The Informational Interview Playbook

An informational interview is a 15 to 20-minute conversation with someone in a role, company, or industry you are interested in. It is not a job interview. There is no position on the line, no performance evaluation, and no hiring decision. It is simply a conversation where you learn about someone else's experience and perspective.

This low-stakes format is exactly why informational interviews are so effective. People are far more willing to have a casual conversation about their work than to evaluate a job candidate. The pressure is off for both sides, which leads to more honest, useful information — and frequently leads to professional relationships that produce referrals and introductions down the road.

The outreach message should be brief, specific, and easy to say yes to. State who you are, why you are reaching out to this specific person (not a generic mass message), and what you are hoping to learn. Ask for a specific, short time commitment — 15 to 20 minutes is ideal.

Example:“Hi [Name], I'm a product manager exploring opportunities in fintech and noticed your work at [Company] on [specific project or area]. I'd love to hear about your experience — would you be open to a 15-minute call sometime this week or next?”

Response rates vary, but LinkedIn messages to second-degree connections and alumni typically get 30 to 40% response rates. Cold emails to strangers are lower — around 10 to 15% — but still worthwhile if the person is particularly relevant. Do not take non-responses personally. People are busy. Send a brief follow-up after one week, and if there is no reply, move on.

Prepare five to seven questions and be ready to use only three or four — the conversation may take its own direction. Focus on questions that you cannot answer by reading the company's website or LinkedIn page.

Good questions:“What does a typical week look like in your role?” “What surprised you most about working at [Company]?” “What skills or experience do you think are most important for someone breaking into this space?” “What do you wish you had known before starting this role?”

Avoid:“Can you get me a job?” or “Are there any openings on your team?” These turn the conversation into a job ask, which violates the premise of an informational interview and makes the other person uncomfortable. If they want to refer you, they will offer — do not ask directly in the first conversation.

Send a thank-you message within 24 hours. Reference something specific from the conversation — it shows you were listening and makes the interaction memorable. If they recommended a resource, a person to talk to, or an action to take, follow through and let them know you did.

Stay in touch with a light touch. Share an article related to your conversation a few weeks later. Congratulate them on professional milestones. When an opportunity arises at their company — whether through a public posting or their own mention — you have a warm contact who knows your background and can make an introduction or referral. That connection started with a 15-minute conversation and a thoughtful follow-up.