When I ask my coaching clients — lawyers, musicians, and other professionals — to reach out and talk to someone about their job, they often look at me as if I’ve just suggested something radical.

“You mean… just message them and ask about their work?”

Yes. Exactly that.

And yet, this simple act — having a real conversation with someone already doing what you’re curious about — can completely transform how you think about your next career move.

Because the truth is: you can’t plan your next chapter in isolation. You can only design it through learning, exploring, and connecting.

This is where informational interviews come in.

What Is an Informational Interview?

An informational interview is an informal conversation with someone who’s already working in a field, company, or role you’re interested in.
It’s not a job interview — you’re not asking for a job or pitching yourself.
Instead, you’re gathering real-world insights about what the work is like, what skills matter, and what paths people actually take.

Think of it as field research for your career — one that can save you months of guessing and second-guessing.

When you talk to people, you learn what no job description or website can tell you:

• What a typical day really looks like

• How people got started

• What they love (and what they’d rather avoid)

• What makes someone successful in that environment

• What they wish they had known before starting

“But Why Would Anyone Talk to Me?”

This is the most common question I hear.
Many of my clients — from lawyers exploring new paths to musicians considering parallel careers — hesitate because they think they’d be bothering others.

But here’s what happens: once they send that message and meet for coffee or a quick online chat, they come back surprised.

“They were so kind and generous!”
“They shared details I would never have found online.”
“I can’t believe how open people are when you ask sincerely.”

Most professionals love to talk about their work — especially to someone genuinely curious. You’re not asking for a favor; you’re inviting them to share their story.

The Hidden Job Market: Why Talking to People Matters More Than Applying Online

Here’s a truth most people discover too late: the majority of jobs are never posted publicly.
Studies estimate that 60–80% of job opportunities are filled through personal networks, referrals, and informal conversations.

That means if you’re only relying on job boards, you’re seeing a fraction of what’s out there.

By having informational interviews, you’re:

• Building relationships that might later lead to opportunities

• Learning about openings before they’re published

• Discovering organizations that align with your values and skills

• Clarifying what you actually want — and don’t want — in your next role

It’s networking in the most authentic, human way — based on curiosity and mutual respect.

Stories from My Coaching Clients

Over the years, I’ve seen how powerful informational interviews can be.

A lawyer once told me she’d love to work in the art world, maybe even as a curator.
My advice: “Then talk to one.”
She did — and found out how her analytical background could actually be valuable in museum management and fundraising. That one conversation changed how she framed her transferable skills.

Another client, passionate about sports, wanted to work for a major sports organization.
Instead of starting with online applications, we identified people who already worked there. She reached out, asked about their roles, and got insider insight on the structure, culture, and entry paths. A few months later, she was invited to apply for a new role before it was even published.

And one of my musician clients — a brilliant pianist dreaming of an international career — decided to talk to fellow musicians who were already touring.
He learned about the realities of contracts, representation, travel rhythms, and the balance between creativity and logistics. That knowledge helped him design a sustainable strategy for his own growth.

Every one of these conversations became a small step toward a clearer, more intentional career path.

How to Conduct an Informational Interview (Step by Step)

If you’ve never done one, it can feel intimidating.
Here’s a structure that works — inspired by the career services of Ivy League universities and refined through my coaching practice.

1. Identify Who to Talk To

Look for people who are:

• Doing work you’re curious about

• Working at organizations you admire

• A few years ahead of you in a role or industry you want to explore

Start with LinkedIn, alumni networks, or even people your friends know.

2. Reach Out with Respect and Clarity

A short, polite message is enough. Example:

“Hi [Name], I came across your profile and was inspired by your career path in [field]. I’m exploring how to move into this area myself and would love to hear about your experiences if you’re open to a short 20-minute conversation.”

Most people will say yes.

3. Prepare Thoughtful Questions

Here are some examples:

• What led you to this career?

• What does a typical week look like?

• What skills or experiences have helped you most?

• What do you find most challenging or rewarding?

• If you were starting out again, what would you do differently?

4. Listen More Than You Speak

Your goal is not to impress — it’s to learn.
Be curious, take notes, and thank them genuinely for their time.

5. Follow Up and Keep in Touch

Send a short thank-you note after the conversation.
If their advice leads you somewhere interesting, update them — people appreciate seeing the impact of their help.

From Talking to Designing: Turning Conversations into Career Clarity

Informational interviews are not only about collecting data — they are part of a career design process.

In my work with clients, I call this stage prototyping: instead of overthinking, you start experimenting. You test your ideas through real-world actions — like conversations, job shadowing, or small projects.

Each step helps you:

• Clarify what energizes you

• Discover what skills you want to use more

• Understand what kind of work culture fits you best

• Build momentum toward a career that truly fits your purpose

Start Small: One Conversation

If you’re feeling stuck, unsure, or ready for change, start with one conversation.
Find someone doing something that intrigues you and ask about their story.

You might walk away with a new idea, a new contact — or even a new direction.

Every big career change begins with curiosity.
And curiosity begins with asking:

“Could I ask you about what you do?”

That’s how you design your next step — not by waiting for clarity, but by creating it.