Aside from networking, conducting an informational interview is one of the best strategies newcomers can explore.

But what exactly is an informational interview?

Informational interview defined

An informational interview is a casual chat with an industry or company insider to know more about a specific job, industry or company. A common misconception is that it’s a sneaky way to get a job offer. This is wrong. One of the worst things you can do is to ask for a job during an informational interview. This meeting should be a relaxed and informal conversation (usually over coffee) where you, the interviewer asks thoughtful questions to find out if the industry or company you wish to work in is a good fit for you.

Why should you do it?

While it will not directly give you a job, it is better than a job interview because it can:

1. Help you evaluate your career path – Learning more about the interviewee’s on-the-job skills and responsibilities will help you evaluate your own skills and competencies.
2. Give you an insider’s view – Someone who works in the company you’re interested in will be able to tell you what the actual culture is like and how it feels to work there.
3. Help you decide if shifting into a new career is wise – Newcomers looking to change their careers will be able to ask about the viability of the industry and how competitive it is. This information can help them make good plans and decisions.
4. Get your foot in the door – Your interviewee may remember you and recommend you for a position in the company especially if you’ve made a good impression on them. But remember, an informational interview can lead to a job but it’s a bonus, not the goal.

How do you get an informational interview?

The thought of asking someone you don’t know for a favour can be intimidating. Newcomers need to overcome this fear when starting their career in Canada. Just remember: Ask respectfully and keep your intentions honest. People want to help and many like talking about their jobs, especially when they’re successful at it. Having said this, be ready for rejection. Working folks are busy and have limited time to spare. This is why you should ask several people and keep on trying! It will be worth the effort.

Follow these steps to getting an informational interview:

1. List down the companies and job titles you’re interested in – Make a shortlist of companies and job titles that you want to know more about. You can include alternative professions if you are still working on your accreditation or licensing (if you’re in a regulated profession), or if you’re planning on making a career change.
2. Find the right people – People will be more willing to meet if you have a shared connection. This may be a little harder for newcomers, but check if you have an acquaintance or friend who has a connection to someone on your list. You can also try asking a career coach, or someone from an immigrant-serving organization, to help connect you to someone you can interview. You can also try searching and reaching out to professionals on LinkedIn.
3. Go to job fairs – If your dream company is participating in a job fair, this is your chance! Know more about the company by talking to the people manning the booth. You can also ask them to connect you to a contact person if you have questions that they can’t answer.
4. Write the invitation – Make a polished email. Make it short and to the point. Be clear about what you are asking for. Here’s a sample:
    
   Hi Elaine,
   I’m a sales and marketing manager from Manila with 10 years experience. I’m hoping to establish my career in Manitoba, specifically in brand development for insurance products. I’m not looking for a job, but I’m interested in learning more about your field of work and your own experience in the insurance industry. Would you be willing to connect? It would be great if we could meet for coffee at a time and place most convenient for you. What do you think?

   Thanks in advance,
   Len
    
   (Adapted from Yes, you need informational interviews. Here’s how to land them, Bellis, Fast Company).

5. Follow-up – Send a follow-up email or call after a few days to a week if you didn’t receive a response. The best route may be to call or write just to check if they’ve received your request. This will prevent you from sounding like you’re demanding for an answer.

Tips to have a great interview

1. Take the lead – You have to drive the conversation. To start off, introduce yourself and give a brief description about where you are at in your career and why you’re conducting the interview. This will give your interviewee more context and give them an idea about the kind of information that you need.
2. Prepare good questions – Do your research so you don’t waste time asking for information that are easy to find online. Prepare several questions like:
   • What would you say are the most important skills a person in your position should have?
   • What are the types of people do you think would thrive in this field?
   • In my country, the practice of _____ is pervasive which I dislike. What would you say are some of the not-so-great things in your industry/corporate culture? What’s your experience with that?
   • What are the best things for me to do/read/learn to stay current in the field?
   • Do you have suggestions for me about what skills I should focus on developing to increase my chances of getting hired?
3. Make it informal – Do your best to make it a free flowing conversation. Taking notes is good but it can prevent you from fully engaging in the conversation. Listen well, react, and make follow-up questions.
4. Be mindful of their time – Limit your questions. Sometimes three to four questions would be enough in an hour-long meeting. This will allow the interviewee to share detailed answers, anecdotes, and examples.
5. Be grateful – Make sure to thank them for their time. Send an email after the meeting letting them know of specific insights that you most appreciated learning. In the future, inform them about career developments, especially if you are hired in your targeted field. They will surely appreciate this gesture especially since they played a part in your success.

 
Sources: How to ask for an informational interview (and get a “Yes”), Elliot Bell, the muse; Are informational interview questions even useful? Alison Green, the Cut; The truth about informational interviews to land a job, Greg Olsten, Ivy Exec and Yes, you need informational interviews. Here’s how to land them, Rich Bellis, Fast Company. Retrieved January 22, 2020.