Informational interviews are often casual and candid conversations where both parties are focused simply on acquiring and sharing knowledge.
Thus, informational interviews help overcome a problem in recruiting/job-seeking processes, where each side may be hesitant to talk to the other because they are uncertain about whether they might be wasting their time with an unqualified candidate or unsuitable workplace.
[2] The term was coined by Richard Nelson Bolles, author of the best-selling career handbook What Color Is Your Parachute?.
[3] Sources of informational interviews include a knowledge seeker's friends and family, school alumni, fellow members of a community, social, non-profit or religious organization, former co-workers, partners and clients, professional acquaintances, and even total strangers, including industry leaders.
Career advisors, coaches, teachers and recruiters can help connect knowledge seekers to other sources.