What is an informational interview?

An informational interview is characterized as a meeting that focuses on gathering insights about a specific career or industry from someone who has firsthand experience in that field. This type of interview is typically conducted with professionals who can provide valuable information on their career paths, the skills and qualifications required, industry trends, and potential career opportunities. The goal of this conversation is to help the individual seeking information make informed decisions regarding their own career aspirations and understand the nuances of the field they're interested in.

This differs from other concepts, such as discussions about salary and benefits, which are more transactional and focused on specific job roles, making them less aligned with the purpose of an informational interview. Similarly, casual conversations with friends about job hunting do not usually provide the depth or specificity of information that a formal informational interview would deliver. Lastly, an interview for a specific job position is focused on securing employment rather than obtaining insights or advice about a career. Hence, the correct understanding of an informational interview lies in its emphasis on learning and networking rather than immediate job placement.