Get your informal interview questions ready

According to a 2020 Jobvite report, employee referrals are the second-most effective source of quality hires, just behind internal candidates. This suggests the importance of networking as a key strategy for job seekers. In this article, we'll explore one of the most underused but effective types of networking: the informational interview. We'll examine the benefits and suggest insightful questions to ask in this informal interview to ensure you get the most from the experience. 

What is an informal interview?

An informal, or informational, interview is exactly what it sounds like: an information-gathering opportunity that doesn't necessarily lead to a job offer, but can be used as a fantastic source of networking and a chance to learn all about a specific role or company. 

Rather than meeting with a hiring manager as part of the selection process for an advertised role, an informal interview is scheduled between yourself and someone who already holds your dream job, or who works at your dream company, regardless of if there's a job opportunity available.

The purpose of this type of interview is threefold:

  1. To find out if the role or company is the right fit for you

  2. To find out how you can work towards securing this particular role

  3. To make new networking connections

What are the benefits of an informal interview?

There are several benefits to be gained from an informal interview. As we mentioned, it's a great source of networking and therefore could lead to potential job offers in the future. There may not be a vacancy at the time of your interview but, if you make the right impression, no doubt you'll be hearing from the company when the next opportunity opens up.

Networking aside, an informal interview is an invaluable chance to ask all the questions you might not get to ask in a typical interview setting with a job offer on the table. It's a chance to figure out if the role is something you actually want to do, or if it just sounds good on paper.

And at the very least, it's good interview practice for when the real thing comes around.

How do you schedule an informal interview?

If you don't have any existing contacts in the industry, it may seem daunting trying to find someone to agree to an informal interview. This is where sites like LinkedIn can help. Search for companies within your target industry and then search their employee lists for job titles that align with your interests.

Send a friendly email to your chosen individuals, with a short description of who you are, what you do, and what you're looking for. You can mention that you're interested in learning more about their company and then ask if they would be interested in meeting with you. You might be surprised by how many people respond.   

What informational interview questions should you ask?

Informational interviews are your chance to learn as much as you can about a role or company. Therefore, you want to go in there prepared. Spend time compiling a list of questions to ask in an informational interview before the meeting. Below are a few questions to get you started.

1. How did you get started in this industry?

This is a great question to get the ball rolling and find out the type of career path that may be available to you. Often, the answer will surprise you.

2. What do you like most about this role?

It's always nice to hear people talk about the things that they enjoy most about their job. But more than that, this question will give you great insight into the potential benefits, rewards, and perks of the job.

3. What do you like least about this role?

With the good comes the bad and it's important to know what you're in for. Even though people won't always be totally honest when it comes to this question, it's worth asking to hear what the answer is.

4. How do you see this role (or industry) changing over the next 5–10 years?

It's important to know if there's a future for you in this role and to learn how the industry might be changing. And who better to hear it from than someone who has first-hand experience?

5. What's the company culture like?

If this company is on your dream list, then make sure you ask about its culture. You could ask about the team structure, office environment, and social atmosphere – anything that will help give you an overview of what it would be like working there.

6. What are the main skills, attributes, and experience involved in this kind of role that I would need to succeed?

This is one of the most useful questions to ask in an informal interview, as it will help you to find out where you stand with your current experience and learn of anything additional that you may need to qualify for the role. By speaking with someone who's already in the role, you might find out that there are certain skills you hadn't thought of that could be major assets.

7. Is there anyone else I should speak to?

Before you leave the interview, be sure to ask for a recommendation for other individuals in the company or industry who can offer support or guidance. This could lead to more networking opportunities and informal interviews down the road.

Expert tip: Always remember to send a thank you note after the interview. It's a simple gesture that will help you to leave a great first impression.

Informational interviews: summary of steps

Your informal interview will only be as good as you make it. If you do your research, show up prepared, and are serious about learning about the role and company, you never know where it could lead. Follow these five steps to conduct a successful informational interview: 

  1. Research the company on LinkedIn to find the names of people you could speak to

  2. Contact them to schedule an interview

  3. Prepare interview questions

  4. Conduct the interview

  5. Send a thank you note

You've learned about the role and company, but what do you know about your CV? Submit yours for a free CV review to get objective feedback and find out how you can improve it to land your next job faster. 

This article was originally written by Rikki Wimmer and has been updated by Jen David.

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