Informational Interview Technique
Informational interviews are conversations with people working in roles/industries you're interested in. You ask open questions, listen, and build relationships. Mastery takes 2-3 weeks of practice. You earn 15-25% advantage in career transitions (info interviews reveal job realities, insider paths, hiring managers who might hire you). It's rare because most job seekers skip it (jump to applications) and miss the 'hidden job market' (50% of hires happen through relationships, not job boards).
What is Informational Interview Technique
An informational interview is a structured conversation with someone working in a role or industry you're interested in. You ask open questions about their job, how they got there, what they like/dislike, and what advice they'd give. The goal is insight, relationships, and understanding if a path is right for you, not pitching yourself for a job. It's research, not job hunting. But paradoxically, many job offers come from informational interviews.
📋 Before you start
💰 Salary by region
| Region | Junior | Mid | Senior |
|---|---|---|---|
| USA | $50k | $85k | $130k |
| UK | $30k | $52k | $80k |
| EU | $35k | $60k | $90k |
| CANADA | $48k | $82k | $125k |
🎓 Certifications
🎯 Careers using Informational Interview Technique
⚖ Compare with
❓ FAQ
What's the difference between an informational interview and a job interview?
How do I approach someone I don't know?
What if they offer me a job during the informational interview?
How many informational interviews should I do?
What if the person is too busy to meet?
Should I ask for job leads during the informational interview?
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