Informational Interviewing
Informational interviewing is a powerful (and underutilized) career exploration and networking tool that can jump-start your career. In an informational interview, you seek leads and information regarding an industry, a career path, or an employer by talking to people you know or who have been referred to you.
These conversations provide valuable firsthand insights that you won’t find in online research, allowing you to ask specific questions and gain advice from experienced professionals. Informational interviews also help expand your network, uncover hidden job opportunities, and build relationships that can lead to mentorship or referrals, making them a crucial step in your career journey.
Networking Impact
According to a survey by the Job Search Institute, 85% of job seekers find their positions through networking, highlighting how personal connections can significantly influence career opportunities.
Job Offers from Informational Interviews
A study published in the Harvard Business Review found that candidates who conducted informational interviews were 27% more likely to receive job offers compared to those who did not engage in this practice.
Career Clarity
Research from CareerBuilder indicates that 70% of professionals felt that informational interviews helped them clarify their career goals and understand industry trends, leading to more informed career decisions.
- Understand the Value of Informational Interviews (WGU Big Interview)
- Learn about Informational vs. Job Interviews (LinkedIn Learning)
Please login with your WGU Credentials to access WGU Big Interview & LinkedIn Learning
Find Contacts: Reach out to people you know—like your instructors, friends, family, colleagues, and peers. You can also connect with WGU alumni, referrals, and employees at target companies.
LinkedIn Alumni Tool
Gain career insights from WGU students and alumni—including data on where they work, what they studied, and their top skills.
- Watch this CPD video to learn more: How to Utilize the LinkedIn Alumni Tool (CPD YouTube, 6:04).
WGU Student & Alumni LinkedIn Group
Join this LinkedIn Group to connect with other WGU students and alumni.
WGU Handshake
Grow your network by connecting with WGU alumni, students, and employer partners.
Review these resources to learn more:
- Messaging Employers in Handshake (Handshake Article).
- Handshake Peer Messaging (Handshake YouTube, 3:05)
Informational Interviewing Help Vids
* Please login with your WGU Credentials to access WGU Big Interview
LinkedIn Email Outreach Template: Use this template to request informational interviews on LinkedIn
Watch
Review
Take a look at the Informational Interview Questions for a list of questions that you can ask.
- Follow Up After Your Informational Interview (Big Interview)
- Record, Analyze, Evaluate & Improve Results (LinkedIn Learning)
- Contact Referrals & Build Your Network (LinkedIn Learning)
