Informational interview

An Informational Interview (also known as an informational conversation, informational meeting, coffee chat, or more generically, networking) is a conversation in which a person seeks insights on a career path, an industry, a company and/or general career advice from someone with experience and knowledge in the areas of interest. Informational interviews are often casual and candid conversations where both parties are focused simply on acquiring and sharing knowledge. They can also be formal if the knowledge seeker is a job seeker and the knowledge provider is a potential employer whose goal is not only to provide information to the job seeker, but also to learn about the job seeker and judge their professional potential and corporate fit.

Knowledge seekers use informational interviews to gather information on an industry and on specific companies where they might want to work, explore career paths, uncover job opportunities, and expand their professional network. Knowledge providers use informational interviews to share their knowledge and expertise and lend a helping hand, expand their professional network and meet potential employees and business partners.

Informational interviews differ from job interviews because the conversation is not about hiring and not about a specific job. The knowledge seeker asks general questions about an industry, company or career path, and the knowledge provider has an opportunity to learn about the knowledge seeker's character and qualifications outside of a formal job interview process. Thus, informational interviews help overcome a problem in recruiting/job-seeking processes, where each side may be hesitant to talk to the other because they are uncertain about whether they might be wasting their time with an unqualified candidate or unsuitable workplace. Informational interviews provide an "non-threatening forum" for discussion as the two sides learn about each other.

The term was coined by Richard Nelson Bolles, author of the best-selling career handbook What Color Is Your Parachute?.

Initiating Informational Interviews

Formal informational interviews can be initiated either by the job seeker or by an employer looking to build a pool of strong candidates. There are many ways for them to find contacts for an informational interview. These include online services dedicated to this purpose, career and social networking, newspaper want ads, job boards, placement services, company websites, trade association and professional meetings, human resource contacts, professors and teachers, job search engines, and professional recruiters.

Etiquette for Informational Interviews Initiated by Job Seeker

When the job seeker initiates the interview, the professional being interviewed is doing a favor by providing information. It is important to be mindful of guidelines of informational interview etiquette, in addition to etiquette for traditional interviews. As for any interview, the potential candidate should learn in advance about the industry, the company and the individual. The time allowed is typically short, often only 15 minutes.

External links

• Occupational Outlook Quarterly, Summer 2002 Informational interviewing: Get the inside scoop on careers by Olivia Crosby