The Tech Job Search: The Power of Informational Interviews
Connections are an important aspect of any tech job search. To foster those connections, we strongly encourage students to conduct informational interviews while they learn and begin looking for a new job. We’ve built these interviews into our Pathway Program so students know how to set them up, what to expect, what questions to ask, and more.
In this post, we’ll discuss the basics of informational interviews to get you started, no matter where you are on your tech job journey.
What is an informational interview?
An informational interview is a structured yet informal conversation with someone working in your desired field. These can also be called “networking meetings,” “virtual coffees,” or “coffee meetings.” These are meetings with professionals in the role you aspire to or a hiring manager who recruits for that position.
Unlike a job interview, an informational interview isn’t about securing employment; it’s about learning. You’ll gain insights into career paths, daily responsibilities, industry challenges, and what professionals enjoy (or don’t) about their work. Whether you’re seeking entry-level roles or leadership opportunities, these conversations can be eye-opening and helpful.
Who you interview matters. If you’re exploring a tech career or have recently completed a coding bootcamp, connect with software engineers, designers, or tech industry managers. These interviews can be held in person or virtually, but face-to-face meetings often create stronger connections. Since the professional you’re interviewing is volunteering their time, let them choose a convenient location, whether it’s a coffee shop, office, or library. The key is a focused, distraction-free discussion.
The ultimate goal? Gather information and build genuine connections. Informational interviews help set realistic career expectations and prepare you for formal job interviews by giving you practice in asking direct, insightful questions.
How to Land an Informational Interview
Start by identifying professionals in your desired field. Make a list of at least 20 people working in roles or companies that interest you. Prioritize those in positions you aspire to. Once you have your list, reach out with a personalized message explaining your interest in their career path and requesting a brief conversation.
Preparing for and Conducting the Interview
Respect your interviewee’s time by coming prepared. A well-structured 30-minute conversation can be highly informative if approached correctly.
Before the interview:
- Research the person’s professional background and company. You want to know the basics about what they do and where they work.
- Prepare specific questions about tasks, skills, training, and career progression.
- Focus on what you genuinely want to learn.
During the interview:
- Start with general questions about their background (people love talking about themselves!).
- Transition into career-related topics.
- Keep the focus on insights about the profession.
Etiquette matters:
- Be professional, curious, courteous, and appreciative.
- If meeting at a café, offer to buy their coffee; it’s a small but meaningful gesture.
- Never ask for a job. This meeting is about learning, not job-seeking.
- Offer to help and/or ask if there’s anything you can do to help them. This is a great way to wrap up the information meeting.
Ready to get started?
All of our bootcamps include the Pathway Program, which provides career services to help graduates land their dream jobs. If you’re interested in becoming a software developer, consider learning the tech skills you need alongside career services and guidance on informational interviews, salary negotiations, employer introductions, and much more.