Informational Interview with a Consultant: How to Secure One

Breaking into the consulting world can be challenging, but one of the most powerful tools at your disposal is the informational interview. Whether you're just starting out or looking to make a career shift, connecting with industry professionals through an informational interview can provide invaluable insights that will guide your path. It’s all about learning from those who’ve been there, building your network, and opening up potential career doors that might not be immediately visible.

In this article, we’ll walk through how to successfully secure an informational interview with a consultant, how to prepare for it, and how to make the most of the experience. By the end, you’ll be ready to confidently reach out to professionals, get meaningful advice, and expand your career prospects.

Introduction to Informational Interviews

An informational interview is a casual yet powerful conversation with someone in your field of interest. The goal isn’t to ask for a job, but rather to learn from their experiences, understand their role better, and gather advice that can help you make more informed career decisions. Think of it as a way to get the inside scoop on the consulting world, without the pressure of a formal job interview.

For those of you looking to break into consulting, these conversations are priceless. They give you a chance to learn from people who are already where you want to be. Plus, you’ll gain a deeper understanding of what the job actually entails, the challenges you’ll face, and what skills and qualities consulting firms value most in candidates.

Key Benefits of Informational Interviews

Gaining Industry Knowledge: During an informational interview, you can dive deep into the consulting industry. You’ll learn about the latest trends, challenges, and what’s happening inside firms. This information will help you get a clearer picture of the industry and better prepare yourself for a successful career.
Expanding Your Network: Networking is everything in consulting, and informational interviews are one of the easiest ways to expand your professional circle. You’ll connect with experienced consultants who can offer guidance and even introduce you to others in the field—potentially opening doors to new opportunities.
Opening Career Doors: While you're not asking for a job directly, you’d be surprised how often an informational interview can lead to career opportunities. Building rapport with professionals can sometimes open doors to internships, job openings, or mentorship programs that you wouldn’t have found otherwise.

In short, an informational interview is an opportunity to not only gain insights but to build relationships that could shape the future of your consulting career. Now that you know why they’re so important, let’s take a look at how to identify the right consultants to approach for your first interview.

Identifying Potential Consultants

Once you’re convinced of the value of informational interviews, the next step is finding the right consultants to reach out to. It might feel daunting at first, but there are plenty of effective ways to connect with consultants who can offer valuable insights. Whether it’s through LinkedIn, your alumni network, industry events, or even personal connections, there are many paths to find the right people. Let’s break it down.

Leveraging LinkedIn

LinkedIn is one of the best tools for finding consultants, and it’s super easy to use when you know how. Here’s how you can make the most of it:

Search by Role and Firm: Start by looking for consultants who work at the firms you’re interested in. You can filter by job titles or industries, so you’re talking to people who are doing the kind of work that excites you.
Tap into Alumni Connections: LinkedIn’s alumni search is a goldmine. You’d be surprised how many people are willing to help a fellow graduate. Search for alumni from your school who are in consulting roles and reach out—they’ll likely be open to offering advice.
Join Groups and Engage: LinkedIn has groups for almost every industry, including consulting. By joining these groups, you can connect with professionals who are already engaging in the community. They’re often more open to answering questions or offering advice.

Tapping Into Alumni Networks

Your school’s alumni network is a powerful (and often underused) resource for finding consultants. Alumni love helping out fellow grads, so don’t hesitate to leverage this connection. Here’s how:

Search Alumni Directories: Many universities have online alumni platforms that allow you to filter by industry or role. You can use this to find alumni who are currently working in consulting and might be willing to chat.
Attend Alumni Events: Many schools host virtual or in-person alumni networking events. These are fantastic opportunities to meet consultants in a more casual, low-pressure setting.

Attending Industry Events and Conferences

Industry events, conferences, and webinars are excellent for meeting consultants. These are spaces where professionals gather to stay up-to-date with trends, and they’re often eager to share their experiences with others. Here’s how to maximize your time at these events:

Take Advantage of Networking Sessions: Most events include networking sessions where you can meet and chat with consultants. These are prime opportunities to introduce yourself, express your interest in learning more about consulting, and ask if they’d be open to an informational interview.
Ask for Referrals: If you meet someone who can’t offer a meeting, don’t be afraid to ask if they know anyone else in the field who might be open to sharing advice. Building your network through referrals is one of the best ways to keep the momentum going.

Using Personal Connections

Sometimes, the best consultants are closer than you think—right within your own personal network. Whether through friends, family, or colleagues, you may already have access to someone in the consulting world, or at least someone who knows someone who does. Here’s how to approach it:

Ask Around: Let people in your personal network know you’re interested in speaking with consultants. Even if they don’t work in consulting themselves, they might know someone who does and could make an introduction.
Leverage Social Circles: If you’ve made connections with consultants on social media or met them through previous events, don’t hesitate to reach out and ask for further connections. It’s often easier to expand your network through people you already know.

Choosing the Right Consultants for Your Interview

Now that you’ve got a few potential consultants in mind, it’s time to be strategic about who you reach out to. You want to make sure you’re connecting with professionals who can offer the most value. Here are some tips for choosing the right consultants:

Focus on Relevant Experience: Look for consultants whose experience aligns with your career goals. Whether they work in a particular consulting firm or specialize in a specific area, their insights will be most useful if they’re directly relevant to what you’re interested in.
Target Your Dream Firms: If you’re hoping to work for a particular firm, try to connect with consultants from those companies. Their perspective on firm culture, the hiring process, and what it’s really like to work there will be invaluable.
Diversify Your Connections: It’s helpful to connect with a range of consultants. Different firms, industries, and specializations will give you a broader view of the field and a better understanding of the various opportunities available.

By using LinkedIn, alumni networks, industry events, and personal connections, you’ll be able to find consultants who are willing to share their experiences and offer valuable career advice. Once you’ve identified the right people, the next step is to craft an outreach message that gets noticed. Let’s explore how to do that in the next section.

Crafting an Effective Outreach Message

Once you’ve identified the consultants you want to connect with, the next step is crafting the perfect outreach message. This is your chance to make a strong first impression, so it’s important to keep it respectful, clear, and to the point. Here's how to do it right:

Keep It Short and Sweet

Consultants are busy, so respect their time by keeping your message concise. Here’s a simple structure you can follow:

Subject Line: Be direct and clear, like "Seeking Career Advice from a Fellow Consultant" or "Interested in Learning About Your Experience at [Firm Name]."
Intro: Start with a brief introduction—who you are and what you’re reaching out for. If you have a shared connection, mention it here.
State Your Intent: Be upfront about why you’re reaching out. For example, "I’m exploring a career in consulting and would love to hear about your experience at [Firm Name]." Make sure to clarify that you’re not asking for a job, but for career advice.

Personalize Your Message

Nobody likes a generic message, so take a minute to personalize your outreach. This shows you’ve done your homework and are genuinely interested in them, not just looking for a quick favor.

Mention Their Experience: If you’re reaching out to someone at a firm you’re interested in, mention that. For example, "I’ve been following [Firm Name] for a while, and your work in [specific area] really caught my attention."
Find Common Ground: If you share something in common—like attending the same university or working in a related field—mention it! People love connecting over shared experiences.

Be Polite and Humble

Remember, you’re asking for their time and insights, so always be polite and respectful. You want to make it clear that you understand they’re busy, and you appreciate their time.

Here’s an example of how to strike the right tone:

"Hi [Consultant’s Name],
My name is [Your Name], and I’m currently exploring a career in consulting. I’ve been following your work at [Firm Name], and I’m really impressed with your focus on [specific area].
I’d love to learn more about your journey and get your advice on pursuing a career in consulting. If you have 15 minutes to spare, I would greatly appreciate the chance to hear your thoughts.
Thank you for considering my request!
Best regards,
[Your Name]"

This message is short, polite, and to the point, while also showing that you’ve taken the time to learn a bit about their work.

Be Specific About Your Request

Instead of asking for a general meeting, be clear about the time you’re requesting. A brief 15-minute chat is usually more likely to get a positive response because it feels manageable for busy professionals.

Follow Up (Politely)

If you don’t hear back within a week or so, it’s perfectly fine to send a polite follow-up message. Just keep it short and friendly, acknowledging that they may be busy.

For example:

"Hi [Consultant’s Name],
I hope you’re doing well! I wanted to follow up on my previous message regarding a brief chat about your experience at [Firm Name]. If you’re available, I’d be grateful for the opportunity to learn from you.
Thanks again for your time, and I hope to connect soon!
Best regards,
[Your Name]"

Being courteous and understanding goes a long way in building professional relationships.

Avoid Asking for a Job

Lastly, remember that your outreach message should be focused on building a connection and gathering advice—not on asking for a job. Consultants are more likely to respond when they see that you genuinely want to learn from their experience, rather than just asking for employment. Keep the conversation focused on insights and guidance, and don’t rush into job requests.

In summary, your outreach message should be clear, polite, and specific, while also personalizing it to show you’ve done your research. The goal is to make a positive impression and open the door for a meaningful conversation. Now that you’ve crafted your message, the next step is to get ready for the informational interview itself. Let’s dive into how to make the most of that conversation.

Preparing for the Informational Interview

Now that you’ve secured an informational interview, it’s time to get ready for a conversation that can help shape your career. The more prepared you are, the better you can engage with the consultant and make the most out of this opportunity. Here’s how you can get yourself ready:

Research the Consultant’s Career Background and Current Role

Before the interview, take some time to look into the consultant’s career and current role. This helps you ask more targeted questions and shows that you’ve done your homework.

Check LinkedIn and Online Profiles: Review their LinkedIn profile to understand their career path, job roles, and areas of expertise. This will give you insights into their professional journey, so you can ask questions that are relevant to their experience.
Get to Know Their Firm: Take a look at the company’s website to learn more about the firm’s mission, projects, and culture. The more you know about their workplace, the more engaged your questions will be.
Find Common Ground: If you notice any similarities between their background and your own—like attending the same university or working in a similar field—mention it during the interview. This can help break the ice and make the conversation feel more personal.

Prepare Thoughtful, Open-Ended Questions

The goal of your informational interview is to learn, and the right questions will lead to a more insightful conversation. Open-ended questions encourage the consultant to share their experiences and advice in more detail. Here are some examples of questions to ask:

About Their Career Path:
"What initially drew you to consulting, and how did you end up at [Firm Name]?"
"Looking back, what’s been a pivotal moment in your career?"
About Their Current Role:
"What does a typical day look like for you at [Firm Name]? What do you enjoy most about your role?"
"What skills have you found to be most important in your day-to-day work?"
About Consulting as an Industry:
"What do you think are the biggest challenges facing the consulting industry today?"
"How do you see the consulting industry evolving in the next few years?"
Advice for Newcomers:
"What advice would you give someone just starting out in consulting?"
"How can someone develop the skills necessary to succeed in consulting?"

These questions help you get a clearer picture of the consultant’s experience and gain valuable insights into the industry.

Tailor Your Questions to Your Own Goals

If you’re particularly interested in a certain area of consulting, like strategy or management, make sure your questions reflect that. This shows that you’ve thought carefully about where you want your career to go and how it aligns with their experience. For example:

For strategy consulting:
"How do you approach problem-solving in strategy consulting? What tools or frameworks do you use?"
For management consulting:
"What are the biggest challenges you face managing client relationships, and how do you handle them?"

Practice Your Pitch

Although you’re there to learn, an informational interview is also a great chance to practice talking about yourself and your goals. Keep your introduction brief—just a few sentences that explain who you are, why you're interested in consulting, and what you hope to achieve. A solid pitch will help you confidently guide the conversation and set a positive tone.

Be Ready to Share Your Own Goals

As the conversation unfolds, the consultant may ask about your career aspirations. Be prepared to share what interests you about consulting, what areas you’re passionate about, and where you hope to go in the field. This helps the consultant offer advice that is specific to your goals.

By researching the consultant’s background and preparing thoughtful, open-ended questions, you’ll be ready to dive into a meaningful conversation. The more you prepare, the more you’ll gain from the interview. Now that you're set for the conversation, let's look at how to make the most of your informational interview and leave a lasting impression.

Conducting the Informational Interview

Now that you’ve done your research and prepared your questions, it’s time for the most important part: the informational interview itself. This is your chance to connect with the consultant and learn from their experiences, so it’s essential to make the conversation feel natural and productive. Here’s how to get the most out of your interview:

Maintain a Balanced Conversation

A great informational interview is a conversation, not an interrogation. While it’s important to ask insightful questions, it’s equally important to listen actively and respond thoughtfully. This will keep the conversation flowing and help you build rapport with the consultant.

Ask Open-Ended Questions: The goal is to get the consultant to share their insights, so ask questions that encourage them to elaborate. For example, instead of asking, “Do you like your job?” try “What do you enjoy most about your role at [Firm Name]?” This invites them to tell you more about what excites them.
Listen Actively: Pay close attention to their answers and ask follow-up questions based on what they say. For example, if they talk about a challenging project, ask, “How did you tackle that challenge?” This shows you’re engaged and interested in learning more.
Avoid Interrupting: Let the consultant finish their thoughts before you jump in. It’s important to respect their time and allow them to share their full perspective.

Focus on Key Topics

While the conversation may flow in different directions, there are a few topics you’ll want to cover to get the most out of the interview. Here are some key areas to focus on:

Career Path:
Ask about how they got started in consulting and what their journey has looked like. This will give you insight into the steps you might take to break into the field.
- Example question: “What made you want to get into consulting, and how did you end up at [Firm Name]?”
Day-to-Day of Consulting:
Understanding the daily responsibilities of a consultant is crucial for setting realistic expectations. Ask about what a typical day looks like for them and how they manage their workload.
- Example question: “What does a typical day at [Firm Name] look like for you? How do you manage the different projects and clients?”
Skills for Success:
Consulting requires a unique skill set, so find out what skills have been most important for their success. This will help you understand what qualities to develop in yourself.
- Example question: “What skills have been most important for your success in consulting, and how did you develop them?”
Firm Culture:
The culture of a consulting firm can greatly impact your job satisfaction. Ask about the company’s culture and values to see if it aligns with your own goals.
- Example question: “How would you describe the culture at [Firm Name]? What’s important to the firm’s success?”
Challenges in Consulting:
Every job comes with its challenges, and consulting is no exception. By asking about the obstacles they face, you’ll get a realistic picture of what to expect.
- Example question: “What are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced in your consulting career, and how did you overcome them?”

Share Your Goals Briefly

While the focus is on learning from the consultant, this is also a great opportunity to share your own career aspirations. Keep it brief and relevant to the conversation, explaining why you’re interested in consulting and what you hope to achieve in the field. This helps the consultant understand your goals and gives context to their advice.

Tie It to Their Insights: As they share their experience, relate it to your own goals. For example, if they mention the importance of strong problem-solving skills, you can talk about how you’re working on developing those skills through coursework or personal projects.

Be Mindful of Time

Consultants are busy professionals, so it’s essential to respect the time you’ve been given. Keep track of the time and stick to the agreed-upon duration, usually 15 to 30 minutes. If the conversation is going well and the consultant is open to continuing, that’s great, but always be aware of their schedule.

By maintaining a balanced conversation, focusing on key topics, and being mindful of the consultant’s time, you’ll create a productive and enjoyable interview. With the insights you gain, you’ll be better prepared for your next steps in consulting. Let’s explore how to follow up and keep the relationship going after the interview.

Post-Interview Etiquette

After your informational interview, one of the most important things you can do is follow up. A thoughtful thank-you message not only shows appreciation for the consultant’s time but also helps establish a professional relationship that could benefit you in the future. Here’s how to handle post-interview etiquette:

Send a Personalized Thank-You Message

A thank-you note is essential, and it doesn’t have to be complicated. It’s a simple way to express gratitude and show that you value the consultant’s insights. Here’s how to make it count:

Send It Quickly: Aim to send your thank-you note within 24 hours to show promptness and respect for their time.
Be Specific: Mention something from the conversation that was particularly helpful or insightful. For example, if they shared advice on navigating the consulting industry, make sure to mention how that advice resonated with you.
Be Genuine: Keep the tone sincere and appreciative. Acknowledge the time they spent with you and how valuable their insights were as you move forward in your career.

Here’s an example of what you might write:

Subject: Thank You for Your Time

Hi [Consultant’s Name],

Thank you so much for taking the time to speak with me today. I really appreciated learning about your experience at [Firm Name], especially the insights you shared about [specific topic]. Your advice on [specific piece of advice] will be incredibly helpful as I continue exploring my career in consulting.

I look forward to staying in touch and hope to connect again in the future.

Best regards,
[Your Name]

Reflect on the Interview

After the interview, take some time to reflect on the conversation. This helps you solidify what you’ve learned and think about how to apply that knowledge moving forward.

What Did You Learn?: Consider the key takeaways from the conversation. What did you learn about consulting, the consultant’s career journey, or specific skills needed for success?
How Can You Apply It?: Think about how you can take their advice and apply it to your career goals. Whether it’s honing certain skills, learning more about the firm, or adjusting your career strategy, reflecting on the interview helps you take actionable steps.
What Questions Remain?: If there are any lingering questions or areas you want to explore further, make a note of them for follow-up conversations or future informational interviews.

Maintain the Relationship for Future Opportunities

Sending a thank-you note is just the first step. To keep the connection alive and meaningful, stay engaged with the consultant over time. Here’s how:

Keep in Touch: Every few months, check in to update them on your progress. Share what you’ve been working on or any new insights you’ve gained. For example:
“Hi [Consultant’s Name], I hope you’re doing well! I wanted to update you on my progress with [specific project/skill]. I’d love to hear any additional advice you might have on further developing in this area.”
Offer Value: If you come across something they might find interesting—whether it’s an article, event, or opportunity—don’t hesitate to share it. This helps you provide value without asking for anything in return, strengthening the relationship.
Be Authentic: Keep your interactions professional, but also authentic. Make sure the relationship is based on mutual respect and interest, not just when you need something.

By following up with a personalized thank-you note, reflecting on the conversation, and staying connected, you’ll build a relationship that could open doors to future opportunities, mentorship, or even job referrals down the line.

Leveraging the Interview for Networking and Opportunities

Now that your informational interview is complete, it’s time to leverage the connections you've made. This is where you can start building a broader network and open doors to even more opportunities in the consulting field. Here’s how to make the most of the relationships you’ve started:

Ask for Referrals and Introductions

Don’t let your new connection be a one-time conversation. Your interview can serve as a stepping stone to meeting other professionals in the field.

Request Referrals: As the interview winds down, ask if the consultant is open to connecting you with others in the field. You could say something like, “I’ve really enjoyed hearing about your experience. Would you be open to connecting me with others in your network who might be willing to share more insights?”
Request Introductions: If they’ve mentioned colleagues or peers, politely ask for introductions. For instance, “You mentioned [Colleague’s Name] earlier—would you be comfortable introducing me? I’d love to learn more about their experience in consulting.”

By being respectful and asking for referrals, you can continue to expand your network in a meaningful way.

Follow Up Promptly

When a consultant introduces you to someone new, don’t wait too long to follow up. A timely response keeps the momentum going and shows that you're serious about building connections.

Thank the Consultant: After the introduction is made, reach out with a thank-you message to express your gratitude for the referral. This keeps your relationship with the consultant strong and positive.
Reach Out to the New Contact: When you contact the new person, mention the consultant who referred you. For example: “Hi [New Contact], I was speaking with [Consultant’s Name], and they kindly referred me to you. I’d love to learn about your experiences in consulting.”

This helps solidify the connection and shows that you value both the introduction and the advice you’ve received.

Continue Building Your Network

An informational interview is just the beginning of what can be an ongoing journey of networking and learning. Keep asking for more connections to deepen your understanding of the consulting world.

Proactively Seek More Conversations: After each interview, ask if they know others who might be willing to share their expertise. A simple line like: “I’ve really appreciated your insights and would love to continue learning. Do you know anyone else who might be open to having a similar conversation?” can open up new doors.

Each conversation you have is an opportunity to grow your network and get closer to your career goals.

Maintain the Relationship

Networking isn’t a one-and-done activity; it’s about maintaining and strengthening the relationships you’ve built over time.

Stay in Touch: Every few months, check in to update them on your progress. For example, “Hi [Consultant’s Name], I hope you’re doing well! I’ve been working on [specific project/skill] and would appreciate any new advice you might have as I continue developing.”
Offer Value: Keep an eye out for anything that might be useful to your connections—whether it’s an article, an event, or a new opportunity—and share it with them. Offering value without asking for anything in return shows that you’re engaged and thoughtful.

By staying engaged, you keep the relationship alive and show that you’re not just reaching out when you need something—you’re building a genuine, ongoing professional connection.