According to Wikipedia, an informational interview is a meeting in which a job seeker asks for career and industry advice rather than employment. The job seeker uses the interview to gather information on the field, to find employment leads and expand their professional network. This differs from a job interview because the job seeker asks the questions.

The pressure is off! You can relax and ask the questions you want answered.


An informational interview is a great way to learn exactly what the employer wants and needs and how you can fit into that plan.

But, you aren't totally off the hook. Do research about the person you will be interviewing and the company they represent. Start by sending out requests to the people you want to interview. You still need to dress appropriately and be on time for the interview. You need to be prepared with questions ahead of time:

How did you become interested in this type of work? How did you get your current job and what experience do you have? What are your duties? How long have you worked in the field? What do you like best? Are there any training courses that may benefit me in this field?

While this can be a great networking tool, remember that you are not applying for a position….at least, not yet! Don't ask for a job and don't leave your resume with the person you are interviewing..….this isn't the time for that. You may need to make changes to your current resume after the interview before submitting it to the company. And, before you send out your resume, follow up with a thank you for the information you received.

Informational interviews may help you located those hidden jobs.

Companies may not be advertising, but may be looking. You taking the initiative to go to them in this manner could lead to the job you always wanted.

Please call the PA CareerLink® Somerset County at 814-445-4161 for assistance in your job search.