The Power of Informational Interviews: A Strategy to Learn About a Career

When you’re starting to explore a career path, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. There are so many possible paths. It’s hard to know where to start and what path is right for you. One of the most effective (and low-pressure) ways to explore your options is through an informational interview. 

What is an Informational Interview?

An informational interview is a 20 to 30-minute conversation with a person working in a field that interests you. Unlike a job interview, the goal isn’t to get hired. Instead, it’s an opportunity explore a career path, industry trends, and what daily work looks like. You’re essentially asking for advice and insight, not a job offer.

In coaching my clients in the career exploration process, I have them complete an occupational inventory to identify a variety of possible occupations that would interest them. We explore the occupations together, and they choose their favorites to focus on.  After narrowing choices, the research begins. One of the best ways to understand what it’s like to work in a particular occupation is to speak with someone who is in that occupation with real-world experience. That is where informational interviewing or “career conversations” come in. 

Why Informational Interviews Matter

For young adults and college students (especially if you have ADHD and benefit from concrete, real-world learning), informational interviews can be game-changers. Here’s why:

1. Clarity about career paths – You’ll discover what a role really involves, beyond what you read online.
2. Networking made easy – These conversations build relationships that may later lead to job opportunities.
3. Confidence building – Practicing these conversations makes you more comfortable for future job interviews.
4. Hidden opportunities – Many jobs aren’t advertised publicly. By connecting with insiders, you may hear about roles before they’re posted. Aside from that, you may discover career paths you didn’t know existed. 
5. Personalized advice – You’ll get guidance tailored to your strengths, interests, and challenges.

For young adults with ADHD who are exploring the world of work for the first time, these benefits are compelling. Honest conversations are often more engaging than reading about occupations. 

Six Steps of an Informational Interview 

1. Identify your target field or role
Make a list of careers or industries you’re curious about. You don’t need to have it all figured out—just pick one to start.

2. Find people to talk to
Start with your professors, family friends, and alumni.  Most professionals are open to talking with motivated young people.

3. Reach out with a simple request and ask to schedule a time to meet
Keep your email message or phone conversations short and polite: “I admire your work in [field]. Would you be willing to share 20 minutes of your time to tell me about your career journey?” I assist my clients with scripts and a list of sample questions to get started.

4. Prepare a few questions
Examples:

“What do you enjoy most about your work?”

“What skills are most important in your role?”

“What advice would you give someone starting out?”

Write them down—this helps with focus during the conversation. Bring your resume in case you are asked for it.

5. Conducting the Informational Interview
Arrive early or show up on time, dress appropriately (even for a Zoom call), and keep the conversation within the agreed time frame. Be sure to make eye contact. 

• Restate your objective is to get information and advice, not to ask for a job.
• Give a brief overview of yourself, your education, and your background.
• Be prepared to direct the conversation, but also let it flow naturally.
• Ask if you can contact them again in the future with other questions.
• Ask for the names of other people to contact to gather different perspectives. 

6. Follow Up with a Thank You Note
A short email expressing gratitude goes a long way. It also keeps the door open for future networking.

Final Thoughts

Exploring careers doesn’t have to mean hours of online research or guesswork. Informational interviews bring career exploration to life through honest conversations. For young adults with ADHD, the process is also made more interactive, practical, and motivating.

If you need help keeping yourself on track with better management of your career path, ADHD coaching could be a great next step. 

👉 Consider booking a complimentary introductory meeting with me here. 

Or you can also explore other incredible coaches at The Center for Living Well with ADHD. 

Let’s get acquainted, understand your needs, and explore how ADHD Coaching may help you experience more of the life you are meant to have.