What is an Informal Interview?
Learn how low-pressure coffee chats help you build professional relationships.
Video provided by the Stanford Life Design Lab
An informational interview is a relaxed conversation with a mentor working in a role, industry, or company you want to learn about. In the tech sector, professionals often refer to these as "coffee chats."
It is NOT a Job Interview
During these conversations, you focus entirely on gathering information, seeking advice, and learning about their career journey. Keep the pressure low by leaving your resume behind and treating the meeting as a pure learning opportunity.
The Value of Informal Chats
These conversations offer inside knowledge about the day-to-day realities of a job missing from standard descriptions. Finding out what a role actually involves helps you decide if it fits your goals. Over time, you build relationships with people who might remember you when unposted positions open up.
The "Rooted Warmth" Approach
We encourage a direct, warm approach to these conversations. Focus on the other person's experiences rather than treating the meeting as a transaction. Showing interest in their story builds a strong foundation for a professional relationship.