An informational interview is a short, informal conversation with someone working in a role, company, or industry you’re interested in — held to learn, not to ask for a job. Because there’s no hiring decision on the table, these conversations tend to be more open and genuine than a formal interview, and they’re one of the most effective ways to become known to an employer before a role is ever posted.
Key facts
- An informational interview is a learning conversation, not a job pitch — there’s no hiring expectation attached.
- Informational interviews are commonly cited as converting to a job offer far more often than cold resume applications, since they build a direct relationship with someone at the company.
- They work particularly well in Singapore’s smaller, relationship-driven hiring market, where employers often prefer a known candidate over an unknown applicant.
- A short, respectful outreach message asking for 15–20 minutes is usually enough to start one.
Why Informational Interviews Work
Résumés and job applications are one-way — you’re guessing at what a company wants and hoping your application matches. An informational interview flips that: you’re asking someone who already does the job to tell you directly what it actually involves, what skills matter most, and what the company values in practice.
This matters because a large share of hiring, particularly for niche or senior roles, happens through people who are already known to the employer or referred by someone they trust. An informational interview is one of the most direct ways to become that known quantity, well before a role is ever advertised publicly.
What You Gain from the Conversation
- A clearer picture of the role: what the job actually involves day-to-day, beyond what’s written in a job description.
- Insight into what the company values: the skills, qualities, and experience that actually get people hired and promoted there.
- Sharper self-presentation: practice explaining your own background and strengths in a low-pressure setting.
- A wider professional network: one conversation often leads to an introduction to someone else worth speaking with.
How to Approach an Informational Interview
1. Reach out with a short, specific message
Keep it brief. Explain who you are, why you’re reaching out to them specifically, and what you’re hoping to learn — not that you’re looking for a job.
2. Ask for a small amount of time
15–20 minutes is a reasonable, easy request. It respects the other person’s schedule and makes it simple for them to say yes.
3. Be upfront that you’re not asking for a job
This is what makes the conversation work — it removes the pressure on both sides and usually leads to a far more honest, useful discussion.
4. Focus on listening
Come with a short list of thoughtful questions, but let the conversation breathe. Genuine curiosity is what people remember.
5. Follow up
A short thank-you message after the conversation, and staying in touch periodically, is what turns a single conversation into a lasting professional relationship.
Why This Matters More in Singapore’s Job Market
Singapore’s hiring market is comparatively small and relationship-driven, particularly outside large MNCs. Many employers — especially SMEs and companies hiring for senior or specialised roles — prefer to fill positions with people they already know or who’ve been personally introduced, rather than running a full public search. An informational interview is one of the few low-pressure ways for a job seeker to build that kind of familiarity directly.
This is also where working with a recruitment consultant adds value alongside your own networking — a consultant who already has direct relationships with employers can put your profile forward for roles you’d otherwise never hear about. You can browse current opportunities and register on Celecti’s jobseekers page or get in touch with our team directly.
FAQ
What is an informational interview?
An informational interview is an informal conversation with someone in a role, company, or industry of interest, held to learn about their experience and gain insight — not to ask for a job.
How long should an informational interview be?
15–20 minutes is standard. It’s long enough for a genuine conversation but short enough to be an easy request for a busy professional to say yes to.
Should I bring up job openings during an informational interview?
No. The conversation works best when it’s framed purely around learning and insight. If the other person raises an opportunity themselves, that’s a natural next step — but it shouldn’t be the reason you asked for the conversation.
Can informational interviews really lead to a job?
Yes, indirectly. They’re commonly cited as converting to job opportunities at a notably higher rate than cold applications, because they build a direct relationship with someone inside the company rather than relying on a résumé alone.
How do I find people to speak with?
LinkedIn, alumni networks, former colleagues, and industry events are the most common starting points. A recruitment consultant can also make relevant introductions as part of the placement process.