Informational Interviews

Reaching out to Potential Contacts

When reaching out to potential contacts, it is important to introduce yourself and explain why you are interested in speaking with them.

Example LinkedIn Request/Email

If you are using LinkedIn, send your potential contact a connection request with a message like:

Hi, (Mr./Ms./Dr. Name)! My name is ________. I was doing research and found your profile. You have the career that I am aspiring towards one day. Would it be okay for me to ask you for some career advice?

If you are sending an email to set up an informational interview, you can write a message like:

Dear (Mr./Ms./Dr. Name),

My name is Name. I am a graduate student at Texas A&M, earning a degree in field/major. I found your contact information through website/referral. I have been considering pursuit of a career in the area of interest and want to learn more about the industry. Would you have a moment to share some advice and insight regarding your organization and the work you do in the industry? Any assistance you can provide will be greatly appreciated.

Thank you for your time!

Best,
Full Name

Setting up the Interview

If your contact responds to your message, you can set up a time, date, and format for the interview. The interview can be conducted in person, over the phone, or through a video chat application such as Zoom. Before the interview, be sure to do your research on the work your contact does and prepare any questions you may have.

Conducting the Interview

During the interview, start by thanking your contact for their time and explaining what interests you about their industry. You should also have a short, well-prepared introduction of your background and interests. Once the introductions are out of the way, focus on asking questions, listening to responses, and learning about the industry and company.

Example Questions to Ask During the Interview

To make the most out of your informational interview, it is important to ask thoughtful questions. Here are some example questions to consider:

• Looking back through your career, what key steps led you to where you are today?
• If you were starting your career today, where would you focus your attention?
• What characteristics/skills make for a good [job title]?
• Where do you see evolving needs or areas of emerging opportunities?
• How would you describe the culture of your organization?
• What can I do to make myself more marketable in your industry?
• What do you like most about working for your company?
• What advice would you share to help someone like me prepare?
• What should I be learning that many students don’t think about?
• Who else should I be talking to?
• Do you know anybody that needs help?

Tips for Conducting a Successful Interview

During the interview, it is important to keep in mind the following tips:

• Avoid asking questions that can be easily found through Google.
• Never argue with the opinions or experiences of your contact.
• Never ask about job openings during an informational interview.
• Respect your contact’s time and perspectives; this is a moment to learn and not sell yourself.
• Take notes and show genuine interest in what your contact has to say.
• Following up after the interview

After the interview, be sure to thank your contact for their time and provide a brief summary of what you learned during the interview. A well thought-out thank-you note can leave a positive impression and help you make a lasting impact. You may even consider mailing a physical handwritten note to show your appreciation.