Networking · Informational interviews
How to Ask for a 15-Minute Informational Interview
Use a concise context-question-time-box message to request a 15-minute informational interview, prepare useful questions, and follow up professionally.
“Can we connect?” is easy to send and hard to answer. The recipient does not know why you chose them, what you want, or how much time the conversation will take.
A better request contains three parts: context, one specific question, and a small time box. This gives the other person a clear way to say yes without implying that you are asking them to find you a job.
Use the C-Q-15 structure
CareerOneStop recommends agreeing a limited duration for an informational interview and describes an initial conversation of roughly 15 to 30 minutes. Asking for 15 minutes is a respectful starting point.
- Context: explain the relevant link between your goal and their experience.
- Question: name one topic you genuinely want to understand.
- 15: propose a short conversation and make it easy to decline.
A message you can adapt
Hello [Name] — I am a [student/current role] exploring [specific field]. Your move from [relevant detail] to [relevant detail] stood out because I am working through a similar decision. Would you be open to a 15-minute conversation about [one focused topic] in the next two weeks? I understand if your schedule does not allow it.
Personalise the reason, not just the name. A short sentence showing why this person is relevant is more credible than a long paragraph of praise.
Choose questions that reveal the work
Questions should produce insight you cannot get from a job title. Avoid asking the person to repeat their public profile or predict your chances of being hired.
- What surprised you most during your first six months in this kind of role?
- Which skill is hardest to judge from a CV but matters in the work?
- What evidence would help an early-career applicant look credible?
- How does the role differ between the job description and a normal week?
- If you were preparing again, what would you learn or build first?
Prepare without turning it into an interrogation
Read the person's public profile and the company's public information. Prepare three priority questions and two backups, then let the conversation develop. Keep an eye on time and offer to stop at the agreed point.
Your introduction should be brief: current situation, direction, and why you requested this conversation. The guest's experience—not your full biography—is the centre of the call.
Close and follow up
At the end, thank the person and summarise one insight you will act on. A short follow-up within a day is enough. Mention the useful detail rather than sending a generic thank-you template.
If you later use the advice, a concise update can maintain the relationship. Do not convert the follow-up into an immediate referral request.
Common mistakes
Requests fail when they are vague, too long, copied at scale, or secretly ask for a job. They also fail when the sender gives no relevant reason for choosing the recipient.
- Do not attach a resume unless it is requested or clearly relevant.
- Do not ask a list of questions that would require an hour.
- Do not chase repeatedly after no reply.
- Do not imply that a conversation creates an obligation to refer you.
Put the guide to work
Prepare the conversation, not just the message
Organise your career questions, practise a concise introduction, and connect the insight to your next milestone.
Start your career workspaceQuick answers
Frequently asked questions
- How long should an informational interview be?
- A short initial conversation is respectful. CareerOneStop suggests limiting it to an agreed 15 to 30 minutes; asking for 15 minutes gives the recipient a clear, manageable request.
- Should I ask for a job in an informational interview?
- No. Ask for perspective about the work, skills, industry, or career path. Treat any later referral as optional, not as the purpose of the conversation.
- What if the person does not reply?
- Send at most one polite follow-up after a reasonable interval, then move on. A lack of response usually reflects time and priorities, not a verdict on your career.
Editorial standard
Sources and further reading
Sources were reviewed for the PeerPortal editorial research bank on September 8, 2026. Always confirm current employer, application, legal, and immigration details with the responsible official source.