A crucial step in career development is researching careers of interest to eliminate unsuitable options and focus on promising paths. With over 22,000 occupational titles in the U.S., start by exploring jobs in a specific field. Investigate required skills, job outlook, salary, and advancement opportunities. The Career and Professional Education Center offers many research tools. Additionally, informational interviews with professionals can provide valuable insights. This approach helps narrow down options and target the most suitable paths.

 

  • Gain insight from professionals in different fields by watching CandidCareer videos.
  • Understand the breadth of what you can do with your major using Careers In...
  • Utilize the primary source of occupational information in the United States, O*Net, and the Occupational Outlook Handbook to find out about salary, growth information, and education requirements.

Informational Interviews help you learn important, real-life details about a career or a company. 

What is an Informational Interview?

 An informational interview is an information conversation with a person who works in a career or at a company that interests you. It’s an opportunity to ask questions about their real-life experience and career path. The focus is on learning information to help you make a career decision, not about getting a job offer.

What are the reasons to conduct an informational interview?

Informational interviews give you a chance to: 

  1. Learn about the work environment, major trends, or current issues in the careers and industries you’d like to work in
  2. Gain more clarity about whether a career or company is right for you
  3. Get advice on ways to build your career or to get into a particular field or company
  4. Meet people who may offer future guidance, contacts, or leads

How do I set up an informational interview? 

Focus and find contacts: Start by identifying the type of job or company you want to learn about, then reach out to people in your network who may have connections in that field or who work at the company. You can also use resources like LinkedIn or CareerShift to find industry contacts and explore professional associations

Make contact. Reach out by phone, email, or message (on LinkedIn or other social media). Begin by introducing yourself and your current situation—whether you’re a student, recent graduate, or exploring a career change. Explain the purpose of your outreach and why you chose to contact them. Request a brief informational interview, offer a few possible dates/times, and close with a thank you. Once they respond, confirm the date, time, and meeting format (in person, phone, or video) and send a calendar invitation. Here’s a sample script:

 "Mrs. Smith, Hello, I’m Sandy Jones. I just finished my bachelor’s degree at SUNY Buffalo State University and am exploring options in the IT industry. Dr. Joe Smith, who teaches at Buffalo State, suggested I speak with you. I would really appreciate the chance to learn from someone who is in this industry.

Do you have time in the next two weeks for a 20-minute informational interview?  I’d like to learn more about your career path, and the IT industry. If that works, would it work to meet by Zoom or Microsoft Teams on Tuesday February 11 between 1-4pm, or any time Friday February 14?  Thank you for considering my request.”

How to conduct an informational interview

After the introduction, reaffirm what you want to learn from them. Respect their time.

  • Be on time and dress professionally
  • Ask questions, listen carefully, and take notes
  • Keep it short (15-30 minutes) 
  • Summarize the next steps before ending
  • Send a thank you note and connect on LinkedIn if appropriate

Sample Informational Interview Questions

What questions should I ask to help a choose a career focus? 

Take the time to develop specific, personalized questions that will help you decide on your career focus.

  1. What is a typical day like in your job?
  2. What skills and experiences are most important in this field?
  3. How did you get started in your career, and what led you here?
  4. What advice would you give someone just starting out?
  5. Who else would you recommend I connect with to learn more?

What can I ask to learn more about a specific company?

  1. What’s the corporate culture here like? 
  2. Which firms do you think are your toughest competitors, and how do they differ from your company? 
  3. How do you normally hire for this occupation? 
  4. What is the average turnover in this type of job?