Informational Interviews: What They Are and How to Prepare

Accounting = diverse and vast career paths.

Diverse and vast career paths = exploration to find the right path for you.

Finding the right path for you = informational interviews???

Yup, you heard right. While we’re here to provide a lot of different tools for you to explore all that accounting has to offer, there’s nothing like going straight to the source. Hello, informational interviews.

So, you might be thinking, what exactly is an informational interview? You are not alone, friend. Informational interviews, often used interchangeably with “coffee chats,” are structured conversations between professionals who are looking for information or advice on a particular career, industry, or company, and those who have relevant knowledge and experience in that area.

Now, your next question might be… is this like a job interview? Well… yes and no. Yes, you want to show up prepared and professional like you would at a job interview. No, the primary goal is not to secure a job, but to learn more. More about that field — like what can you do to get ahead, earlier. More about the specific industry they work in — if you want to break into tech or know what specific accounting roles exist within that industry, this is a great way to get the insider scoop. More about that company — get the tea on how to impress the hiring manager. This inside knowledge will allow you to work smarter as you prepare to take the next step on your accounting journey.

Another benefit of informational interviews is that they allow you to build your network of accountants. While the primary goal of informational interviews isn’t to secure a job, that doesn’t mean you can’t secure a referral for a job. By the end of the call, if they're inspired by your thoughtful questions, they might just offer to connect you with the HR department at their company or with an accountant friend they know is hiring. Informational interviews can also put you on your path to find a mentor. If not with them, then with the person they connect you with next. (Pro-tip, try to leave every informational interview with another connection — a simple “Do you know anyone else I can reach out to and get more information on xyz?” will do.)

If you want some ideas on how to set up an informational interview or who to reach out to, come 👉 this way.

If you’re ready to learn what types of questions you can ask, go this way. 👇

Now, let us preface by saying that the type of questions you ask depends on the reason you’re asking them. However, there’s definitely some questions that will be applicable to any informational interview.

Looking to gain insight into the accounting field? Try some of these questions:

• Can you tell me about your background and how you got started in this field?
• What educational and professional experiences have been most beneficial for you?
• What skills are essential for success in this field?
• How do you anticipate the future of this field evolving?
• Are there professional organizations or associations you recommend for someone starting in accounting?
• Do you think there’s any jobs in the accounting field that don’t currently exist right now, but will in the future?

Looking to gain insight into a specific industry? Try some of these questions:

• Can you provide an overview of your experience working as an accountant within _____ industry?
• How did you realize that you wanted to work in this industry?
• Are there specialized career paths within accounting that are unique to ___ industry?
• What are some unique responsibilities that come with practicing accounting in the ____ industry?
• What trends do you anticipate shaping the future of accounting within ____ industry?
• How does the accounting department collaborate with other departments in ____ industry?
• Do you have any recommendations for online resources, electives, or extracurriculars to gain knowledge about this industry?

Looking to gain insight into a specific role? Try some of these questions:

• What does a typical day or week look like in your role?
• What skills are essential for success in this role?
• Do you have any recommendations for online resources, electives, or extracurriculars that you think would help develop these skills?
• What are some of the common challenges you face in this role?
• How does your role interact and collaborate with other departments within your company?

Looking to gain insight into a specific company? Try some of these questions:

• How does this company differ from others in the industry?
• Are there specific attributes or skills that are highly valued within the company?
• How does the company support ongoing learning and skill development?
• What advice would you give on how to stand out in an interview?
• What is the company's approach to work/life balance?
• How would you describe the corporate culture at this company?

These are just a few questions to get your curiosity juices flowing. Don’t feel compelled to use these exact questions. Think about the exact questions YOU have, and go from there. But what we do want to make sure you carry with you is that informational interviews require thought and preparation. While these might have lower stakes than a job interview, first impressions are everything. And you never know, who knows who, or what they’ll be willing to do to help you succeed. You have everything you need to make this opportunity count. The ball is officially in your court!