How to Leverage Informational Interviews Effectively

Informational interviews are purposeful conversations where you learn about a role, industry, or company from someone who’s already inside. When done right, they become a fast‑track to new contacts, hidden job openings, and insider knowledge that can dramatically improve your job search. In this guide we’ll walk through why they matter, how to plan and execute them, and how to turn the insights into concrete actions—plus we’ll show you how Resumly’s AI tools can streamline every step.

Why Informational Interviews Matter

According to LinkedIn, 70% of jobs are filled through networking. Informational interviews are the most structured form of networking because they focus on learning, not asking for a job. They help you:

• Validate career choices – Confirm whether a role aligns with your strengths and values.
• Identify hidden opportunities – Many positions are never posted publicly.
• Build credibility – Demonstrating curiosity and preparation signals professionalism.
• Gather actionable intel – Salary ranges, hiring timelines, and skill gaps become clear.

By leveraging these conversations effectively, you turn a simple chat into a strategic career move.

Step‑by‑Step Guide to Planning an Informational Interview

1. Define Your Objective

• What do you want to learn? (e.g., day‑to‑day responsibilities, required certifications, company culture)
• How will this inform your next move? (e.g., update your resume, acquire a new skill, target a specific employer)

2. Identify the Right Person

3. Craft a Concise Outreach Message

Subject: Quick 15‑minute chat about [Role] at [Company]?

Hi [Name],

I’m a [Your Current Role] exploring a transition into [Target Role]. Your experience at [Company] caught my eye, and I’d love to hear about your day‑to‑day work and any advice you have for someone making the switch. Would you have 15 minutes for a brief call next week?

Thank you for considering,

[Your Name]

Keep it under 100 words and personalize each line.

4. Prepare Your Research Checklist

• Company’s latest news (press releases, blog posts)
• The interviewee’s recent projects (look at their LinkedIn activity)
• Industry trends (e.g., emerging tech, regulatory changes)
• Your own elevator pitch (30‑second summary of who you are and what you’re seeking)

5. Schedule and Confirm

Send a calendar invite with a clear agenda:

1. Brief intro (2 min)
2. Core questions (10 min)
3. Closing & next steps (3 min)

Conducting the Interview: Do’s and Don’ts

Do’s

• Start with gratitude – “Thank you for taking time out of your day.”
• Ask open‑ended questions – e.g., “Can you walk me through a typical project cycle?”
• Take notes – Capture key phrases, tools mentioned, and any follow‑up actions.
• Show genuine curiosity – Follow up on interesting points with “What was the biggest challenge you faced when…?”
• Close with a clear ask – “Would you be open to reviewing my resume for feedback?”

Don’ts

• Don’t ask for a job directly – Focus on learning, not selling.
• Avoid yes/no questions – They shut down conversation.
• Don’t dominate the talk – Aim for a 70/30 listener‑speaker ratio.
• Never speak negatively about past employers – It erodes trust.
• Skip the follow‑up – Failing to thank or recap wastes the connection.

Turning Insights into Action

After the call, spend 15 minutes organizing your notes. Then:

1. Update your resume – Highlight the skills or tools the interviewee emphasized. Use Resumly’s AI Resume Builder to quickly re‑format.
2. Fill skill gaps – If a new certification was mentioned, add it to your learning plan.
3. Add a personalized touch – Send a thank‑you email referencing a specific anecdote (e.g., “I appreciated your story about the product launch…”) and attach a one‑page summary of your background.
4. Leverage the connection – Ask if they can introduce you to another colleague or a recruiter.

Leveraging Technology: AI‑Powered Prep with Resumly

Resumly offers several free tools that turn the informational interview process into a data‑driven workflow:

• Interview Practice – Simulate follow‑up questions based on the topics you learned.
• Networking Co‑Pilot – Generates personalized outreach scripts and tracks responses.
• Career Guide – Provides industry‑specific advice that you can reference during the interview.
• ATS Resume Checker – Ensures your updated resume passes applicant tracking systems before you send it to a new contact.

By integrating these tools, you reduce manual effort and increase the likelihood of converting a conversation into a concrete opportunity.

Measuring Success: Metrics & Follow‑Up

Treat each informational interview like a mini‑project. Track:

Review these numbers weekly and adjust your outreach cadence accordingly.

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

FAQs

Q1: How long should an informational interview last?

Aim for 15‑30 minutes. Respect the interviewee’s time and keep the conversation focused.

Q2: Is it okay to ask about salary during an informational interview?

Yes, but frame it as a broader compensation discussion (e.g., “What compensation structures are common for this role?”).

Q3: What if the person I contact doesn’t respond?

Follow up once after 5‑7 days with a brief reminder. If there’s still no reply, move on to another contact.

Q4: Can I use the same set of questions for every interview?

Start with a core list, then customize based on the interviewee’s background and recent company news.

Q5: How do I turn a casual chat into a referral?

After the thank‑you email, ask politely: “If you know of any openings that match my skill set, I’d be grateful for a referral.”

Q6: Should I bring my resume to the interview?

Have a digital copy ready to share if asked, but don’t push it. Use the interview to gather insights first.

Q7: How often should I conduct informational interviews?

Consistency beats intensity. One to two per week keeps your pipeline active without burnout.

Q8: What tools can help me track my contacts?

Resumly’s Application Tracker doubles as a networking log, letting you record dates, notes, and next steps.

Conclusion

How to leverage informational interviews effectively boils down to preparation, purposeful conversation, and systematic follow‑up. By defining clear objectives, researching thoroughly, asking insightful questions, and using AI‑powered tools like Resumly’s interview practice and networking co‑pilot, you transform a simple chat into a strategic career accelerator. Start scheduling those 15‑minute conversations today, and watch your network—and opportunities—grow exponentially.