A job posting can tell you what an employer wants. It may tell you much less about whether you would enjoy the work. Before you invest in another certification or rewrite your resume for a different field, have a conversation with someone who does the job.
An informational interview gives you a chance to test your assumptions. You can leave with a clearer target, better questions, and a practical next step.
What is an informational interview?
UC Berkeley Career Engagement describes it as an informal career conversation, typically lasting 20–30 minutes. The purpose is to understand a field or organization. You are asking someone to share perspective, not to conduct a hiring interview.
That distinction takes some pressure off. You do not need a perfect sales pitch. You do need a clear reason for reaching out and respect for the other person’s time.
Make a small, specific request
Choose one role you want to understand. Look for someone whose current work relates to that role, perhaps through a former coworker, a professional association, or an alumni connection.
Here is an adaptable message:
Hello [Name], I’m exploring a move from [current field] into [target role]. Your experience with [specific area] caught my attention. Would you be open to a 20-minute conversation about the work and what someone entering the field should understand? I’m happy to work around your availability.
Replace the brackets with accurate details. A thoughtful request should show why you chose this person. If they decline or do not respond, respect that and consider another contact.
Seven informational interview questions worth asking
You do not need to work through every question. Pick the three or four that address your biggest uncertainties, then listen for useful follow-ups.
- What work takes up more of your week than people outside the role realize? Compare the answer with the parts of your current work you want to keep or leave behind.
- What does a new person usually misunderstand about this job? This can reveal expectations that a job description leaves unexplained.
- Which skill would you practice first if you were entering the field now? Ask what using that skill looks like in a real task.
- What would help someone from my background demonstrate readiness? Briefly describe relevant experience, then listen for gaps you could investigate.
- How do the responsibilities differ between this role and nearby job titles? The answer may help you refine your search terms.
- What is one difficult part of the work that I should consider before making a change? Explore the tradeoffs as well as the attractive parts.
- What would be a sensible next step for me to learn more? Look for a manageable action, such as reviewing a resource or speaking with someone in a different setting.
Turn the conversation into a decision
Afterward, make three notes: what confirmed your interest, what surprised you, and what still needs checking. One person’s experience is one perspective. Compare it with another conversation and current job postings before treating it as a rule for the whole field.
For example, if someone describes frequent client calls, consider whether that is work you enjoy. If they mention a tool you have never used, investigate whether employers actually require it before paying for training.
CareerOneStop’s military transition guidance also recommends using these conversations to learn about civilian careers and following up with thanks. Veterans can use the same approach to explore how a civilian role differs from a familiar military responsibility.
Connect what you learn to your next application
Once your target is clearer, choose resume examples that show relevant experience you actually have. Our guide to resume accomplishments can help you describe that evidence without inventing results.
Need help bringing your career direction and resume together? Explore Ready To Go Resumes LLC’s career services or start with our online questionnaire. Tell us the role you are considering and where you need support.
