What’s an information interview and why aren’t you doing it?

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OK, that's quite clever - but how do you actually bag one of these interviews? Would you care to share a typical telephone script?

Nicely brought out post. During the interview questions regarding personal life, life style etc., should be moderate and not to embarrass the interviewee. Thanks.

This is great. I'm in the second week of seeking informational interviews and have my first one today. What a lovely coincidence to see this on my blogfeeds.

As for what to say if you have to cold call a contact instead of going through your network, make sure to emphasize that you are only looking for maybe half an hour of time for informational purposes, to research, NOT for a job. This helps you a little in getting past receptionists and other lines of defense.

In the spirit of the informational interview, look for someone who is currently doing the job that you are interested in, if possible. Don't contact the President when you are likely to be working as an Associate.

If they are too busy, ask if they know someone who would be able to answer your questions.

This isn't related exclusively to informational interviews, but I've had to interview about 10 people in the last three weeks and I would like to add an additional rule: Don't be too early! I've had people show up 20 minutes before a scheduled interview and when I get the call that they're here I have to either make the decision to cut off what I'm currently working on, put off something I would have worked on, or feel like a jerk for 20 minutes while you're waiting in the lobby.

If you're early to the interview, sit in your car or wait outside until it's 5 minutes before the appointment and then go in.

This is a great post, and I’ve done a few of these in the past month or so. I’m in no hurry, so I’m taking my time and have another at the beginning of next week.

As far as initiating the interview, I presented it in the context of “I see xyz job description that you [have some sort of relation to] and I was hoping to schedule 30 minutes or so to discuss more about the specifics of your roles/responsibilities/team/etc.” I found that worked pretty well, and people have been more than happy to oblige.

While in the actually meeting, I’ve essentially described the situation such that “I am here [A]. You lead/are on a team that is here [B]. Can you describe how you (your team) filled in the gaps to make it from A to B? How best would you recommend I acquire the skills to make it to B?” That is essentially what you are there to ask. I’ve found it helpful to describe a little of your past and your interests, and maybe they’ll have suggestions that are completely different than what you walked in there thinking you’d like to learn about. I think the possibilities for these types of “interviews” are endless.

I’ve found that being very honest and open will get you an abundance of information, and maybe even some followup meetings (job offers) in the future. I think it cannot be stressed enough, you’re not there to ask for a job, and I think as long as you’re genuinely conveying that your contacts will be very forthcoming and helpful in how they can help you and what you should do to continue your personal advancement.

I've never heard of this... what a cool concept... makes so much sense...

As for asking for an interview, would it be too far fetched to offer to treat someone to lunch and talk about things there? Seems like the ideal setting to me, and I would consider the interview as them doing you a favor.

I think this a great idea. Even though my company isn't hiring right now, my boss did do an informational meeting with someone last week. And since her door/walls are very thin, I could hear a good portion of the meeting. It sounded like it went well and the young lady learned a lot. I'm going to look into this in the future.

I highly highly recommend doing informational interviews. I decided about 1.5 years ago that I wanted to make a career change from the non profit to the for profit world. I have been doing informational interviews to learn about the other sector, different types of companies and to broaden my network. It paid off--I just got a new job. I have used this technique each time I am seeking a new job.

@Frank: I was thinking that it is probably a good place to do so and treating for the lunch is a good way to thank them for their time

Ahhh, informational interviews, my favorite! I actually have one scheduled with the head of corporate advertising next week! Haha, yes, it's only been two months and I'm already thinking about what else I can move on to in the company.

I miss California and I miss reading your blog! I don't really have internet set up at my semi-new place.

What are your suggestions for using an informational interview at a company at which you have already submitted an application (and not heard anything back from), and so you are interested in also using a weaker network connection (for example, a college alum) to give you greater insight into the company, etc? (With the ulterior, *unstated* motive being that you hope that by talking with the person and never asking for a job you can somehow get noticed better by the hiring manager?) Can you mention that you've already applied but wanted to get this specific person's take on working there to see if it's worth pursuing more aggressively since you haven't received a response from the hiring manager? etc... (yes, *never directly ask for a job*)

Anna, I think you can do anything you feel will be respectful in the interview (even, possibly, letting them know you've applied). I know this is akin to asking for a job, since it may come across as a hint, but since the essence of the NEVER ASK FOR A JOB rule is respect, if you feel that your chemistry with the interviewee will support it, I think you should tell them you've applied.

The fact that you want a job is implied in this kind of interview. If you use respect to show class and sophistication, you may not have to ask for a job. It will make them want to hire you.