WGU Career & Professional Development
Resource Library
Informational Interviews
Informational interviewing is a powerful (and underutilized) career exploration and networking tool that can jump start your career. In an informational interview, you are seeking leads and information regarding an industry, a career path or an employer by talking to people you know or who have been referred to you.
To access LinkedIn Learning videos, please first login with your WGU credentials.
STEP 1 - Understand Informational Interviewing
- Understand the Value of Informational Interviews*
- Learn about Informational vs. Job Interviews (LinkedIn Learning video, 3m 4s)
STEP 2 - Land & Prepare for the Informational Interview
- Land the Informational Interview*
- Prepare for an Informational Interview*
- Use this template to request Informational Interviews through LinkedIn
STEP 3 - Conduct an Effective Informational Interview
- Know the Dos & Don’ts (LinkedIn Learning video, 3m 20s)*
- Impress in an Informational Interview*
- Ask Smart Informational Interview Questions and make sure to take notes on the information gathered!
STEP 4 - Follow Up
- Follow Up After Your Informational Interview*
- Record, Analyze, Evaluate & Improve Results (LinkedIn Learning video, 3m 1s)
- Contact Referrals & Build Your Network (LinkedIn Learning video, 3m 1s)
STEP 5 - Contact Career & Professional Development
As you complete the activities described above, a career advisor is available to answer questions, provide clarification, and offer support. Request an appointment by sending your questions and areas for clarification to careers@wgu.edu and a career advisor will be in touch shortly after your email is received.
*If you have not yet registered with Big Interview:
- Visit the link: https://wgu.biginterview.com/
- Select the GREEN “Register” button in the upper right hand corner
- Enter your WGU email address, First Name, Last Name and Password of your choice
- Select the GREEN “Create My Account” button