Informational interviews

Talk with people in the working world to gain a better understanding of an occupation or industry – and build a network of contacts in that field.

Benefits

Informational interviews are one of the most effective networking strategies. By reaching out and talking to people who do work that you're curious about, you can:

  • Learn more about career options you’re interested in
  • Follow up on research from books, articles, courses, etc.
  • Get information specific to you
  • Fast-track the answers to some of your career questions
  • Open the door to opportunities like internships, volunteer roles, summer jobs, part-time work, contracts or paid work experience

Finding people to interview

Leverage your connections at UBC

  • Meet UBC alumni at Arts Career Expo, Beyond the BSc, or other events specific to your major
  • Speak to recruiters at employer information sessions, UBC Career Days and other career fairs
  • The Centre for Student Involvement and Careers has employer directories for specific industries such as science, new media, nonprofits and the public sector

Do your research

  • Business in Vancouver is a weekly newspaper with articles and profiles that feature companies or people at companies in bold type, so they’re easily identifiable. BIV also has an events calendar, which you can find for free online
  • Eluta.ca is the official job search engine of Canada’s top employers
  • Many professional associations have websites with industry information and career-related resources

Get out into the community

  • Reach out on LinkedIn or Twitter
  • Go to lectures or events and participate in discussions
  • Find associations that hold events for professionals

How to ask for an interview

  • Introduce yourself in a few short sentences
  • Explain how you found the person’s contact information
  • Be specific about what you’re looking for; use the words “informational interview” and say how long you want to meet for (e.g., 15-30 minutes)
  • If the person can’t meet with you, ask them to refer you to other people or places to go for more information
  • Offer to provide a resume so the person will know more about you
  • Offer to meet them at their work place or near their work place during business hours to make it convenient for them

Questions to ask

  • What are some tasks or projects you work on?
  • What skills can help you excel in this field?  
  • What would entry-level work in this field look like? How do you advance? What does the typical career path look like? 
  • How would the experience from this kind of job transfer to other related roles?
  • What is the work culture like in your industry?
  • What kinds of people are you in contact with regularly?
  • Who else should I talk to?
  • What resources (like websites, industry associations or organizations) should I look into?
  • What is the most effective way to stay connected to current events and news particular to your industry?
  • Was graduate school necessary to prepare for or advance in this career? If so, which programs do you recommend?

Tips for success

  • Assume that people in the working world are willing to talk to you. You may think people aren’t interested in talking with you, but people will be supportive if you show genuine interest in what they do.

  • Don’t confuse it with a job interview. Be clear with the interviewee – and yourself – that you’re only looking for information. Don’t be afraid to mention skills or experiences that led you to this field, but don’t fish for opportunities.

  • Leave with two ideas to move forward, examples: two people to talk to next, or two organizations to volunteer with, or two websites you hadn’t seen before.

  • Be respectful of their time.

  • Send a thank you note right away!

External resources

Networking topics

Career events

If you have questions

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