An informational interview is a research conversation, not a covert job application — and candidates who treat it as the latter tend to get less from it. AI can help prepare genuinely useful questions, research the person you are meeting, and structure the conversation so it creates value for both parties. This concept covers how to prepare for informational interviews in a way that builds real relationships.
Informational interview preparation is the strategic process of researching a contact, crafting targeted questions, and planning how to position yourself memorably during a casual career conversation — before any job opening exists. Done well, these conversations convert networking contacts into internal advocates who refer you when roles open.
Most people treat informational interviews as informal chats and waste the opportunity; AI can help you research the person's background, generate insightful questions that signal expertise, and prepare a concise personal pitch that leaves a lasting impression.
Give ChatGPT a contact's LinkedIn summary, their company's recent news, and your target role, then prompt: 'Prepare me for a 20-minute informational interview with this person. Give me five specific, thoughtful questions that demonstrate industry knowledge, a 60-second introduction that positions me as a serious candidate, and two graceful ways to ask if they know of any openings without being pushy.'
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