Informational Interview Email Samples

One of the best ways to find out what an industry, company, or position is really like is to talk with people in careers you are considering. It is also an excellent way to expand your network and prepare for future job searches.

What is an Informational Interview?

An informational interview is a highly focused information gathering session with a networking contact designed to help you choose or refine your career path by giving you the “insider” point of view. No one else can give you a better sense of the real life experiences, the challenges and opportunities, the specific and perhaps hidden demands, as well as the drawbacks and limitations of the career field.

An informational interview can be in-person, over the phone, or via Skype (or another video platform). You should dress professionally and be prepared with a list of questions.

Informational Interview Steps

• Identify someone to interview.
  • Consider family, friends, professors, advisors, alumni, and contacts from LinkedIn already in your network.
  • Get correct spelling and pronunciation of the contact’s name and know their job title or salutation.
  • If you are on co-op, consider conducting one with your supervisor and/or asking him/her for potential leads for informational interviews.
• Contact that person.
  • Reach out to the contact via email (see back of handout for an example).
  • State the reason you are reaching out and how you learned about his/her work.
  • You can request a short (20-30 minute) in-person, phone, or Skype interview.
  • If the meeting is in person, you should go to them.
• Schedule the interview.
  • Prepare yourself to be flexible – consider when it is convenient for them to meet with you.
  • Professionals prefer that you suggest a few dates and times to meet. It takes the work away from them and makes the decision easier.
  • Confirm your appointment.
  • Be sure you agree on a date, time, and format for your meeting. A brief note of confirmation will serve as a helpful reminder to you both.
• Research the individual and career field.
  • Research and read about the career field, the company, and the individual before you meet. This experience should not be a starting point for your career research, but supplement what you have already learned.
  • Your interview should focus on the individual and their experience – it is not a time for you to talk about yourself. Should the interviewee ask, be prepared to share a bit about your experience.
• Prepare a list of relevant questions (and your resume).
  • You are the interviewer – so come prepared. (See back of handout for examples).
  • Bring an up-to-date copy of your resume to share only if the interviewee asks for one.
• Arrive 10-15 minutes early if you are meeting in person, OR make sure 15 minutes ahead that your phone reception/internet connection is properly working.
  • Be ready to go 15 minutes before the interview.
  • Dress in professional clothing equal to or exceeding that person’s place of work.
• Follow up with a thank you.
  • Always follow up with a short note thanking the interviewee for their time. They may be a critical part of your network in the future.
  • NOTE: consider how you will continue to stay in contact in the future.

Don’t Forget To…

• Take control of follow-up. Don’t leave the response open to the individual you have contacted. Let them know when you will reach back out, if you haven’t yet heard from them by the designated time.
• Mirror the behavior of the professional you are interviewing.
• Don’t forget your Elevator Pitch. They will inevitably ask you to tell them about yourself at some point, so be ready with that important information.
• Keep good records of your contacts. Consider keeping a journal or creating a spreadsheet to track the names, contact information, and notes from your interviews. It is also helpful to keep the dates of contact and follow-up.
• Maintain contact with the individuals you interview, but realize that some contacts might not be a good fit for the relationships you are trying to cultivate right now (or perhaps, ever). Label as: forget, hold, keep.
• Connect on LinkedIn. Remember to always send a personalized message with your invitation.

Sample Questions

Sample Email Language

Subject: WIT Student Seeking Industry Knowledge

Dear Mr./Ms. Last Name,

I am a sophomore at Wentworth Institute of Technology studying Interior Design I found you through the WIT Alumni page on LinkedIn. As a sophomore seeking my first co-op, I hope to meet with you to learn more about the field of interior design. I believe you could have valuable advice to share.

I wonder if we might be able to set up a time for a quick 20-30 minute meeting where I could ask you some questions that will help me prepare for the co-op search ahead. We could meet in person, or speak over the phone/on Zoom.

I look forward to hearing from you.

Sincerely,

Your First and Last Name

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