Thinking about leaving academia can feel like stepping into a whole new world—exciting but kinda scary, right? If you’re a PhD student, postdoc, or academic professional thinking about switching to an industry career, you’re not alone. And here’s the good news: the informational interview is your secret weapon to make that transition way smoother. Simply put, it’s a chill chat with someone working in a field or company you’re curious about. It gives you the real scoop—beyond what’s on job listings or career websites.
In this article, we’ll break down what informational interviews are, why you need them, and exactly how to rock yours, whether you’re fresh out of grad school or deep in your academic career. By the end, you’ll have a solid, step-by-step guide to tap into real-world insights and insider knowledge so you can move into your next career with confidence.
Table of Contents
Key Highlights of The Informational Interview
| Topic | Details |
|---|---|
| What is an Informational Interview? | An informal conversation with someone in your target field to gather advice, info, & referrals. |
| Why Use it? | Helps discover career paths, learn industry language, and build crucial professional networks. |
| Typical Duration | 20-30 minutes |
| Core Goals | Gain advice, collect info, and get referrals for further contacts. |
| Preparation Tips | Research company and role, prepare thoughtful open-ended questions. |
| Key Questions to Ask | Role responsibilities, work-life balance, career trajectory, skills needed. |
| Outcome | Insider knowledge, expanded network, clearer career vision. |
Leaving academia can feel like a big leap, but informational interviews make that jump manageable and strategic. By reaching out for real talk with industry pros, you gain advice, insider info, and new contacts that help you navigate the job market with confidence. This simple yet powerful tool turns your uncertainty into opportunity. So gear up, prepare smart, and start those conversations—it’s your secret weapon for a successful career shift.
What Is an Informational Interview?
Alright, so what exactly is this informational interview everyone talks about? Imagine grabbing a coffee or hopping on a Zoom call with someone who’s already doing the job or working in the industry you want to break into. Instead of applying cold or jumping straight into job interviews, you ask them questions about their experience, what their daily work looks like, the skills they swear by, and what the company’s culture is really like.
This isn’t a job interview. You’re not trying to sell yourself just yet. Instead, you’re collecting gold-standard info to help you understand the lay of the land, figure out if the job fits your vibe, and build relationships that might lead to job opportunities down the road.
According to experts at MIT, the goal of informational interviews is to secure AIR: Advice, Information, and Referrals. You ask for strategic career advice, factual info about the industry or role, and recommendations for other contacts who can help you in your journey.
Why Is It a Game-Changer for Leaving Academia?
Leaving academia feels elemental, even identity-shaking. You spent years honing narrow research skills, and now the industry world looks like a whole new playground, maybe even overwhelming. Informational interviews take the scary mystery out of this jump.
Chris Caterine, PhD, a pro on transitioning from academia to industry, says informational interviews are essentially data collection. You learn the ropes by talking directly to insiders, which boosts your confidence and strategic approach. Instead of shooting in the dark, you get the pulse of what companies actually want and how your academic skills map to their needs.
Plus, industry folks love talking about their jobs. It makes for a natural conversation and builds your professional network, crucial if your academic circle can’t help you much in the non-academic job hunt.
Step-by-Step Guide to Nailing Your Informational Interview
Step 1: Research Like a Pro
Knowledge is power. Before you reach out, dig deep into the company, industry trends, and the job role. Know the jargon, competitors, and recent news. This shows you’re serious and avoids those awkward questions you can find answers for on Google.
Use resources like company websites, LinkedIn profiles, and industry news sites. This prep lets you ask smarter questions and makes a killer first impression.
Step 2: Find the Right Person to Talk To
Who to interview? Look for someone currently working in your desired role or field, preferably a few years into their career so they can give you perspective. LinkedIn is gold for this—send a polite, personalized message explaining you’re exploring career options and would love 20-30 minutes to pick their brain. Alumni networks and industry associations are also great.
Step 3: Craft Your Questions
Don’t just wing it. Write down open-ended questions grouped by topic for a smooth flow:
- About the Job and Role: What does a typical day look like? What key skills do you use?
- Company Culture: How would you describe the work environment? What’s work-life balance like?
- Career Path: Where do people in this role usually go next? Any common challenges?
- Advice for Newcomers: What should someone transitioning from academia focus on? Any must-have skills or certifications?
Experts recommend preparing more questions than you think you’ll need because time can fly during the chat.
Step 4: Conduct the Interview — Be Curious, Listen, and Be Grateful
During the interview, start light with how they got their start and transition into your prepared questions. Remember, it’s a conversation, not interrogation. Share your background briefly and goals clearly so they understand your situation.
Take notes, listen carefully, and if anything is unclear, ask for clarification. At the end, ask if they know others you should talk to. That’s how networks grow organically.
Step 5: Follow-up Like a Boss
Always send a thank-you email within 24 hours. Mention a few things you learned and express appreciation. This keeps the relationship warm and might open doors later.
Additional Tips to Maximize Your Informational Interview Success
Tailor Your Story for Industry
When chatting, remember industry folks aren’t always familiar with scholar-speak. Frame your academic experience in terms of transferable skills like project management, data analysis, collaboration, and problem-solving. Highlight how these skills helped you succeed in your research and how they apply to the role you want.
Mind Your Etiquette
Show up on time, dress neatly even for virtual meetings, and keep distractions minimal. Being professional and respectful goes a long way in making a memorable impression.
Use Social Media to Stay Connected
Connect with interviewees on LinkedIn after your conversation, sharing a personalized note to remind them who you are. Occasionally engage with their posts to stay visible in their network.
Practice Active Listening
Don’t just plan your next question while they’re talking. Listen deeply, and respond thoughtfully. People appreciate genuine interest, and you might uncover unexpected insights.
Prepare for Different Outcomes
Not every informational interview will lead directly to a job. Some yield advice, some contacts, some reveal new career angles you hadn’t considered. Keep an open mind and embrace each chat as a step forward.
Real-World Tips for Academia-to-Industry Transition
- Translate Your Skills: Academic skills like critical thinking, data analysis, and problem-solving are golden in industry but need proper framing in resumes and conversations. Highlight what employers care about—results, teamwork, and project management.
- Shift Your Mindset: Industry values collaboration and adaptability. Be open to learning new skills and feedback.
- Patience Is Key: This transition may take time. Use informational interviews regularly to gather insights and expand your circle.
- Use Technology: Platforms like LinkedIn and job search engines tailored for researchers can boost your visibility.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: How long should an informational interview last?
About 20-30 minutes is typical, respecting the other person’s time but enough for a meaningful conversation.
Q2: Do I ask for a job during an informational interview?
Nope! Focus on learning, advice, and connections, not direct job asks. Let opportunities come naturally.
Q3: What if I don’t know anyone in the industry?
Start small—reach out to alumni groups, professional meetups, or online communities. Even cold LinkedIn messages can work.
Q4: Should I record the interview?
Only if you get permission. Otherwise, take good notes.
Q5: How many informational interviews should I do?
Aim for a diverse sample—talk to people in different roles and companies to get broad insights. 5-10 good chats can be a game-changer.
Q6: Can I use informational interviews to explore industries unrelated to my research?
Absolutely! Informational interviews are great to explore a wide range of industries—you might discover paths you hadn’t considered before.
