event and they say “Oh, no! I just realized I got an email from you I never responded to. I’m so sorry!” And I say “I totally understand, and I was able to learn a bit from others in the industry, so don’t worry about it at all.” Let them, and yourself, off the hook. Life happens. It’s okay!
So, who are you going to reach out to for an informational interview this week?
