Quick answer
An informational interview is a short, low-pressure conversation with someone in your target role or company, focused on learning about their experience — not a disguised job application. In Seattle’s dense but somewhat closed tech community, informational interviews are one of the highest-leverage, most underused tools available: a genuine, specific request for 15-20 minutes gets a far higher response rate than a cold job application, and it builds exactly the kind of real relationship that eventually produces referrals.
Informational interviews work because they ask for something small and genuine (someone’s perspective) rather than something large and self-interested (a job) — and most people, including busy Seattle tech professionals, are more willing to give 15 minutes of their story than to vouch for a stranger.
How to ask well
- Reference something specific and genuine about the person’s background or work — not a generic template message.
- Ask for a short, defined amount of time (15-20 minutes), which is a much easier "yes" than an open-ended request.
- Be clear that you are seeking their perspective and experience, not a job or a referral, in the initial ask.
What to actually ask during the conversation
- 1"How did you end up in this role, and what has surprised you about it?"
- 2"What does a typical week actually look like in this role?"
- 3"What would you look for in someone switching into this field from a different background?"
- 4"Is there anyone else you’d suggest I talk to, given what I’m trying to learn?" — a natural way to extend your network without asking for a referral directly.
After the conversation
Send a specific thank-you referencing something particular from the conversation, not a generic note. If it feels natural, staying loosely in touch — sharing a relevant update later — keeps the relationship alive well past the single conversation.
Informational interviews are not a shortcut around doing the work of a job search — they are one of the highest-return ways to spend the networking time you were going to spend anyway.
Where MITS Edge fits
MITS Edge’s live, Pacific-Time cohorts include mentors and instructors already working in the field, giving learners a natural, low-pressure starting point for exactly this kind of conversation.
Build a network you can have these conversations with.
Read the networking guideFrequently asked questions
What is an informational interview?+
A short, low-pressure conversation with someone working in your target role or company, focused on learning about their experience — not asking for a job directly. It is a networking and research tool, not a disguised job application.
How do I ask someone for an informational interview in Seattle?+
A short, specific message referencing something genuine about their background or work, asking for 15-20 minutes to learn about their experience — avoid vague requests to "pick your brain" with no specific focus.
Is it okay to ask for a referral during an informational interview?+
Not directly or early — build a genuine conversation first. If the conversation goes well and a natural opening arises, it is reasonable to ask if they would be willing to refer you, but making that the opening ask undermines the format.
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