# What is an informational interview? Questions to ask

An informational interview is a short, informal conversation, often about 20 minutes, where you ask someone about their job, career path or industry. It isn't a job interview: you lead it with prepared questions, you don't ask for a job, and you follow up with a thank-you within a day. Good questions ask about their real experience, such as what a typical week looks like or what they wish they'd known earlier.

By the Speaking Coach team at Sodhera Intelligence. Updated 2026-10-22. Source: https://www.orecci.com/speaking-coach/interviews/informational-interview/

## How it differs from a job interview

| | Job interview | Informational interview |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Who asks the questions | The employer | You |
| Purpose | Decide whether to hire you | Help you understand a job, company or field |
| Who set it up | The employer | You asked for it |
| Length | 30–90 minutes | Usually 15–30 minutes |
| What you bring | Answers about yourself | Good questions and a short intro |
| What not to do | Undersell yourself | Ask for a job |

Because you asked for their time, you're also the host. That means you keep time, steer the conversation and end it on schedule.

## Who to ask

Look for people one or two steps ahead of where you want to be, not the most senior person in the industry. They remember your stage and are more likely to say yes. Good sources: former classmates, alumni networks, people your friends know, people who wrote something you found useful.

## How to request it

Keep the request short, specific and easy to say yes to. Example message with made-up details:

> "Hi Dana, I'm finishing a psychology degree and I'm interested in UX research. I saw your talk on testing banking apps with older customers and found it really useful. Would you have 20 minutes in the next few weeks for a call? I'd love to hear how you moved into the field. Happy to fit around your schedule."

What makes it work: who you are in one line, why them specifically, a clear time limit, and no request for a job. If they don't reply, one polite follow-up after a week or so is fine. After that, move on.

## A 20-minute plan

| Time | What happens | What you say |
| --- | --- | --- |
| 0–2 min | Thanks and setup | "Thanks so much for making time. I know you're busy, so I'll keep us to 20 minutes." |
| 2–4 min | Your quick intro | 30 seconds on where you are and what you're exploring |
| 4–15 min | Your questions | Four or five questions, following up on their answers |
| 15–18 min | Advice and people | "Is there anyone else you think I should talk to?" |
| 18–20 min | Close | Thank them, mention one thing that helped, end on time |

Ending on time matters. It shows you respect their time and makes them more willing to help again. If they're enjoying it and want to keep talking, let them decide.

## Your 30-second intro

They'll usually ask about you briefly. Have a short version ready, like a mini [elevator pitch](/speaking-coach/presentations/elevator-pitch/). Example:

> "I'm finishing a psychology degree, and my favourite module was on how people make decisions. I've done two small usability studies for a student project and loved it. I'm trying to work out whether UX research is the right next step, and what the path in looks like."

Then hand it back with your first question.

## Questions to ask

Pick four or five. Prepare more than you need and let the conversation lead.

**About their work**
- "What does a typical week look like for you?"
- "What's the part of your job that people outside the field don't see?"
- "What do you enjoy most, and what drains you?"

**About their path**
- "How did you get into this role?"
- "What do you wish you'd known when you started?"
- "If you were starting again today, what would you do differently?"

**About the field**
- "What skills are most in demand right now?"
- "How do people usually get their first role in this area?"
- "What do you think is changing in the field over the next few years?"

**About next steps**
- "Based on what I've said, what would you do next in my position?"
- "Is there anyone else you'd suggest I speak with?"

## Questions to avoid

- **"Can you get me a job?"** It changes the conversation and puts them on the spot. If there's a role, they'll often mention it.
- **Anything you could find online.** "What does your company do?" suggests you didn't prepare.
- **Salary for them personally.** Ask about ranges in the field instead, if at all.
- **Questions that ask them to criticise their employer.** Ask about challenges in the role instead.

## Following up

1. **Within 24 hours,** send a short thank-you that mentions one specific thing they said.
2. **If they suggested someone,** contact that person and mention who referred you.
3. **A month or two later,** send a brief update: "I took your advice and signed up for the research methods course." People like knowing their help made a difference.

Example thank-you:

> "Thanks again for your time yesterday, Dana. Your point about building a small portfolio of real usability tests, even unpaid ones, was really useful. I'm going to start with the student union's website. I'll let you know how it goes."

## Getting comfortable leading

Many people are nervous because they're used to being the one questioned. Practise your intro and first two questions out loud, and practise a smooth close (see [how to end a conversation](/speaking-coach/small-talk/how-to-end-a-conversation/)). In Speaking Coach you can describe the person you're meeting and the partner plays them, so you can rehearse running the conversation.

## Questions people ask

### How long should an informational interview be?

About 20 minutes is a good default to ask for. Stick to the time you requested unless the other person chooses to keep talking.

### Is it okay to ask for a job in an informational interview?

It's better not to. The point is to learn. If they mention an opening, you can say you're interested and ask how to apply.

### What should I wear to an informational interview?

Business casual is safe for an in-person coffee. For a video call, dress as you would for a casual work meeting.

### Who pays for coffee at an informational interview?

You asked for the meeting, so offer to pay. If they insist, thank them graciously.

### How do I follow up after an informational interview?

Send a thank-you within a day that mentions something specific they said, contact anyone they referred you to, and send a short update later on what you did with their advice.

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