Exploring your career options? Informational interviewing is one of the most effective — and underrated — ways to gain insight, build relationships, and take control of your career development.
Here’s what you need to know to get started:
What Is an Informational Interview?
An informational interview is an informal conversation with a professional working in a field you’re interested in.
It’s not a job interview — it’s a learning opportunity.
Typically lasting 20–30 minutes, informational interviews are focused on gaining insights, exploring career paths, and building genuine professional connections. Your goal is to learn, not to ask for a job.
Why Conduct Informational Interviews?
Informational interviews help you:
- Gain firsthand insights into industries, roles, and organizations
- Clarify your career goals and interests
- Build meaningful professional connections
- Get advice from experienced professionals
- Learn about skills, challenges, and industry trends
Informational interviewing is one of the most direct ways to explore careers while expanding your network — both of which are crucial for long-term success.
Questions to Ask
Prepare a few thoughtful questions to guide the conversation, such as:
- Can you describe a typical day in your role?
- What skills are most important for success in your field?
- How did you get started in this career?
- What are some of the biggest challenges you face?
- What advice would you give someone starting out?
- How do you maintain work/life balance in your role?
Approaching the conversation with genuine curiosity — not as a hidden job interview — will make your interaction more meaningful and productive.
Where to Find People to Interview
You can find professionals to connect with through:
- LMU’s alumni network and The Pride platform
- Professional associations and industry events
- Referrals from professors, classmates, or family friends
- Career fairs and employer events
Tip: Start by reaching out to LMU alumni — they often love hearing from current students and are happy to share advice.
Best Practices for Informational Interviews
To make the most of your informational interviews:
- Set Clear Objectives: Know what you hope to learn before the conversation.
- Research Your Interviewee: Understand their background and role.
- Prepare Thoughtful Questions: Come ready with specific topics you’d like to explore.
- Listen Actively: Focus on building a genuine connection.
- Follow Up with Gratitude: Always send a thank-you note within 24 hours.
Remember, informational interviews are about learning and relationship-building — not asking for a job.
Networking Through LinkedIn and The Pride
Informational interviews are also a key part of building your professional network.
Use LinkedIn and The Pride to:
- Expand your network
- Discover potential career paths
- Learn what skills are trending in your industry
- Connect with LMU alumni and industry professionals
Tip: Before reaching out, make sure your LinkedIn profile is updated with your latest experiences, coursework, and career interests.
Your Professional Introduction
When reaching out to potential contacts, craft a short and clear introduction:
- Who You Are: Your name, degree program, and graduation year
- Why You’re Qualified: Highlight your interests, skills, or relevant experiences
- Why You’re Reaching Out: Clearly explain your interest in learning about their role or career path
Example:
“Hello [Name],
My name is [Your Name], and I’m a junior studying [Your Major] at Loyola Marymount University. I’m interested in exploring careers in [Industry], and I would love to learn more about your experiences at [Company/Role]. Would you be open to a brief 20–30 minute informational conversation?”
Next Steps
Ready to put this into practice?
- Set up your Handshake account and schedule a meeting with your career coach: lmu.edu/handshake
- Update your LinkedIn profile and start connecting with classmates, alumni, and professionals
- Explore The Pride to network with LMU alumni: The Pride
For more career resources and upcoming events, visit careers.lmu.edu.
Building your career connections starts with one conversation — and your next one could be the beginning of something great.
